Business And Technology Center
The Business Technology Center (BTC) is a planned youth innovation and entrepreneurship center in downtown New Brockton, AL. Serving as EPC’s future headquarters, the BTC is designed to expand local entrepreneurship, technology exposure, and business development across the Wiregrass region. It fills a critical gap in rural Alabama by bringing modern tech learning and startup resources to communities that have historically lacked access to such opportunities.
Purpose
BTC will provide rural high school students and aspiring entrepreneurs with access to technology, mentorship, and collaborative spaces for early-stage exploration. Activities focus on student-led projects and innovation exposure, with connections to existing education and workforce partners as appropriate. BTC is intended to complement community college, or state workforce programs.
Program Status
This initiative is in the planning and partnership phase. Launch will follow successful validation of the MSAL pilot
Key Program Features
From Students to Startups
Student Project Exploration: Guided, student-led exploratory projects introducing technology concepts and real-world applications.
Digital Literacy Exposure: Introductory experiences that build general awareness of digital tools and emerging technologies, without formal credentialing.
Pathway Alignment: Activities designed to support existing K–12 coursework and Alabama’s Option B career readiness framework.
Supervised Simulation Activities: Hands-on, age-appropriate simulations used to reinforce learning in a safe, school-aligned environment.
The Impact
Local Economic Support: BTC is intended to support increased downtown activity in New Brockton through youth engagement and community-based innovation.
Regional Access: The center will extend access to innovation resources across the Wiregrass region through partnerships and coordinated outreach.
Education-Aligned Partnerships: BTC will work with schools and postsecondary partners to support student awareness of existing education and career pathways.
Seeking Design & Capital Partners
This initiative is part of EPC’s broader, phased approach to education-to-career exposure that begins with the Mobile STEM Aviation Lab. Following the MSAL pilot and in coordination with schools and partners, EPC will explore opportunities to develop the Business & Technology Center. EPC welcomes collaboration with funders, educators, and community stakeholders as planning progresses.