PHOTO GALLERY: Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for opening of downtown incubator

Sen. Kurt Schaefer speaks with Steve Wyatt, MU's vice provost for economic development and Regional Economic Development Inc. board member, at the grand opening of the Brent and Erica Beshore Downtown Business Incubator on Wednesday. Wyatt said entrepreneurship, as well as building major companies in Columbia, is important.   |  Bridget Murphy

City Manager Mike Matthes speaks with Mayor Bob McDavid and two MU students, Dave Oster and Matt Kamp, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Brent and Erica Beshore Downtown Business Incubator on Wednesday. Oster and Kamp are developing apps and have an office space in Museao, a space owned by Brent Beshore. Membership to the incubator costs $150 per month, per person.   |  Bridget Murphy

A ribbon-cutting and grand opening was held Wednesday for the Brent and Erica Beshore Downtown Business Incubator. The incubator is focused on assisting entrepreneurs and startup companies.   |  Bridget Murphy

Rob Quinn, vice president and relationship manager at Boone County National Bank, talks with Thomas Trabue, an ambassador for Columbia Chamber of Commerce, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Brent and Erica Beshore Downtown Business Incubator on Wednesday. The incubator offers a work space with access to internet, mentorship, meeting rooms and other amenities for entrepreneurs.   |  Bridget Murphy