A sold‑out event in Moncton this week is giving the public its first look at The Community Incubator, a new hub designed to connect local projects with the resources they need.

Executive director Claire Kelly said the incubator grew out of Botsford Station, a century‑old building where founders began sharing ideas in a co‑working space.

“We saw that projects want to exist and resources are wanting to be given, but they needed a way to connect,” Kelly said.

The group received seed funding from Université de Moncton, which Kelly described as its academic impact partner. She said the funding allowed her to be hired in May and begin meeting with community members.

In her first 90 days, Kelly held 67 meetings — half with people starting projects and half with those offering grants, space or professional services.

Kelly said the incubator’s long‑term vision is to create a platform “kind of like a Kickstarter for community,” where projects can list their needs and supporters can offer help.

Until that platform is ready, she said her team is manually linking projects with volunteers, funding and professional support.

Survey results from the incubator’s outreach showed strong alignment between needs and offers.

Education and youth development, health and well‑being, and housing and affordability were among the top priorities.

Kelly said 100 per cent of respondents agreed to be connected.

The Community Night showcase will take place on Wednesday at Tire Shack Brewing in Moncton.

Kelly said future events could expand across New Brunswick and eventually Atlantic Canada.

The incubator is run by a volunteer board, with Kelly as the only full‑time staff member. She is supported by a part‑time bookkeeper and communications assistant.