CONNECT

To enable a greater percentage of local entrepreneurs to gain access to NeoTech programs, numerous outreach initiatives have been implemented as part of the Connect Program. These services were developed with the purpose of increasing communication to accelerate business growth within the local technology community. The components of the Connect Program will connect individuals and businesses with assistance in the areas of accessing capital, procuring federal business opportunities, networking for high tech executives, and coaching and business development.

Connect Yourself With Coaching and Support Services

Affiliate Program: offers Howard County business owners the opportunity to utilize the NeoTech Incubator’s business services, support and resources, without being a resident of the Incubator.

Who is eligible?
The Affiliate Program is available to small businesses in Howard County.

How do I apply?
Entrepreneurs may submit their application to participate in the Affiliate Program, choosing from one of four levels. Support provided at any of the levels is limited only by priority given to NeoTech Incubator resident companies.

What are the levels of support?

Basic: For very small and home-based businesses that require:

• A business address for the receipt of mail
• Access to conference room facilities
• Business library
• Audio/visual equipment

Advanced: At this stage, the NeoTech Incubator provides the above-mentioned Basic Affiliate services in addition to other services necessary to the Affiliate company’s growth. Such services may include but are not limited to:

• Periodic progress reviews in line with the NeoTech Entrepreneurial Development Program
• Assistance in updating the business plan
• Assistance in preparing a presentation for potential investment
• Access to business and technical advice from the Center/Incubator staff and volunteer advisors / mentors
• Referrals to service providers
• Participation in focused networking events

This program requires an eighteen-month commitment.

Growth: In addition to the Advanced Affiliate services, a Growth Affiliate participates in a program tailored specifically for the entrepreneur with the goal of growing a business platform of sustainable profitable growth.  This program requires an eighteen-month commitment and provides consultation on effective growth planning and management.

Executive: Participation in the Executive Affiliate Program is limited to established companies that desire effective assistance in developing an aggressive strategy to grow to a dominant market position.  Executive Affiliates are analyzed for admittance based upon NeoTech Entrepreneurial Development Program criteria.  This program requires a twelve-month commitment.

Connect Yourself With Other Technology Business Leaders

Exec Connect: an exclusive networking club for high-tech company executives in Howard County. This club provides a forum for meeting, networking, and exchanging ideas with other high-tech decision-makers.

Connect Yourself With: Federal Contract Opportunities

For Technology Companies

Fed-Biz Connect: A software program that allows individual businesses to access an online source for federal contract opportunity research and business intelligence. Business development professionals can identify, qualify, distribute and manage federal procurement opportunities and connect with potential teaming partners.

Tech-Connect for Business: A registration required database of knowledge based companies interested in cooperative business development to gain a higher portion of federal contracts.

For Self-Employed Knowledge Workers

Tech-Connect for the Individual: A registration required database of individual technical knowledge workers that will allow 1099 contract workers to connect to potential contract opportunities and conduct highly specific searches to find subcontract work.

Connect Yourself With Investment Opportunities

For the Investor

Angels and Eggs: provides opportunities for Angel Investors to obtain the important and relevant information they need to make an investment decision in Maryland-based incubator companies.

Power of Angel Investing: a private, full-day seminar providing a comprehensive overview of Angel Investing through expert presentations, panel discussions and small group case studies. Registration limited to 25 investors.

For the Small Business Owner

Angels and Eggs: provides an opportunity for incubator companies to be introduced to Angel Investors, as well as to refine their message and presentation skills.

j-ref: j-ref provides integrated, comprehensive services to Howard County entrepreneurs to maximize successful business growth. j-ref provides

• Business loans of up to $250,000.
• Business advice to meet the specific needs of the entrepreneur.
• Business and strategic plan review and business education.