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With tenants from Pakistan and Canada, the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Business Development Center is breaking ground for business incubators across the country. While attending a training conference for members of the National Incubation Association in Austin, BDC director Angela Glover discovered that Chattanooga’s incubator is the first in the association’s history to attract international businesses. "At the institute, I mentioned our current international client, Wise Instruments LLC, and our incoming client, A. Style international," Glover said. "NBIA staff and other attendees commented that once again Chattanooga is offering out-of-the-box ideas for the incubator industry." |
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Wise Instruments, a manufacturer of dental surgical and other hand instruments, leased space in the BDC last summer for its first distribution center in the U.S. The company was founded 73 years ago in Pakistan by the grandfather of owner Mian Abdul Razzaq.
Razzaq chose to locate in Chattanooga after developing contacts here and becoming familiar with the BDC, which offers tenants below-market leases, clerical support and business training services. "It has everything you need for a start-up," Razzaq said.
The World Trade Society of Chattanooga was another incentive for the company to locate here.WTSC President Terry Olsen is assisting Wise Instruments with legal and banking matters, while WTSC Vice President Steve Hiatt—director of existing business development for the Chamber – is helping the company identify other area manufacturers for potential collaborations.
The second international business for the BDC is A. Style international, a women’s clothing line developed in Canada by Angela Szameit, a self-taught designer with a background in model searches and innovative fashion shows.
"I feel that Tennessee is a great place to build up and establish a reputable name for the area in the fashion industry," Szameit said. "My goal is to expand the fashion industry into such locations rather than going to the obvious places. Chattanooga is growing and changing, expanding its industry. This is the time to grow with the city and incorporate the fashion industry into the business community."
A. Style’s line, including tops, skirts and pants, will be offered via e-store and catalogs beginning in May, Szameit said.
