Inventrek Technology Park: Partners

PARTNERS

Inventrek has formed strategic alliances with two world-class universities: Indiana University and Purdue University. Each brings significant and unique areas of expertise and strengths to the Inventrek Technology Park and the high-tech incubator. These universities and the following partners each contribute significantly to the overall success of Inventrek.

Indiana University
In 2003, Indiana University, through its Kokomo campus, along with the Kokomo Howard County Development Corporation, submitted a grant proposal to the Congressional Appropriations Committee requesting $4 million to strengthen technical assistance for economic growth in the North Central Indiana region. On January 26, 2004, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh announced that Congress had approved $1 million to assist with infrastructure needs for the high-tech incubator located in Howard County. These funds will aid the proposed two-phase approach.

Phase I includes plans to develop a Business Development Technical Assistance Center (BDTAC), which will house an IU Industrial Research Liaison Program (IRLP) office. ILRP will assist companies in preparing federal product development applications and other services.

Phase II will address the areas needed for nurturing entrepreneurship and technology development by establishing laboratories in the Inventrek incubator for research and development. Tenants and clients of the Inventrek incubator will have access to a variety of laboratories to be funded by this federal appropriation through Indiana University Kokomo.

Website: http://www.indiana.edu/

Purdue University
In February, 2004, Purdue University and Inventrek entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to create a mutually beneficial partnership that will strengthen the mission of Purdue University, the business plans of Inventrek, the clients of the incubator, and the economy of the State of Indiana. As outlined in the agreement,

Purdue will:
» Assist with workforce development related to the business plans of Inventrek and clients which may include undergraduate and graduate internships related to the design process, and delivery of Purdue courses on-site as demand and appropriateness permits.

» Consider access to University resources related to the design, build, and test for clients products of the Inventrek at reasonable and appropriate rates.

» Assist the Inventrek with expertise related to managing a high-tech incubator.

» Be willing to collaborate with clients of the Inventrek on applied research that is within the mission of the University.

» Provide technical support for clients of the Inventrek through the Technical Assistance Program (TAP).

Website: http://www.purdue.edu/

Small Business Development Center
The Indiana Small Business Development Center Network is designed to effectively service small businesses. Our 12 regional centers provide an SBDC office within driving distance of any potential client in Indiana.

Consulting
» Offered to existing business owners, as well as to those just getting started.
» Provided free-of-charge, in person and available locally. See schedule below.
» Needs assessment conducted for all clients, along with a plan for addressing your specific issues.
» Seminars, Conferences & Workshops
» Workshops and conferences geared to the specific needs of small business owners.
» Low-cost programs covering core business topics as well as current trends.
» Seminars tailored to meet the diverse needs of business owners in both metropolitan and non-urban areas.

Susan Davis
Regional Director
Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center
Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship
1201 West State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2057
Toll Free – 877-882-7272
P 765-496-6491
F 765-496-9676
sdavis@isbdc.org

Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center
Inventrek Technology Park
700 E. Firmin St., Suite 106
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 454-7922

Kathy Rogers
Program Development Manager
e-mail: ksrogers@purdue.edu

Website: http://www.hhsbdc.org

Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance
The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance is a county-wide, private, not-for-profit, economic development agency that works to enhance the quality of life in Kokomo and Howard County and increase our standard of living by expanding the County’s tax base and creating new and better-paying jobs. Economic development professionals assist in site selection, financing options including business and employment incentives, market research, and locating sources for technical assistance. Customers include new and expanding industrial and commercial (non-retail) businesses. From site selection through financing options and employment training, the Alliance is a one-stop shop for economic development.

Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance
700 E. Firmin St., Suite 200
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 457-2000

e-mail: info@greaterkokomo.com

Website: http://www.greaterkokomo.com/

Howard County Chamber of Commerce
A membership based organization that represents nearly 700 businesses in Howard County that have paid an investment to be partners in, and with, the Chamber.

The Kokomo/Howard County Chamber of Commerce was established in 1914 as a private, not-for-profit corporation. The Chamber is not a civic club, charitable organization or a department of the city or county government. We are a membership-based, economic development organization that represents the business voice in our community. Our vision is to improve the overall business climate by implementing programs/services that stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Website: http://www.kokomochamber.com/

Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is the state's second largest public post-secondary institution serving over 106,000 students a year. Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana, including Kokomo.

Ivy Tech serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that is aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Website: http://www.ivytech.edu/

City of Kokomo, Indiana
Population - City of Kokomo 47,000

Workforce - 18.1% of population holds a Bachelors degree or higher. Industry Week magazine ranked Kokomo metropolitan statistical area as first in the nation for manufacturing presence, productivity and strength. Our highly trained workforce is drawn from a six-county balance mix of job experiences. Our laborers are available with the strong work ethic Midwesterners are known for.

Transportation - Central Railroad Company, U.S. 31, 35, S.R. 22 and 26, Thirty carriers have local terminals. Commercial air service at Indianapolis airport. Private aircraft, freight and passenger charter service at Kokomo Municipal Airport. International and Domestic charter available at Grissom Aeroplex.

Major Industries - Delphi Delco Electronics & Safety, Chrysler LLC., Haynes International, Electronic Data Systems and Syndicate Sales.

Kokomo earned “Five-Star Community” ranking for Quality of Life from Expansion Management Magazine based on reasonable cost of living, affordable housing, low crime, excellent transportation access, good public schools, proximity to community colleges and universities, an educated work force and low taxes.

Website: http://www.cityofkokomo.org/

Howard County, Indiana
Population- Howard County 84,500

Population of Howard County's Cities (2000 Census)
-Kokomo: 45,923
-Greentown: 2,546
-Russiaville: 1,092

Website: http://www.co.howard.in.us/

Service Corporation of Retired Executives (SCORE)
A non-profit organization that exists to provide free information/advice on most business problems conceivable. SCORE counselors are volunteer men and women who have had successful business careers as owners or company executives of businesses experienced in helping you run your business successfully or to start up a new business.

Website: http://www.kokomoscore.org