need a lift?

Two events are taking place in our area next week which may be of interest to local entrepreneurs, business-folk, and generally, anyone in the public who a passing interest in technology.

The more people we get there from the Valley, perhaps the better chance we will have of getting necessary funds to advance our tech-based economy.

The first event is TechLift: Youngstown
To be held Thursday, September 20th
drinks and networking: 5pm
program begins: 5:30pm

from the JumpStart website: (also for registration)

Join Northeast Ohio's entrepreneurial community and celebrate the launch of TechLift, a NorTech initiative of the Third Frontier Project Entrepreneurial Signature Program. TechLift is dedicated to enhancing Northeast Ohio's technology entrepreneurial companies by providing unique services, entrepreneurial mentorship and access to resources. If you are a technology entrepreneur in Northeast Ohio, you can benefit from TechLift at no cost to you. Meet the TechLift Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, learn about the programs being offered, and network with local business leaders and other like-minded entrepreneurs at this exciting rollout event.

In addition to learning about what the regional partners are doing to embrace this initiative, you'll hear about IdeaCrossing – a free online community supporting entrepreneurship by connecting entrepreneurs with the investment capital, business assistance, and resources they need to build their business.

Agenda:
5:00 - 5:30pm Registration, Networking, Complimentary Appetizers, & Cash Bar
5:30 - 5:55pm Welcome, Julie Michael Smith, Youngstown Business Incubator
TechLift Introduction, Chris Mather, TechLift
Entrepreneurs-in-Residence:
Kent Kristensen - Electronics
Donna Richardson - BioSciences
Ron Zieske - Advanced Materials
Darrin Redus, JumpStart
Youngstown Business Incubator, Julie Michael Smith
5:55 - 6:05pm IdeaCrossing, Tiffan Clark, JumpStart Inc
6:05 - 6:15pm Regional Partners
6:15 - 7:30pm Networking

Venue:
The Avalon Inn Resort & Conference Center
9519 East Market Street
Warren, Ohio 44484



The second event is 3rd Frontier - funding opportunities information session
To be held Friday, September 21th
program begins: 9am

Norm Chagnon, Executive Director of the Third Frontier Commission and John Griffin, Director of the Technology Division with the Ohio Department of Development will travel to Northeast Ohio to announce and discuss ALL of the Third Frontier Programs that will issue requests for proposals over the next 12 months.

Some of the programs to be announced include the Biomedical and Engineering & Physical Science Research and Commercialization Program, Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program, and new offerings including the Ohio Research Scholars and Advanced Energy Program.

This information session is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in learning more about Third Frontier funding opportunities available for 2008 is welcome to attend.

Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Location: Hilton Akron/Fairlawn Hotel, 3180 West Market Street, Akron 44333

RSVP with Kelly Coolbaugh South at 216-241-8458 or ksouth@nortech.org by September 17th.