The Opportunity Machine has been in place for about 10 months, with offices at the Lafayette Economic Development Authority on Devalcourt Street and another space at The Switch in downtown Lafayette.
Head Machinist Bob Miller said companies can either use the Opportunity Machine's services for a certain time, or become a member to receive continued assistance.
In particular, the Opportunity Machine is looking to help technology-oriented businesses that fall into one of several categories, including health information, digital media and alternative energy, among others.
"When we say technology-oriented, it's not just about computers. It's a pretty broad definition," Miller said.
"This is kind of a long-term investment in getting this entrepreneurial ecosystem up and running. It's not something you do overnight."
A Louisiana native, Miller came to the Opportunity Machine after a six-year stint with a technology company in San Jose, Calif.
Because of his background in the business world, Miller said he had the chance to see the kinds of services companies need and how accelerators can have the most impact with businesses.
His previous company, Global Star, eventually moved its headquarters to Covington, which also gave Miller the chance to see the economic development and regional growth process.
"I enjoyed the process, and when I got on board here, my whole goal was to facilitate an organization where I really knew what they needed to have in it to be helpful," Miller said.
"I've tried to make sure that I know what we need to address and how to address them."
At this point, the Opportunity Machine does not have an annual budget, but has in-kind support from its partner organizations, which include LEDA, UL's Small Business Development Center, LITE and the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
Already, the Opportunity Machine has six full-time members — Pixel Magic, Rader Solutions, Active Entertainment, FiberCorps, Global e-Solutions Group and Henry Safety Technologies.
