If you are out and about in the Old Town Newhall area, you’ve probably noticed the former Newhall Library on 9th Street is receiving some much-needed updates. What you might not know is that inside the building, the city is working to create space for a first-ever business incubator.

Establishing a business incubator program has been a priority of the City Council and was included in the 2012 Economic Growth Plan. Business incubators are generally considered a mechanism to create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen the local economy by helping develop small one or two person businesses with great new ideas into successful businesses that are hiring employees.

The city’s new business incubator program will encourage its graduates to stay in the Newhall area, thus bringing jobs to our residents and potential customers to the stores and restaurants in the area. The incubator will focus on creative industries such as post-production and digital effects for film, video game design, new technologies and digital media, among others. This will enhance the Arts and Entertainment District that the city and its partners are helping to foster in Old Town Newhall.

The business incubator will operate as a partnership with the Small Business Development Center and the College of the Canyons Economic Development Department. The incubator will offer clients access to appropriate space, shared basic business services and equipment technology. It will also provide management guidance, technical assistance and assistance in obtaining the financing tailored to young growing companies. Several local businesses have agreed to offer in-kind services to clients.

We are continuing to work at creating new opportunities and jobs for our residents and businesses. I appreciate your interest in our great city. Please feel free to contact me directly at lweste@santa-clarita.com.

Laurene Weste is mayor of the city of Santa Clarita.