The United States of StageDrop is a series highlighting customer success stories from a different state each week. This week's United States of StageDrop features our nation's capital ... the District of Columbia!

Inclusive Innovation Incubator (In3DC) is Washington DC's first co-working incubator intentionally focused on diversity and inclusion in the District's entrepreneurial and creative space. In3DC's mission is clear-cut: "We are committed to creating an environment where Black and under-resourced entrepreneurs, technologists and creatives have access to the services needed to build or grow a successful business or career."

In3DC opened its doors in 2017 through a public-private partnership with the DC Mayor's Office and Howard University. Situated in a newly redesigned 8,000-square-foot space on the university's campus, In3DC rents out work and event space, while also hosting tech workshops, business boot camps, training seminars, and mentorship and networking events. The space houses 65-70 open desks, 12 offices, 4 classrooms and a convertible meeting space for larger events.

Workspace memberships and event space rentals provide revenue for In3DC's programming, which allows them to provide free and low-cost offerings. When In3DC founder and CEO Aaron Saunders decided to purchase a stage to enhance the facility's event space last fall, he contacted StageDrop for stage recommendations and to request a quote.

Saunders chose a customized stage package composed of 8 NPS TransFix 4'x4' carpeted stage panels to create an 8'x16' stage that can be set up at 16" or 24" tall. With built-in folding legs, TransFix stage panels set up and connect together quickly and easily, since they require no tools or extra hardware. The black carpet surface also provides a clean, elegant look. The stage height can be set to 16" or 24" tall, or as a multi-level stage with tiers at 16" and 24".

In3DC's stage package also included stage steps, skirting and a storage cart, all designed for quick and easy setup. The coordinating NPS stage steps roll into place and attach in seconds. The AmeriStage black box-pleat stage skirt attaches to the stage easily using our AmeriStage Skirt Magnets. When it's time to clear the floor, the stage panels can be loaded onto the Ameristage StageKart and rolled into storage.

In3DC has used their new stage for several programs, workshops and private events since receiving it last October. Saunders says the stage has elevated the look of the space, drawing more business for event space rentals and increasing revenues. He especially appreciates the ability to set up and take down the stage quickly. "We have a space that is used for multiple purposes," Saunders explains. "Having the ability to convert it into a professional looking space and then quickly break the stage down and store it was critical to our purchasing decision."

In3DC's February Grow & Glow event featured an on-stage discussion of two women's stories as mothers, entrepreneurs and leaders in the community. In3DC's Grow & Glow series is an ongoing program of leadership panels, entrepreneurship seminars and networking events for women entrepreneurs, technologists and creatives.

In March, In3DC hosted a launch party for The Nile List to promote its new website, a digital community that connects consumers with Black-owned brands online. The party included food, drinks, curated vendors, music and giveaways, and attendees could meet some of the entrepreneurs from the local community that are featured on the site.

When COVID struck in March, In3DC shifted most of its programming online, offering coding classes, a tech-enabled business boot camp and entrepreneurship workshops virtually. They are currently working on expanding their online community, In3Nation, to make the content from their in-person programs available to a wider audience.

In3DC is also working on adding more content to their coding program, The Future Is Written in Code (FiWiC), which provides technology training for individuals looking to up-skill for better employment opportunities or find entry-level job opportunities in the innovation economy. When conditions allow, they hope to host a FiWiC Developer Days tech event in person, where adults and youth interested in tech can learn to code and network with other technologists.

StageDrop would like to thank Aaron Saunders and Inclusive Innovation Incubator for their patronage and for allowing us to highlight their organization, representing the District of Columbia in this week's United States of StageDrop. We wish them all the best!

Looking to purchase a portable stage for your organization? Check out our extensive selection of Portable Stages, or call or email us today for a free quote!

Based at the Jersey Shore in Forked River, NJ, StageDrop LLC is a leading provider of stock and custom portable stage systems, stage accessories, truss and event furniture to businesses and consumers nationwide. We specialize in delivering custom stage configurations for business, government, education, religious, fitness and nonprofit organizations. We offer free quotes with expert recommendations to fit our customers' specialized needs.