By Alissa Simon, Summer Associate for Hunter Business Law and J.D. Candidate May 2015

For those technology-minded entrepreneurs in the bay area, this innovation-oriented company, with a history of helping local entrepreneurs for over ten years, may be able to assist potential business owners with the development of their ventures.  While striving to serve as the focal point of innovation for the State of Florida and the Tampa Bay region, the mission of the Tampa Bay Innovation Center is to accelerate entrepreneurial success.

This organization focuses on the critical factor for entrepreneurs known as the time from “mind to market.”  Working hand in hand with clients, they assist start-ups in meeting progressive and planned milestones to accelerate business growth.  With an experienced staff of researchers, analysts, business professionals, former military personnel, and more than one hundred internationally recognized mentors, the Tampa Bay Innovation Center focuses on walking clients through the new venture process in order to ensure entrepreneurial success. The Innovation Center is managed by STAR-TEC Enterprises, Inc., a not-for-profit Florida corporation whose goal is to foster jobs and promote economic development through assistance and support programs.

Since their inception in 2003, the Tampa Bay Innovation Center has worked with hundreds of technology clients and graduated numerous companies from its programs.  Collectively, the Center’s in-house clients have launched over 70 new products, raised millions in seed capital and grants, and hold more than 100 patents with many more pending.
As of the beginning of the year, the Innovation Center has launched two versions of their StartUp Studio program.  The first element of their program expanded in mid-April to include a six-week day program offered on Wednesdays, which, beginning in late May, also offers evening options.  The second part of their start-up training program focuses on helping aspiring and existing technology and life sciences entrepreneurs to gain the business skills and insights, tools, resources and network they need to start and grow successful businesses.

Engaging top scientists, engineers, national and international experts in numerous fields including manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, and defense, the Tampa Bay Innovation Center has a history of striving to deliver comprehensive solutions for their tech-savvy clients.  To determine whether the Innovation Center can help turn your idea into a successful business, check out their website at: http://www.tbinnovates.com