In its continuing commitment to cultivating small businesses, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with TechColumbus to put on a TechStart event for entrepreneurs at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Chamber office.
Representatives from TechColumbus, a non-profit organization that focuses on technology-based economic development, will speak about programs and funding available to tech-related start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.
The TechStart Program works to develop technology-based companies in the region by providing educational resources, market access, and business management mentoring.
“I encourage any stakeholder involved in getting a start-up off the ground to attend this event, as it’s a one-stop opportunity to get your questions answered and hear all the exciting opportunities with TechStart,” said Will Indest, director of TechStart.
“Individuals will take home valuable knowledge from a number of resources about the types of programs and capital available for tech-related start-ups and entrepreneurs.”
In addition, Sean Hughes, executive director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, will speak about how the Chamber can help entrepreneurs.
“The Chamber is Madison County’s small business resource and incubator,” said Hughes.
The partnership between the Chamber and TechColumbus marks the third initiative to strengthen the Small Business Resource Office, located at the Chamber’s Business and Conference Center.
The Small Business Resource Office opened on Oct. 5, 2005, through a partnership with SCORE, a non-profit organization that offers small business counseling and mentoring to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners at no charge.
A second partnership, formed with the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Columbus State Community College, provides no-cost counseling from retired business professionals.
Through the Small Business Resource Office, the Chamber and its partners have served nearly 100 small businesses in Madison County and created over 100 new jobs.
Anyone interested in participating in the TechStart event or obtaining infor-mation about the Small Business Resource Office should contact the Chamber at 740-852-2250. The Chamber’s Business and Conference Center is located at 730 Keny Blvd. in London.
