March 1, 2022
Here in Southern Utah, opportunity is flourishing with more and more projects on the horizon. Located in the old East Elementary school near Dixie State University campus, a workspace for entrepreneurs has been constructed. This workspace is called ” The Atwood Innovation Plaza”. The Innovation Plaza offers a place for entrepreneurs to make their dreams a reality. Students can engage in making their own businesses with help from local Entrepreneur leaders and technology provided by the plaza. The plaza offers 3D printers, woodworking tools, office space, prototype testing, laser cutters, engravers, and much more.
Innovators can receive help with securing patents, trademarks, copyrights and even prototyping their ideas. The plaza offers help from business and entrepreneur mentors. One of the plazas decorated innovators is Dr. Wayne Provost, whos accomplishments include, work on the insulin pump, a patent for the re-sealable box top, and many other patents branching from mechanical devices to even dental and medical software.
The birthplace for the plaza was brought to life by Lindsay T. Atwood, who was a lifelong businessman and entrepreneur himself. He offered personal time and generous donations to the construction of the plaza. Lindsey had a goal to help aid the southern Utah community and create a place for students to learn, grow and combine their skills with innovation technology. Friends and family remember Atwood for his kindness and his talents as an entrepreneur. He was very successful in business and enjoyed the road to success.
Lindsay was born on November 13, 1954 in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. Lindsey enjoyed starting and creating businesses and then selling them and creating more projects. He achieved many accomplishments as a businessman and eventually became a trustee at Dixie State University. Lindsey passed away on October 31st, 2019 from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Many mentors and local business owners have stepped up and continued Lindsey’s passion to help local entrepreneurs. Inspiring individuals such as Scott Nielson, Dr. Wayne Provost, Colby Jenkins, Jeff Stuart, and many more have devoted countless hours to the innovation plaza, preserving Lindsey’s drive to help students and entrepreneurs achieve greatness.
Dr. Wayne provost and Scott Nielson are local entrepreneurs themselves here in southern utah. Scott and Wayne were meeting together in the business building on Dixie State Campus when Lindsey walked into their office. The pair began talking to Atwood about his vision and desires for the Innovation Plaza and scott and Wayne were instantly on board.” If the plaza was around when I was younger I would have been a kid in a candy store. I wouldn’t ever leave” Scott said talking about how incredible the building has been for young entrepreneurs. “The Innovation Plaza is like a shark tank but with dolphins”. Scott and Wayne instantly wanted to help fund the Innovation plaza and have not yet stopped continuing to boost the plaza in a positive direction. Another individual who has put an incredible amount of time and money into the plaza is Jeff Stewart. Jeff has worked with Dr. Provost on multiple patents, as well as donates his personal time to students and helping them receive their own patents. These individuals see the vision of young entrepreneurs and apply their knowledge and skills into the future of their business.
The Innovation plaza continues to be a lighthouse for local students and entrepreneurs. It is a shark tank of ideas and dreams that have been brought to life by incredible individuals who have made it to the top and then turned around and extended their arms for those next in line.