If you're an entrepreneur or inventor from Greater Cincinnati, check out Cincinnati Innovates 2010 for a chance to win business start-up prize money or more than $80,000 in awards.
The second annual competition is open to anyone now or originally from a 15-county area of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. It has a broad reach and can include innovative products, devices, business processes and more. The top prize is $25,000 sponsored by CincyTech, a regional technology initiative supported by the State of Ohio's Third Frontier Project.
There are several prize categories including a $5,000 web development award sponsored by CoStrategix, a $10,000 award in branding and design services from LPK, and a $10,000 commercialization award to a Kentucky-based company sponsored by The Northern Kentucky eZone, Tri-Ed, Vision 2015, and Biologic.
To enter the contest or to get more info, visit cincinnatiinnovates.com. There you'll enter a short description of your idea and upload pictures, video, or sketches to help explain and showcase it. The earlier you enter the better, because you can enter more than one idea and update and improve on entered ideas after submission.
This year Cincinnati Innovates is offering group workshops -- such as "How to Finance a Startup" -- throughout the competition to help entrants flesh out or present their idea.
There are no age restrictions to entering. The contest is open now through Sept. 1. Winners of a total of 10 prizes - including a community choice award picked by online voters - will be announced September 22 at the Cincinnati National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Entries will be judged by investors and other industry experts from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Cincinnati Innovates is sponsored by CincyTech, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, Enquirer Media, LPK, Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, Vision 2015, The Northern Kentucky E-Zone, CoStrategix, CIncinnati Children's Hospital, Cooney Faulkner & Stevens, Greater Cincinnati Venture Association, Queen City Angels, HYPE, Soapbox Media, Fort Washington Capital Partners Group, Hamilton County Business Center, The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Inventor's Council of Cincinnati, BIOSTART, bioLOGIC and Planet Eureka!.
Inc. magazine recently developed a series of white papers to help Ohio entrepreneurs evaluate potential locations for starting or growing their businesses. These white papers are available for downloading on both the Inc.com website and the Enterprise Appalachia website (under the Resources section of the home page).
“Finding Funding,” focuses on the types of funding most commonly required by small businesses and where to find the financing you need.
"Building Your Knowledge Base," outlines a wide range of resources, including online databases for competitive research; executive MBA programs; Small Business Development Center programs; executive coaching; and CEO peer organizations.
"Real Best Practices for Supply Chain Optimization," offers a prescription for efficiently managing the supply chain – the continuum of materials, information, and finances needed to convert raw materials or resources into a product or service delivered to the final customer.
"Expanding Your Market Reach," offers practical perspectives on business expansion, along with real-world examples.
Savvy entrepreneurs know that choosing the ideal location to start a business can mean the difference between success and failure. For example, the Appalachian Ohio Region has become a hub for entrepreneurial enterprise, in part because its location in Ohio's manufacturing heartland provides access both to a strong supply chain and a ready market for products and services. Click here to learn more about the strategic advantages of Ohio’s Appalachian Region.
Caterpillar Logistics, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., recently announced plans to build a new parts distribution center in southwest Ohio, creating new employment opportunities for Ohioans. According to an Associated Press article, the new center in Clayton, Ohio, which is near Dayton, is expected to employ 500 to 600 people. With its sophisticated transportation infrastructure and superior market access, Ohio is a logical site selection for Caterpillar.
This newly announced business investment will span more than 1 million square feet and is expected to cost the company more than $50 million. Construction is expected to begin in early 2010 and be completed in 2011.Caterpillar says the new center in Ohio will eventually replace the company's Indianapolis Regional Distribution facility and assume some work currently performed at Caterpillar's parts distribution center in Morton, Illinois.
Since its inception more than 80 years ago, Caterpillar Inc. has grown to be the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. In partnership with their worldwide dealer network, the company delivers products, services and technologies in three principal lines of business: machinery, engines and financial products.
Click here to read the Associated Press article on the new Caterpillar distribution center in Ohio.
Pick up today’s Wall Street Journaland turn to page A17 to read how Ohio’s perfect combination of education and environment built a successful bioscience business for Dr. Mark Laskovics, president and COO of Girindus America Inc.
Dr. Laskovics says after living all over the world, he’s been able to construct his dream team in Ohio’s business-friendly environment, while benefiting from the state’s relaxed pace and focus on family.
“The convenience of living in Ohio – where entertainment, professional sports and your home are accessible and affordable – makes it easy for me to waste no time and live life to its fullest,” said Dr. Laskovics.
Girindus, a technology-driven company creating solutions for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, finds the perfect talent from Ohio’s extensive university system. The state’s reasonable cost of living and easy lifestyle keep highly skilled scientists and specialists in Ohio.
In addition, Ohio’s supportive business climate has been instrumental in Girindus’ growth. A recent $1.2 million Ohio Third Frontier grant enabled Girindusto build a new production facility. Local government tax abatements and grants also helped lay the foundation for the company’s success.
Click here to find out more about how Mark found the perfect balance in Ohio.
I recently spoke with Mark Laskovics, president and COO of Girindus America, Inc., about Ohio’s bioscience strengths and how his company finds the skilled workforce needed to succeed from Ohio’s higher education system.
Girindus is a technology-driven company offering the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries comprehensive skills, including process R&D, cGMP-compliant scale-up and manufacture of active ingredients, as well as regulatory support in the bioscienceindustry.
He stressed the importance of Ohio’s strong workforcestemming from the state’s many universities and colleges. Finding the right employees is crucial for success in any industry, especially in the biosciencefield. Girindus benefits from Ohio’s commitment to developing, educating and retaining a skilled workforce.
Check out the interview with Mark to find out more about Ohio’s bioscienceleadership and Girindus.
If you're an entrepreneur or inventor from Greater Cincinnati, check out Cincinnati Innovates 2010 for a chance to win business start-up prize money or more than $80,000 in awards.
Pick up today’s