The Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) is excited to announce the launch of its redesigned website at www.ybi.org.   The new site is more user friendly website and visitors can easily access information about YBI’s services, accomplishments and upcoming events.  Technology-based entrepreneurs and emerging companies can contact YBI on-line to submit questions, concepts and business proposals.  The site also has information on YBI’s portfolio companies as well as links to its resource partners.   To view the new site, please visit www.ybi.org

Chief Development Officer Julie Michael Smith states, “With the positive focus on Youngstown as one of the ten best cities to start a business by Entrepreneur magazine and favorable comments in a recent edition of Economist, YBI wanted to refresh its website with improved access for users and fresh content to help manage the number of new contacts we have been receiving.”

The Youngstown Business Incubator has had its fair share of national coverage over the past few months. Well,  that coverage now extends internationally with the story of our organization gracing the pages of this week’s edition of the highly regarded, global news magazine The Economist.

Did I mention we are in The Economist ?!!!!

Holy cow, just when I said it could not get much better…it did.

Seriously global big time better.

Jim Cossler
CEO and Chief Evangelist
Youngstown Business Incubator
330.884.6262
www.ybi.org

Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) is proud to announce that BizVeo, a virtual YBI Portfolio Company, has graduated from the INSPIRE! program to a become a tenant in YBI’s Incubating facility.  INSPIRE! is a flexible office space created for early stage companies in the initial phases of business development that are not ready for full incubation services, but can benefit from the direct assistance of YBI.  INSPIRE! opened in May of this year and BizVeo is the first graduate of the program.

BizVeo began when Bob Adduci, a retired Delphi Packard Electric engineer, shared his idea of online video training with marketing expert Alex Milne.  Working in a home office, they quickly found they needed a professional office with access to business development assistance. INSPIRE! provided BizVeo with entrepreneurial guidance and a professional space to demonstrate its software to potential customers. Alex Milne, Chief Executive Officer, states, “YBI’s INSPIRE! provided the space and resources that we used to successfully build our management team and plan for a successful launch. In addition, Jim Cossler and Julie Michael Smith were instrumental in all of BizVeo’s development phases and continue to offer valuable support and leadership.”

Currently, BizVeo is Beta testing its software at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown.  Chief Technical Officer Bob Adduci notes, “Having a Beta client in the field to provide product testing and feedback is crucial to preparing for a successful launch. BizVeo, through YBI, has greatly benefited from the cooperation and efforts of Humility of Mary Health Partners.”

INSPIRE! was funded by the Youngstown Foundation, the Dominion Foundation, the Kennedy Family Foundation which is managed by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and the Philip Thompson Charitable Trust.

About BizVeo

BizVeo is Beta testing its internet-based, secure video networking solution that allows the sharing of information through streamed video technology in either public broadcast or controlled, confidential environment. Focusing on healthcare, workforce development and industry training needs, it will provide online tools for users to create dedicated and private video share communities. For more information, go to www.bizveo.com

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is meeting this week to convene their highly regarded Aerospace Measurement, Inspection & Analysis conference that draws top scientists, engineers and industry leaders from around the world.

And presenting for the first time at the conference will be YBI portfolio company M-7 Technologies with their white paper titled: 21st Century Math Engine Identifies the Real Problem: The Cost of Currently Unreliable Data Analysis Techinques.

A Youngstown, Ohio company teaching a bunch of rocket scientists how to measure.

Man…it just doesn’t get much better than that.

To learn more, visit www.m7tek.com

Jim Cossler
CEO and Chief Evangelist
Youngstown Business Incubator
330.884.6262
www.ybi.org

In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week in November, Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) is co-sponsoring IdeaLaunch with Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration and Monus Center for Entrepreneurship, Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU, and the Garden Club Angels.

IdeaLaunch is a business proposal competition open to all YSU students.  Seeking to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, students are encouraged to submit proposals that offer their great idea that could launch a new business.

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of entrepreneurial experts who will judge the based on economic and technical feasibility, quality of product, service and solution, and market opportunities and competition.   Semi-finalists will be invited to present their IdeaLaunch proposals at the Rise & Shine breakfast on Thursday, November 19^th and hosted by YSU’s Monus Center for Entrepreneurship.

Finalists will be paired with a mentor and prepare a business plan for presentation to the Garden Club Angels, a local organization of individuals interested in small business investment, during National Entrepreneurship Week in February 2010.

All proposals must be received by November 2^nd by 5:00 pm and submitted to idealaunch@ybi.org.

For more information, contact Julie Michael Smith, Chief Development Officer, Youngstown Business Incubator at jmsmith@ybi.org or 330-259-7644

The Youngstown Business Incubator has named Gregory G. Krontiris to its Board of Directors. A graduate of Ohio State University and Cleveland State University, Krontiris began his career in northeast Ohio before moving to Indiana.  His professional experience includes positions at National City Bank and Salin Bank and Trust.  He returned to the Mahoning Valley this spring to assume the position of Chief Lending Officer for Home Savings.

“I strongly believe in the Youngstown Business Incubator’s mission to promote innovation, create jobs and help entrepreneurs turn creative ideas into viable businesses,” says Krontiris. “By fostering the community’s entrepreneurial climate, YBI has played an instrumental role in the Mahoning Valley’s economic development and revitalization.”

The Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) is partnering with Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA) to launch the Entrepreneurial Internship Program this fall.   This program’s goal is to expose students to entrepreneurship and increase their understanding of what is necessary to create and grow a new venture, explore new markets, and develop a customer base.  Interns will be placed with YBI and its Portfolio Companies.

Interns will work for one semester for a total of 225 hours and their salaries will be paid by YBI and WCBA’s Monus Entrepreneurship Center.  The Entrepreneurial Internship Program will continue for future semesters, providing the opportunity for more interns to work with YBI and its Portfolio Companies.  “YBI is strongly committed to encouraging entrepreneurship in the Mahoning Valley and we are excited to partner with YSU on this internship program,” says Julie Michael Smith, Chief Development Officer, YBI.  “Exposing students to entrepreneurship on the ground level is the best way to show the excitement, challenges, and reward of working with innovation.”

Four internships were awarded this semester to WCBA students. Rose Shaffer, a senior marketing management major, will work with BizVeo which offers an internet-based, video training and competency testing solution. Jessica Sferra, a senior business administration major, will assist SenSource, a technology company that provides traffic and vehicle counting solutions and environmental sensors, with its marketing initiatives. Arianne Morris, a senior business administration major, is interning with Syncro Medical Innovations which has developed a unique magnetically guided feeding tube.  Courtney Vitullo, a senior management information systems major, will work directly with YBI to promote new entrepreneurial programs with YSU and social media applications.

“I feel very blessed to be a part of this program, and I believe it will be a very enriching educational opportunity. Not only will I be able to obtain professional experience, but I will also see the unique characteristics that go into working with an innovative entrepreneurial organization,” states Arianne Morris, intern for Syncro Medical.  She continues, “it is will be a valuable lesson to see what areas I need to improve while I still have the resource available here at YSU.”

Added Dr. Betty Jo Licata, WCBA Dean and Vice Chair of YBI’s Board of Directors, “This is a very exciting opportunity to provide our students with professional experience in an entrepreneurial company. These internships support the professional development of our students and their contributions to the success of our valley entrepreneurs.”

About YBI

The Youngstown Business Incubator is a 501 (c) 3 charitable, non-profit organization, with a mission to accelerate the start-up and development of scalable, technology-based companies in northeast Ohio.  YBI Portfolio Companies primarily develop and integrate software and technology solutions for business-to-business applications. Designated an Edison Technology Incubator by the Ohio Department of Development, YBI provides entrepreneurial assistance, facilities and technology support.    For more information about YBI, visit www.ybi.org.

About Williamson College of Business Administration

The Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA), established in 1923, offers both graduate and undergraduate programs accredited by AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in accounting, advertising/public relations, business economics, finance, general administration, human resource management, international business, management information systems, and marketing. Faculty pursue excellence through the integration of teaching, scholarship, and service. The college is committed to a student-centered teaching/learning process with an emphasis on the application of theory to practice. For more information about WCBA, visit www.wcba.ysu.edu.

About BizVeo

BizVeo is in beta testing stage for its internet-based, secure video networking solution that allows sharing of information through streamed video technology in either public broadcast or controlled, confidential environment. Focusing on workforce development and industry training needs, it provides online tools for users to create dedicated and private video share communities. For more information, visit www.bizveo.org.

About SenSource, Inc.

SenSource, Inc. is an emerging leader of people and vehicle counting solutions for retail settings, industrial facilities, entertainment centers, cultural institutions, universities and government agencies.  Established in 2002, it offers a variety of sensors to domestic and international clients, offering innovative solutions to monitor customer and vehicle traffic along with environmental sensing devices.  Founders Joseph Varacalli and Kevin Stefko work with YBI to access a broad range of entrepreneurial services including YBI’s Managed Cluster and resource network to continue the acceleration of their information technology-based venture.  For more information, visit www.sensourceinc.com.

About Syncro Medical Innovations

Syncro has developed a unique magnetic feeding tube which can be guided through the pyloric sphincter and eliminates the need for fluoroscopy, endoscope, or medications. For the Gabriel Feeding Tube, the company has received grants from the U.S. Department of Defense and the State of Ohio’s Third Frontier Program to assist in product refinement and commercialization. For more information, visit www.syncromedicalinnovations.com

On September 2^nd, Mr. Patrick Valente, Executive Director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition, will lead this seminar on business development opportunities in the fuel cell industry.  Ohio is a leading state in fuel cell development and since 2002, has invested more than $70 million in the industry which has leveraged an additional $200 million of federal investment.  This seminar is being sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Fuel cells are a clean, efficient use of energy and offer a low carbon footprint leading to an environmentally friendly source of alternative power.  Fuel cells are currently being used commercially for stationary grid power, back up power, lift trucks, lap tops and a variety of other portable and stationary applications.  As the technology matures, opportunities for increased manufacturing and supply chain activities in Ohio are considerable.  Two regional companies, Refractory Specialties and Catacel, will share their experiences in the fuel cell industry and Stark State College will showcase its Fuel Cell Technologies Program.

The program will be held at Youngstown State University at Kilcawley Center, in the Presidential Suites at 9:00 am and will run approximately two hours.   The program is free but reservations are required and can be made by contacting Julie Michael Smith, Chief Development Officer, Youngstown Business Incubator at jmsmith@ybi.org or 330-259-7644.

Innovation Series is a networking and educational forum that brings together innovative, progressive people with a vision – to catalyze a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment in the Mahoning Valley.  The Series is for companies to showcase new technologies, for technology organizations to share resources, for entrepreneurs to build relationships, for educators to highlight their initiatives – it is a place for innovative talk, robust debates, inquiring minds. Sponsored by the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (a program of YSU’s College of STEM) and the Youngstown Business Incubator, it is an opportunity to learn about the “cool things” going on – right here in the Mahoning Valley! The Innovation Series is underwritten, in part, by the Dominion Foundation.

The John D. Finnegan Foundation and Ward Beecher Foundation recently made financial contributions to the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI).  Investing $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, the funds will be used for capital improvements to YBI’s incubating facility on W. Federal Street. In the past year, YBI has approved six new portfolio companies for occupancy and the funds will be used to provide professional office space for these growing ventures as well as future applicants.

“YBI is appreciative of the commitment by the John D. Finnegan Foundation and Ward Beecher Foundation to entrepreneurship and technology development. The mission of YBI is to assist technology-based entrepreneurs establish and accelerate their scalable, proprietary information technology applications,” states Julie Michael Smith, chief development officer of YBI.  “YBI provides entrepreneurial counseling and facilities in a professional atmosphere that allows companies to grow and prosper.”

J. David Sabine, Sr. Vice President and Sr. Trust Officer of Huntington Bank which manages both foundations, states “The foundation boards are very pleased to support this highly successful and visible leader in economic development in the Mahoning Valley.”

Youngstown Business Incubator and the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative are pleased to offer the Innovation Series to promote innovation and technology to catalyze both emerging entrepreneurs and established industries.

OHIO FUEL CELL COALITION
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Youngstown State University
Kilcawley Center – Presidential Suites
9:00 am

If you are interested in…

• Learning more about fuel cells
• Research and development opportunities
• Supply chain activities
• Economic development possibilities

….then join Pat Valente, Executive Director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition, to learn what’s happening in the fuel cell industry. Ohio is a leading state in fuel cell development and since 2002, has invested more than $70 million in the industry which has leveraged an additional $200 million of federal investment. This seminar is being sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Fuel cells are a clean, efficient use of energy and offer a low carbon footprint leading to an environmentally friendly source of alternative power. Already, fuel cells are being used commercially for stationary grid power, back up power, lift trucks, lap tops and a variety of other portable and stationary applications. As the technology matures, opportunities for increased manufacturing and supply chain activities in Ohio are considerable. Here in the Mahoning Valley, Refractory Specialties and Catacel are two companies already involved in the fuel cell industry and your firm or community could be next!

There is NO fee for attending but reservations are appreciated. Reply to Julie Michael Smith, Chief Development Officer, Youngstown Business Incubator at jmsmith@ybi.org or 330-259-7644.

Innovation Series is a networking and educational forum that brings together innovative, progressive people with a vision – to catalyze a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment in the Mahoning Valley. The Series is for companies to showcase new technologies, for technology organizations to share resources, for entrepreneurs to build relationships, for educators to highlight their initiatives – it is a place for innovative talk, robust debates and inquiring minds!

Innovation Series is underwritten by the Dominion Foundation and is a collaboration of Youngstown Business Incubator and Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, a program of YSU’s College of STEM.