Noori Barka, Ph.D: Dr. Barka is a longtime resident of El Cajon and has over 30 years of business experience. He is the founder of over 25 small businesses in SD East County, including Three biotech companies, two schools, two restaurants/banquet halls, Adult daycare, and other retail businesses. Dr. Barka founded five nonprofit organizations to serve newcomers and refugees from Middle East; the Chaldean community council, Chaldean American annual festival, Kidinnu Charter School, Chaldean Radio, and Hope for Iraqi Christians. Dr. Barka served as a board member at the East County Chamber of Commerce, East County Economic Development, San Leadership Form, East County Boys and Girls Club, and currently, he is a board member at Grossmont Hospital Foundation. In 2015, Dr. Barka and city council member Tony Ambrose submitted the first proposal for a small business incubator in El Cajon City. The city council approved the proposal, and a funding of $10,000 was funded to start the process. However, the project was placed on hold as the city couldn’t locate a space for the incubator. Recently, Dr. Barka approached El Cajon City to reactivate the incubator project using the space available at the Chaldean Community Council building located at 405 East Lexington Ave in El-Cajon, which resulted in the current RFP. Dr. Barka is a well-known community leader, widely recognized for his unwavering dedication to the El Cajon community. He is also a prominent philanthropist who put a lot of time and effort into empowering his people. Having thoroughly studied the incubator concept, Dr. Barka is convinced of its potential to significantly enhance the economy and support the growth of small businesses in El Cajon. Dr. Barka is not pursuing any compensation for his involvement in the incubator project; he will continue to serve as a dedicated volunteer and will be among the first to make a donation.