(Bel Air, MD – December 11, 2008) – – The Harford County Office of Economic Development (OED), in its first step toward implementing the 2008 Technology Development Optimization and Action Plan for Harford County has contracted with international management services firm ANGLE Technology to expand the County’s business incubation program to better meet the needs of technology-oriented businesses. The Technology Development Plan, which was announced by Harford County Executive David R. Craig in November 2008, emphasizes the importance of building the County’s technology and entrepreneurial base through business incubation.
“By expanding the County’s business incubation program, we position the County to build a larger, diversified, defense-oriented AND commercial technology businesses base,” said David R. Craig, Harford County Executive.
Business incubation is the process of nurturing the development of entrepreneurial companies, helping them survive and grow during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable. Business incubation programs provide their client companies with business support services and mentoring tailored to the needs of young companies, as well as access to shared resources such as office space, office equipment, receptionist services and conference facilities.
The business incubation program will target several industries for growth and attraction, including engineering services, computer systems design and related services, management and technical consulting services, scientific research and development and high technology manufacturing.
The most common goals of business incubation are diversifying local economies, building or accelerating growth in a local industry, enhancing a community’s entrepreneurial climate, creating jobs in the community, attracting and retaining businesses in a community, and transferring technology from universities and corporations.
The technology development plan for the County calls for the incubator to be developed in phases. The first phase will expand current capabilities. The Harford incubator currently operates in offices at the HEAT Center. The incubator program will expand and relocate in 2009.
For more information on the Harford County Business Incubator, contact Lisa S. Smith, Incubator Project Manager at 301-524-5654 or lisa.smith@angletec.com
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