The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Tuesday for the county’s first small business incubator.
The building, located at 178 Main Street in Owego, will provide a space for local startups. There’s expected to be no less than three businesses occupying the space at a time.
The incubator will be housed in a historically significant building purchased in early 2025 by Les Wagner, local business leader and member of the Tioga County Chamber Board of Directors.
The building, constructed in 1851, originally served as the Tioga County Jail and the jailer’s residence, standing today as a rare surviving example of mid-nineteenth century government architecture.
Over its 170 year history, the building has undergone several transformations:
- 1851: Constructed as the county jail and jailers residence
- 1884: The adjacent jail structure was removed; the main building remained
- Late 1800s through 2000s: Reused for multiple municipal purposes
- Most recently: Served as the seat of local government for both the Village and Town of Owego
A Four-Year Vision Achieved Ahead of Schedule
Upon her appointment in 2021, Sabrina Henriques, PhD, CEO and President of the Tioga County Chamber and Foundation, set a five-year goal to establish a local business incubator.
With this launch, the Chamber is achieving that goal one year early.
“This project reflects what strategic collaboration can accomplish,” said Henriques. “From the beginning, our vision was to create a space that lifts entrepreneurs, honors our history, and serves the community. Achieving this in four years rather than five speaks to the commitment of our partners and the energy behind economic development in Tioga County.”
Henriques partnered early with Elaine Jardine, TC Planning Director, beginning in 2021 to explore the creation of a new incubator or potential collaborations with existing incubator models across the Southern Tier.
Space Designed for Start Ups, Community Use, and Tourism
The new pilot incubator will include:
- Three dedicated start- up offices for early-stage businesses
- A shared conference room ideal for public meetings, workshops, training, and home-based businesses needing a professional setting
- Chamber and Foundation office space, strengthening downtown presence and accessibility
- Tourism brochures and resource displays to support local visitors
- A curated exhibit and upstairs storage for Tioga County Historical Society, connecting entrepreneurship with local heritage
The project also reflects a unique collaboration between Les Wagner, Dr. Henriques, Tioga County Historical Society, ensuring the buildings’ historic significance is honored while expanding its modern relevance.
“As a business owner and longtime supporter of Tioga County, I saw incredible potential in this building, not just because of its history, but because of what it can do for our future,” said Les Wagner, building owner and Tioga County Chamber Board Member. “Partnering with the Chamber and Foundation to transform this space into an incubator allows us to support start-ups right here in Owego while preserving a landmark that has stood for more than 170 years. This project represents growth, resilience, and community working together.”
