National City Bank Foundation and Ruth H. Beecher Charitable Trust recently contributed funding to the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI).  NCB’s contribution of $8,000 will be used for investing in entrepreneurial resources to support emerging technology companies. The contribution of $4,000 by Beecher Trust is earmarked for facility renovations to accommodate new tenants.

Garry L. Mrozek, regional president of National City Bank and chairman of YBI’s Board of Directors, notes “Philanthropic support of economic development organizations is integral to the vitality of our community.  YBI helps technology companies reach their growth potential and create well-paying jobs for area residents.”

“YBI is appreciative of these contributions to support YBI’s mission of assisting technology-based entrepreneurs establish and accelerate their scalable, proprietary information technology applications,” states Julie Michael Smith, chief development officer of YBI.

In the past year, YBI has approved six new portfolio companies for occupancy in addition to providing entrepreneurial counseling to non tenant ventures.  In May, it opened INSPIRE Lab, a flexible development suite for very early stage companies and this fall, renovation of the adjacent Semple Building will be complete, offering commercial space for technology-related businesses.