Hamilton County has funded a new Office of Innovation + Creativity under HCDC’s Economic Development Office. The new office will primarily work with second stage companies, defined as companies with high growth potential employing 10 to 99 and generating over $1 million in revenue. Second stage companies generate a disproportionately high number of jobs primarily due to their innovative character. While these companies typically represent about 13% of the establishments in a community, they also represent about 35% of jobs and about 25% of positive job growth.
“HCDC is excited about this new initiative. It fills a gap that exists locally within the current economic development landscape, “ stated Harry Blanton, Vice President, HCDC’s Economic Development Office. “It’s an opportunity to leverage all three of HCDC’s program areas: entrepreneurship, business financing, and economic development assistance while focusing on one of the highest growth sectors of the local economy.”
Assistance to second stage companies and other innovative businesses will include: one-on-one expert consulting services; access to databases for selective marketing, demographic, and industry information; and professionally facilitated workshops, seminars, and related events in a peer group setting.
For more information on the Office of Innovation + Creativity, please contact Senior Director Catherine Fitzgerald.