DAVID SEPULVEDA PHOTO
City Hall’s Matt Nemerson congratulates Armstrong at opening.
Project Storefront’s quest to seed new businesses throughout New Haven took another step forward with the launch of Urban SEED [ ] Ponics Lab, a start-up business whose mission, in part, will be to grow green plants — and green ideas.
Owner Brad Armstong, whose business card reads, “Creative Entrepreneur,” was on hand to greet supporters and the curious at the opening of his new business located in the Lesley Roy Home Couture building at 847 Whalley Ave. in Westville Village.
Barrel Ponics can grow fish and plants.
On display were modified 55-gallon drums, cut in half and resting on a multilevel wood rig, part of an “Aquaponics” system that, when completed, will have the capacity to not only grow healthy micro-greens, but provide sustenance for edible fish growing in one of the drums.
Aquaponics schematic.
A symbiotic system in which fish excretions fertilize plants, and plants in turn help purify the water for fish, the circulating unit holds potential for larger operations. For now, the proof-of-concept makes a great education tool signaling the promise of aquaponics and other forms of “ponics,” essentially, horticulture using soil-less mediums.
Holly Parker, left, helped build the Barrel- ponics unit.
Armstrong said that the goal of his business is to help New Haven close the “food waste energy gap” whereby food and energy are used in a less wasteful manner; while using waste as a resource. In essence, “to make urban centers more sustainable.” Hydroponics-based gardening and farming will yield highly nutritious micro-greens, edible shoots of salad vegetables often used in better restaurants and other commercial markets.
Part of the Urban Seed business plan includes a contractual relationship with other businesses. The company will provide customized, sustainable systems and a plan for lowering building energy costs with a smaller, more efficient energy footprint.
Repurposed, handcrafted decorative items by Alysia Southern.
Project Storefronts Program Manager Elinor Slomba, who attended Saturday’s business launch, pointed to another display — a glimmering, colorful collection of repurposed home accessories and decorative items in a show case at the rear of the Urban SEED [ ] Ponics Lab. All items are the creations of Alysia Southern, another entrepreneur on deck to receive her own, no-cost storefront soon. Billed as “Vintage rehab & eco-friendly couture,” Southern’s business features “barrage custom interiors” and interior decorating and design.
The “no cost” aspect of Project Storefronts-sponsored enterprises, along with technical and management support for creative entrepreneurs, is aimed at facilitating small business development. The program is made possible through the auspices of New Haven’s Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, partnering with the Economic Development Corporation and the State’s Department of Economic And Community Development Office of the Arts.
Storefront owner Lesley Roy, who donated the Ponics Lab space.
An essential component of the business development program is Project Storefront’s ability to pair vacant storefront owners with the dreams of qualified entrepreneurs. Property owners waive rent and other fees for business start-ups for a period 90 days or more. In the case of Urban SEED [ ] Ponics lab, property owner Lesley Roy, an entrepreneur whose home couture business has flourished in Westville for years, provided the free space. Roy said that project Storefronts “offers awesome opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Brad is special and has a unique idea.”
Pausing, perhaps to reflect on her own business experience, Roy noted, “You need to have a shingle.”
For more information about Urban SEED [ ] Ponics Lab contact Brad Armstrong here.