Westerville, Tech Columbus celebrate new partnership

Upcoming Events — By Melanie McIntyre on June 28, 2011 at 12:00 pm

The city of Westerville and TechColumbus are hosting a networking event for entrepreneurs and business leaders to kick off their new TechStart partnership. The event will take place on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Progressive Medical, a Westerville-based company.

TechStart is led by TechColumbus and supported financially by Ohio’s Third Frontier program and 19 local partners. It provides early stage funding and mentoring assistance to entrepreneurs with promising tech businesses throughout 15 counties of Central Ohio. Representatives will provide information on program offerings, applicant eligibility, funds available, and schedules for all available resources.

“This partnership is key to our commitment to attracting and retaining both businesses and the brightest minds in Central Ohio,” says Jason Bechtold, economic development administrator for the city of Westerville. “From one-on-one coaching to strategic planning in capital investment for emerging companies, TechStart is going to provide tools Westerville entrepreneurs need to accelerate their businesses.”

Ted Ford, president and CEO of TechColumbus, says the business and civic leaders of Westerville have demonstrated an important commitment to growing innovative new businesses and encouraging entrepreneurism in their community.

“We are optimistic about what we can achieve together as partners in the city’s future,” he adds.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from David Bianconi, founder of Progressive Medical. Bianconi also serves on the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees and on the Advisory Board to TechColumbus.

The event is free, but registration is required.

Interested parties should contact Laura Coffee at lcoffee@techcolumbus.org.

Author Bio: Melanie McIntyre:
Melanie McIntyre has served as editorial director of The Metropreneur since its launch in 2010. She previously worked as a staff writer for a business and legal newspaper, where she wrote more than 500 stories about finance and real estate and development in Central Ohio. Since 2008, Melanie has worked on a freelance basis for several local entities, including Columbus Underground, where she is a featured writer. She also blogs about fashion, style, and pop culture at Thoroughly Modern Melly. Melanie is a graduate of The Ohio State University, lives in the Short North, and enjoys reading and running.