AeA is the nation's largest high-tech trade association. AeA has more than 3,500 member companies that span the high-technology spectrum, from software, semiconductors and computers to Internet technology, advanced electronics and telecommunications systems and services. Since 1943, AeA has grown and now has 17 regional U.S. councils and international offices in Brussels and Beijing.

The Florida Council of AeA is located in the LBTC facility. Through our partnership, Incubator clients are provided a one-year membership free-of-charge in AeA. The many benefits of membership include procurement opportunities alerting, education and training, high-tech lobbying, human resource programs (including group insurance programs), industry data and publications, small business resources and state advocacy programs. Learn more about the benefits you have through your AeA membership or contacting Maryann Fiala, Executive Director, at 407-882-2425, or maryann_fiala@aeanet.org, or visiting www.aeanet.org

The mission of the Central Florida Innovation Corporation (CFIC) is to create new, high growth companies in Central Florida using technologies from local sources (large companies, UCF, etc.) or technologies from sources outside Central Florida. CFIC also focuses on improving access to capital in Central Florida through their annual capital conference and their network of angel investors.

Through the Incubator’s partnership with CFIC, strategic business development guidance is available to every Incubator client free-of-charge through a structured format of strategic analysis sessions. Every Incubator client is encouraged to meet with CFIC to explore their services and resources and to utilize their expertise in strategic planning. For more information visit www.cfic.org or contact Gordon Hogan at 407-277-5411. CFIC is located in the LBTC facility.

The National Entrepreneur Center opened in June in downtown Orlando at 315 East Robinson Street, in the Landmark 1 Building. It provides a “one-stop shop” for entrepreneurs and small businesses for counseling services, training programs, and financing programs. The Center is the home of several entrepreneurial service organizations such as the UCF Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE), the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, Florida Business Development Corp., the Leesburg Business & Technology Center, and many others. A Business Information Center provides access to online and print resources for business information research. For more information, contact Julie Matthews at 407-420-4872 or jamathew@mail.ucf.edu or visit www.floridanec.org.

The EBN is a Central Florida membership organization that opens doors to the consultants, investors, fellow entrepreneurs, and business resources that help an entrepreneur build a successful company. The Emerging Business Network helps nurture emerging growth companies in Central Florida. The Leesburg Business & Technology Center believes that this is a great way to help our clients and enrich the business community. EBN offers the following:

• Networking with fellow entrepreneurs and emerging growth businesses in Central Florida
• Referrals to business resources and opportunities
• Discounted admissions to the monthly Venture Forums, free admission to our Technology After Dark tours
• Free listing in the Emerging Business Network Member/Service Directory
• Member promotion
• Discounts to services for EBN members by EBN members and affiliates

Clients of the Leesburg Business & Technology Center are offered a membership in the Emerging Business Network. This membership is a $75-300 dollar per year value (depending on company size) that allows expansion of relationships within the business community of Central Florida. For more information contact Jennifer Oldham at 407-882-2801 or joldham@mail.ucf.edu.

The mission of the Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC) is to support the growth and profitability of the photonics industry through the strength of a unified voice. The driving forces of the FPC are networking opportunities with industry peers, an expansive resource base, an educational community focused on industry input for curriculum development and a legislative community aware of our known and potential economic impact for the state. For more information,visit floridaphotonicscluster.com.

The Homeland Security Industries Association was established in 2002 to provide a mechanism for government and the private sector to coordinate on a wide range of homeland security issues. HSIA monitors and analyzes legislation, regulation and hearings concerning homeland security. The Society coordinates identification and dissemination to members of information regarding funding and procurement opportunities, develops position papers reflecting industry positions, and offers networking among industry representatives. Initiated in May 2003, the Florida Chapter of HSIA provides connectivity among member organizations in the state. Incubator clients are provided a membership in HSIA. For more information, visit www.hsianet.org or call Yasmin Tirado-Chiodini at 407-882-3583.

Inflexion Fund, L.P., managed by Inflexion Partners, is a seed and early-stage venture capital fund organized with an emphasis on company building and harnessing regional, national, and international resources of the fund’s managers and strategic partners. Inflexion is the first and only Florida fund leveraging a network venture capital model involving some of the largest institutional investors in the country.

Inflexion’s Orlando-based partner, James Boyle, is located in the LBTC facility. He and the other Inflexion partners work with Incubator clients offering business plan reviews, advice and capital-raising strategies. Learn more about Inflexion by contact Jim Boyle at 407-381-2675 or jboyle@inflexionvc.com or visit www.inflexionvc.com.

The Incubator provides each client with an annual membership to the Chamber. This membership provides an array of networking opportunities, informational/educational events, listing in the Annual Membership Directory, a monthly newsletter and more. Events include monthly breakfast meetings, professional women’s networks, business after hours, and other special events. Upcoming events and information on the Chamber can be found at http://www.leesburgchamber.com/ or by calling 352-787-2131.

The College works closely with the Incubator to offer a number of programs throughout the year. The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Certificate Course is a seven-week interactive workshop developed specifically for entrepreneurs in today's market. Offered 3-4 times a year, the course is open to any entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur in the community. All applicants to the Incubator are required to complete the course as part of the application process. The course is a tool to establish a certain level of business knowledge among potential Incubator clients. It provides the entrepreneurs an opportunity for additional due diligence on their business concept. It also offers the Incubator better insight into the potential of the businesses and their business development needs. Members of the UCF College of Business faculty and practicing professionals from the local business community teach the sessions. The course concludes with each participant presenting their business before a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and business advisors.

The Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs is a one-day immersion into the key areas of planning and starting a company. Held 2-3 times a year, the Bootcamp features experienced entrepreneurs, service providers, and investors sharing their insights and resources.

The Office of Research manages all of the contracted research activities for the University. For Incubator clients, the Office of Research is a source of assistance for identifying UCF faculty and facilities for partnerships in applied research, product development and testing. Particular emphasis is given to the Small Business Innovation Research program, the Small Business Technology Transfer program, and the Advanced Technology Program to support University partnerships with industry. For further information on potential research partnerships with UCF, contact Incubator management. The Office of Research is located in the Orlando Technology Center, adjacent to the Incubator facility, in the Central Florida Research Park.

The Office of Technology Transfer, located in the Office of Research, manages the intellectual property acquired to protect the University’s rights to innovations resulting from the research at UCF. Those technologies are then available for licensing to companies or other organizations for commercialization through the creation of products, processes or services. A number of Incubator companies have licensed patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets as the technology platform for their company. If you are interested in exploring the technologies available, visit www.research.ucf.edu or contact Herb Winfield, Associate Director of Technology Transfer at 407-882-1117.

The University of Central Florida Research and Commercialization supports entrepreneurship and the proactive commercialization of Florida’s technologies. Funded by the National Science Foundation Partnership for Innovation program, University of Central Florida Research and Commercialization is partnership led by UCF and including universities, foundations, industry, and governmental agencies. Other university partners include University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology and Florida A and M University. Support is provided in learning the basics of starting a business, finding technologies available for commercialization, connecting to mentors and successful entrepreneurs, accessing university resources. For more information contact Stacey Schmidt at 407-882-2448 or sschmidt@mail.ucf.edu or visit www.research.ucf.edu.

The LSCC Business Assistance Center (BAC) is located at the Lake Sumter Community College in Leesburg. Services of the BAC include individual assistance and regularly scheduled training events on a wide range of business topics such as starting a business, how to find financing, taxes, writing a business plan, international trade, contracting with government agencies, patents and trademarks, and e-commerce issues. The BAC also manages an Advisory Council Service providing advisory boards for small businesses seeking guidance in growing the company. For services information, class descriptions and a calendar of events, visit the BAC Web site: www.baclscc.org or contact them at (352) 365-3579.

Incubator clients are encouraged to fill in an application form for the BAC. This enables BAC Certified Business Analysts to assist Incubator clients. They are available for consultation on a wide variety of issues including: business plan writing, market research, advertising, sources of financing, record-keeping, taxes, and selling to the government.

The Society offers students the opportunity to learn about and be involved in entrepreneurial activities. With a membership comprised of students from across the University, the Society strives to nurture and encourage those students interested in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. The Incubator is a sponsor and advisor to the Society and works to engage members in Incubator activities, including internships with Incubator client companies. For more information, contact 407-882-1117.