Montgomery Chamber’s TechMGM Set to Open Entrepreneurial Learning and Innovation Lab on Historic Dexter Avenue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
August 18, 2021 - Montgomery, Alabama - The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce will open the doors to a new state-of-the-art innovation facility called The Lab on Dexter on August 30, 2021.
 
The Lab will provide a collaborative learning environment for entrepreneurs to create a sustainable social and tech innovation ecosystem on one of America’s most historically significant streets, Dexter Avenue.
 
The Lab will feature small business suites and co-working spaces for lease, collaboration, and tech and entrepreneurial training space. The Chamber’s TechMGM initiative partnered with the City of Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama Power, and the Montgomery TechLab to develop a long-lasting tech and innovation culture. The Lab will help establish Montgomery’s position as a center of innovation, entrepreneurship and a recognized center of excellence for our nation’s defense.
 
Following the grand opening, there will be a weeklong celebration of events focused on developing underrepresented talent and companies. For more information on The Lab at Dexter, please visit www.thelabondexter.com.
 
“Montgomery continues cultivating a sustainable and successful entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through TechMGM, The Lab on Dexter will leverage our unique cultural and IT assets with the needs of tech companies and small and minority business startups. I look forward to the possibilities this project will bring to our community,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed.

“This project is another great example of the ways that Montgomery’s public and private partners work together every day to provide greater opportunity and access for small and minority businesses. The Lab on Dexter will be a cornerstone of our growing tech and innovation district, providing essential space, training, and community engagement,” said County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean.

“As the Chamber prepares for its 150th anniversary in 2022, we are leaning forward to accelerate growth. The Chamber and its public sector partners have stood up two Air Force-related innovation centers, and The Lab on Dexter will be a third facility focused on entrepreneurs, with a strong commitment to underrepresented, minority and women-owned businesses,” said Anna Buckalew, president and CEO of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. 
 
“The Lab on Dexter provides a new way for Montgomery’s diverse tech and entrepreneurial communities to collaborate, and deepen their digital, engineering, and business skills. The Lab on Dexter will be a catalyst to reinvigorate our small business development efforts,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director, TechMGM.
 
This facility is an outgrowth of TechMGM’s initiatives and a home for the Montgomery TechLab. It will house programs that will give tech and innovation professionals and entrepreneurs access to resources, networking opportunities, capital, and equipment.
 
The Lab on Dexter will host quarterly workshops and informational sessions for companies on growing their businesses. Topics will include finances, digital literacy, social media presence, and many more. Roundtable discussions will also take place to foster open communication to identify and address concerns surrounding business development. In addition, The Lab on Dexter will provide mentoring programs for companies to discuss best practices and lessons learned while owning a business. 
 
The Lab’s grand opening will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 30 at 150 Dexter Ave. The event will be open to the public.

Media Advisory: To reserve a media credential to cover The Lab’s grand opening, email: mlewis@montgomerychamber.com.
 
ABOUT MONTGOMERY
Montgomery, Alabama, USA, fosters a business-friendly environment and understands that a healthy mix of large and small businesses constitutes the lifeblood of the city and region. A long history of trusted public-private partnerships between the city, county, state, and local business leadership creates an inviting business ecosystem. At the forefront of cutting-edge development, Montgomery is attracting new businesses with its open internet exchange and opportunities for business growth, and new residents are coming for the city's work culture, transportation options, and quality of life, including a revitalization of unique spaces in historic downtown with new attractions and diverse entertainment options. TechMGM and The Lab on Dexter are initiatives that have leveraged private-public partnerships to become  a driving force in our economic development strategy to “Imagine a Greater Montgomery.” For more information, visit www.choosemontgomery.com [choosemontgomery.com].