The EDC says Whitley County has a population of 35,000 and a work force of 20,000.
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updated: 3/9/2009 1:02:29 PM
[UPDATED] Whitley County Expanding Support for Entrepreneurs
Whitley County Economic Development Corporation President Alan says the Accelerating Innovation program should help expand the area's entrepreneurial base. The president of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation says a grant from the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs is the culmination of two years of planning to expand entrepreneurial economic development efforts. Alan Tio says the EDC has an 18 month window to establish the Accelerating Innovation program, which he describes as "an incubator without walls." It is designed to give startup or growth stage companies the resources to take root in Whitley County.
Source: Inside INdiana Business
Press Release
COLUMBIA CITY (March 9, 2009) –The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced today that the Whitley County EDC has been awarded a Rural Capacity Grant for Accelerating Innovation, a countywide services-based business incubation program.
“Whitley County is already home to many successful entrepreneurs,”said EDC President Alan Tio, “This program will establish a coordinated, one-stop-shop for business assistance to accelerate the development of emerging industries.
”The Whitley County EDC works with other local, regional, and state partners to support and encourage business development efforts in Whitley County. Accelerating Innovation is intended as the focal point for the EDC’s effort to attract and retain entrepreneurs in the startup and growth stages. The EDC is partnering with the Columbia City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Small Business Development Center to develop the program.
“OCRA is pleased to award the Whitley County EDC with a Rural Capacity Grant for Accelerating Innovation,”said David Terrell, Executive Director of OCRA.“This program will promote economic development by supporting local entrepreneurs and new businesses.
”OCRA is supporting the Accelerating Innovation program with a Rural Capacity Grant for Rural Entrepreneurship Support, which is intended to foster innovative approaches to support rural and community level entrepreneurial projects. Matching funds have been pledged by the Whitley County Community Foundation and the Northeast Indiana Foundation.
“The EDC is working closely with local and state partners to create a program that will set Whitley County apart in our approach to attractingand retaining entrepreneurs,”said Tio, “By this time next year, we look forward to being able to celebrate the important role that this program will have had in assisting clients throughout Whitley County.
About Whitley County EDC
888-244-5506
www.whitleybiz.com
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation originated to assist business development needs. The EDC partners closely with local, regional, and state agencies to create a strong link for industryneeds. For more information about the EDC, please visit: www.whitleybiz.com.
About the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs
The vision of theIndiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) is to work with local, state, and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid rural communities in shaping their visions for economic development. For more information about OCRA, please visit: www.in.gov/ocra.
Source: Whitley County Economic Development Corp.
