Innovation in action

Innovation Portal and Spire support community engagement with good energy

_{A mural painted in the Inspire Courtyard at Innovation Portal}

What does a fresh startup incubator have in common with a 160-year-old natural gas company? 

The drive to create economic growth in the Gulf Coast region. 

The Innovation Portal is a nonprofit incubator and innovation hub accelerating startup growth in the Gulf Coast region. 

With the momentum for growth and development in Mobile and surrounding communities, the Innovation Portal is creating spaces and programs to help grow Alabama — from large, established businesses to emerging startups. 

And financial and volunteer support from Spire for the new Inspire Courtyard means more space for educational programs, networking and enhanced learning at the Innovation Portal. Spire volunteers used a Day for Good at the Innovation Portal to help build out the space and overhaul the center's courtyard area. Spire volunteers designed and built custom tables and benches, and installed a natural gas grill, lanterns and sunshades. 

“It’s an exciting time to be in Mobile, as the region continues growing and attracting jobs. Organizations like the Innovation Portal make it easier to connect all the local talent with one another and really create a strong community.” 

— George Hunter, Spire’s manager of economic development and Innovation Portal board member. 

Now community members, partners and local entrepreneurs have a dedicated outdoor working and meeting space and can enjoy the benefits of cooking with natural gas in the comfort of the Inspire Courtyard. Two repurposed, historic natural gas lanterns from Gas Light Park at Hank Aaron Stadium light the way in the new courtyard – a fitting tribute to a bright future. 

Learn more about Spire’s commitment to growing the communities where we live and work >