By now many of you have (hopefully) heard about The Water Cooler. It has been well documented in the media that Mark Rivers is leading the charge start a downtown incubator. The Water Cooler is the evolution of those plans. The Water cooler won't so much be a typical business incubator as it will be an innovation center. The idea is to bring the right kind of businesses and more importantly the right kind of people together in the right environment to facilitate great things happening.

The idea was born out of Boise State's EMBA program when Mark and several political and business leaders attended student presentations recommending next steps for the City of Boise. Two groups included similar ideas for a downtown incubator/co-workspace. Mark liked the ideas so much he committed to seeing the idea take shape; and he's done a great job driving the project.

Yesterday the CCDC agreed to a one year lease of the original Boise Heating and Cooling building on 14th and Idaho, with first rights on a second year. HP has already donated 50 workstations and several other corporate level sponsors have already shown interest in supporting the project.

There are already three confirmed tenants: MenloPrk, Pronetos (LGM llc) and Idaho Tech Connect. Tech Connect provides a valuable addition as a resource resident. There are several other tenants that we are talking to including startups as well as established businesses. Most of the tenants will be tech related but also include marketing, legal and other resources that could be valuable to smaller companies looking to grow.

Mark expects The Water Cooler to be fully booked in 90 days and is already looking for additional space in the area.

If you are a business that is interested in setting up shop at The Water Cooler there are plans ranging from virtual space up to 10 person businesses. If you are interested in more information please shoot me an email tac@techboise.com.