02/28/08

The NKU Office for Economic Initiatives has established the Williamstown Area Innovation Center for the rural region of Northern Kentucky. This Innovation Center is one of 15 regional IC offices connected to a network of 6 regional ICC offices throughout the state of Kentucky.

ICC/ICs are public/private partnerships that will assist the state’s entrepreneurs to commercialize technologies that demonstrate significant market potential. The IC program acts as a funnel for ideas, taking them from a rough stage and applying a commercialization standard to shape them into viable business prospects for investors.

Vision: To inspire regional growth through innovation, collaboration and opportunity creation.

Mission: To provide leadership in innovation, entrepreneurial opportunities, and existing business growth while continually advancing the assets of the regional community.

Goals:

1.       Create a regional identity for the IC by branding it as the portal for economic development activities throughout the Southern Counties of Northern Kentucky.

2.       Develop collaboration among the regional economic development entities and educational institutions to unite assets and strengths for accelerated economic development.

3.       Increase entrepreneurial business development throughout the region with a focus on knowledge-based job opportunities.

4.       Prepare the local labor force the new job opportunities created in a knowledge-based economy.

5.       Assist existing business with employee development along with job and revenue growth.

6.       Achieve continuity of operations including the expansion of services and partnerships.

Feel free to contact the Innovation Center if you:

·         Have an innovative idea or product to develop and sell.

·         Need funding or financing for your idea or product.

·         Are interested in investing in new ideas and your community.

·         Operate a business and hope to hire or train a highly educated workforce.

Cassandre Collins

Northern Kentucky University

Grant County Center

390 N. Main Street

Williamstown, KY 41097

Phone: 859-824-3628

Fax: 859-824-3625