Baylor’s LAUNCH Innovative Business Accelerator to host Governor’s Small Business Forum

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Contact: Eric Eckert, (254) 710-1964

WACO, Texas (Sept. 23, 2014) — Baylor University’s LAUNCH Innovative Business Accelerator will host the Governor’s Small Business Forum on Oct. 9 at the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC).

The Governor's Small Business Forum gives entrepreneurs and small businesses the valuable tools, skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced economy. This one-day, hands-on workshop, designed for small- and medium-sized businesses, is sponsored by the Office of the Governor, LAUNCH, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and McLennan Small Business Development Center.

“Participants can expect a high-energy, workshop environment – not a day of talking heads,” said Greg Leman, LAUNCH director. “Entrepreneurs and small business owners will make real progress on their business growth agendas and gain insights into the imperative for innovation and the tools needed to make it happen.”

Speakers include Andres Alcantar, chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission; Jesse Bechtold, CEO of Eureka! Ranch’s Innovation Engineering Network; Chris Forgey, president of Austin-based Light Bohrd; Casey Leaman, principal with Escalade LLC; Jane Herndon, business advisor with McLennan SBDC; and Leman.

The Texas Governor’s Small Business Forum Innovation Awards will be presented following Alcantar’s luncheon keynote. Awards are presented in the areas of health/life science, technology, manufacturing and service. A “rising star” award is also presented.

Forum participants will have the opportunity to network with other business leaders throughout the day and take part in the on-site resource fair.

“This forum gives us the opportunity to showcase the resources and tools for innovation success that are available in Central Texas to small and medium enterprises which are the foundation for continued growth of the Texas economy,” Leman said. “LAUNCH is excited to partner with the Governor’s Office and host this important event at the BRIC.”

LAUNCH offers start-ups and established companies access to the knowledge, networks and financial resources necessary to achieve sustainable market growth, including: rapid commercialization methodology, expert consultation, education on topics like intellectual property, finance and marketing, networking events and mentoring opportunities, executive coaching, global market development and assistance to secure funding.

The cost for the Forum is $30 per person.

ABOUT BAYLOR

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT THE BAYLOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION COLLABORATIVE (BRIC)

The Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) – the first, and cornerstone, facility of a 21-acre discovery complex that comprises the Central Texas Technology and Research Park – provides researchers, organizations and private companies with 330,000 square feet of physical space for labs, research centers, industry collaborative space and workforce training. The BRIC places many of Baylor's most accomplished scientists and engineers in a uniquely collaborative environment, rich in resources and primed for incisive innovation in quantum physics, cosmology, and mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, ranging from the biomedical, geospatial and environmental sciences and beyond. The BRIC adds another practical dimension to discovery by bringing these and other highly sought support resources within easy grasp of entrepreneurs, businesses and industries whose very survival depends on timely innovation. For more information, visit https://www.baylor.edu/BRIC.