INNOVATION
44
Trends In Education
Akerberg says that in just three months
at the incubator he saved thousands of
dollars. “This is a plus for the college,” he
says. “You can help the college, but maybe
the college can help you. It is economical
and well-managed. They are not charging
us exorbitant rates.” Students pay $25 a
month for use of the Brown Center office
tools, which includes a 3-D printer.
Chris Gosse of Fort Pierce has spent
$100,000 for patents and testing of
his modular High Impact Temporary
Housing unit. Through the incubator, he
spent an hour a week for a year finalizing
his business plan for a temporary
disaster shelter that can withstand a
hurricane. “The program is solid,”
says Gosse. “Everyone who has gone
through there has taken a positive step
up the ladder of success.” Gosse hopes
it will be less than a year before he secures
financing so production can begin
to help disaster survivors.
Part of the road to entrepreneurial success
includes pitching your invention to
the people who will or won’t give you the
money. There is a focus group room with
a two-way mirror to observe people’s reactions,
but several times a year there is a
Shark Tank meeting where local businessmen
listen to members’ product pitches.
HELP FOR ENTREPRENEURS
These are the various programs and services at Indian River State College that
encourage entrepreneurship and business success. Find out more at visit
www.irscbiz.com or call 888.283.1177.
• Virtual Incubator – Brown Center, Main Campus, Fort Pierce
Benefit from a wealth of resources for launch of a successful startup,
including assistance with funding, marketing, coaching, links to lawyers and
accountants, networking and seminars, office space, conference rooms,
high- speed Internet, WiFi, computers, copiers, scanners and phones.
• Business Incubator of Martin County - Chastain Campus, Stuart
Build profitability every step of the way in a professional working environment,
with counseling and connections, co-work space, conference rooms,
high-speed Internet and office equipment.
• Small Business Development Center – All IRSC Campuses
New and existing businesses can take advantage of the IRSC Small Business
Development Center offering “no cost to you” business consulting.
• Corporate and Community Training Institute – Online, face-to-face and
customized services
The Corporate and Community Training Institute delivers an array of
professional and personal development opportunities from customer service,
leadership, communication skills, computer training, HR issues, social media
marketing and much more.
>>
/www.irchs.org
/www.irscbiz.com