Supporting Targeted Industries Using Incubators
http://www.iedconline.org/?p=Targeted_Incubators

Date: Thursday, April 28
Time: 2:30 - 4:00 pm EST
Cost: $85 for IEDC members, $125 for Non-members
Contact: [email protected]

Economic developers need to recognize that incubators can be leveraged not just to grow new businesses but to nurture specific emerging industries, such as food processing, retail and aerospace. By focusing resources on promising sectors, targeted-industry incubators can help diversify regional economies and foster the entrepreneurial activity needed for long-term prosperity.

BY ATTENDING THIS WEB SEMINAR, YOU WILL:
• Learn what industries are suited for incubation and how an incubator can support them;
• Learn how to assess the potential for a targeted-industry incubator in your community; and
• Hear how one community has created a successful targeted-industry incubator.

Space is limited so register today: http://www.iedconline.org/?p=Targeted_Incubators

EXPERT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Carol Kraus Lauffer
Partner , Business Cluster Development
Chairman, National Business Incubator Association
Palo Alto, CA

Carol Kraus Lauffer is a Partner with Business Cluster Development (BCD), which creates high performance, cluster-focused incubation and technology commercialization programs for communities, universities and corporations. BCD has assisted in the development of more than 60 business incubators across the U.S., many of which are recognized as best practices programs. Carol's work focuses on developing cluster-based economic development strategies, incubation planning and development, technology commercialization programs, and other strategies and tools designed to foster the development of new businesses in emerging clusters.

Mary Lou Surgi
Executive Director
Blue Ridge Food Ventures
Asheville, North Carolina

Mary Lou is the executive director of Blue Ridge Food Ventures in Asheville, North Carolina-the region's largest shared-use food processing incubator. It now includes a shared-use Natural Products Manufacturing Facility, the first of its kind in the U.S. She has worked with over 170 food entrepreneurs and farmers to help them start up their food businesses. Mary Lou holds degrees in Public Health and Food Systems as well as a Culinary Degree. She combines her culinary knowledge with over 15 years experience working with small farmers in Africa and Asia.

http://www.iedconline.org/?p=Targeted_Incubators