]]>This lunch seminar is geared for semi-technical business owners and startup founders seeking to delegate and automate aspects of their business via outsourcing. Sean will cover all aspects of the outsourcing process from identifying opportunities to selecting optimal candidates through completion of your first project. Sean will demo the suite of project management and communication tools he uses to keep Shortsaleopedia a two-person company. Attendees will leave with a strategic as well as tactical understanding of how to put outsourcing to work for their business.
June 7, 2012
11:30am – 1:00pm
NACET Conference Room
2225 N. Gemini Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Seminar is FREE and open to the public. Lunch will be provided.
About The Instructor
Sean Tierney is co-founder and Chief Strategist of Shortsaleopedia, a nationwide resource for homeowners of distressed properties. Previously Sean co-founded JumpBox, Inc and currently serves as board member. He has over sixteen years of experience in technology startups having served in technical and administrative capacities in a handful of companies, including GoodNet, Inc. (acquired by Winstar, 1999), iTool, Inc (acquired by Onvia, 2001), SalesLogix (acquired by Sage, 2005) and Proscout, Inc. (privately held). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, and is a graduate and teacher for the Eugene Marion-Kauffman Foundation FastTrac Entrepreneurship series as well as recipient of the Arizona Republic “35 under 35 Entrepreneurs of the Year award in 2009. Read more from Sean on his blog or follow him on Twitter.
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How do incubators help start-ups get funding?
Incubators help client companies secure capital in a number of ways:
How do incubators contribute to local and regional economies?
Incubator graduates create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and commercialize new technologies, thus strengthening local, regional and even national economies.
How do business incubators differ from research parks?
Research parks (sometimes called science parks or technology parks) are property-based ventures consisting of research and development facilities for technology- and science-based companies. Research parks often promote community economic development and technology transfer. They tend to be larger-scale projects than business incubators, often spanning many acres or miles. Research parks house everything from corporate, government, and university labs to big and small companies. Unlike business incubators, research parks do not offer comprehensive programs of business assistance. However, an important component of some research parks is a business incubator focused on early-stage companies.
How do business incubators differ from SBDC’s?
The U.S. Small Business Administration administers the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program to provide general business assistance to current and prospective small business owners. SBDCs (and similar programs) differ from business incubators in that they do not specifically target early-stage companies; they often serve small businesses at any stage of development. Some business incubators partner and share management with SBDCs to avoid duplicating business assistance services in a region.
How do business incubators differ from co-working spaces?
Coworking spaces offer a gathering point for independent contractors and freelancers who want to eliminate the isolation of working from home or wish to collaborate with other freelancers. Some may also offer networking opportunities and basic technical assistance. While the primary value of co-working is the interaction with other professionals, the primary value of an incubation program is its mix of business assistance services specifically targeted to emerging companies. Those services generally extend well beyond networking and basic technical assistance.
Sources of Information
NBIA(2009).Business Incubation FAQ.NBIA.Retrieved May 15, 2012, from http://www.nbia.org/resource_library/faq/#1
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Trade Secrets can be important intellectual property in many businesses. This seminar will include an introduction to trade secrets and a simple case study illustrating some of the basic concepts of trade secret law. In addition, some of the ways of protecting trade secrets will be discussed. Because trade secrets and patents can be closely related, attendees are encouraged to review the archived NACET seminars and other source materials on patent law before the seminar on trade secrets. A basic understanding of patent law will be beneficial, but not necessary for the seminar.
May 17th, 2012
11:30am – 1:00pm
NACET Conference Room
2225 N. Gemini Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Seminar is FREE and open to the public. Lunch will be provided.
About The Instructor
Eric Sheets is a registered patent attorney with over twenty years of experience in the area of intellectual property law. Mr. Sheets received his law degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center and his Master of Science degree from St. John’s University. Mr. Sheets is currently Of Counsel with the law firm of Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts, LLP in Mesa, Arizona. Mr. Sheets also has offices in Flagstaff, Arizona and Denver, Colorado. Mr. Sheets assists in accessing and procuring intellectual property rights for companies and individuals. His services include trade secret protection, patent prosecution, freedom to operate analyses, patent validity opinions, confidentiality agreements, and intellectual property licensing. An important part of these services is intellectual property counseling and training. Mr. Sheets also provides assistance with product development.
Mr. Sheets has worked with new ventures, mid-sized companies, and world-wide manufactures. Mr. Sheets prepares and prosecutes patent applications primarily for inventions relating to biotechnology, chemistry, electronics, and mechanical devices. Mr. Sheets has particular expertise in the field of biomedical science. In addition to his legal background, Mr. Sheets has extensive experience conducting scientific research in academic and commercial laboratories.
]]>Russ Yelton shakes his head as he remembers how a banker rejected a loan application from a local entrepreneur with a $1.3 million contract with the federal government.
The client at the Flagstaff-based Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology needed short-term financing in order to buy the components for the expensive hybrid power systems ordered by the U.S. Marines.
NEST Energy eventually found financing elsewhere, but Yelton, the president and CEO of NACET, says the incident is now all too common in the post-housing bubble credit market.
So this week, NACET is the first of five northern Arizona agencies to launch a revolving loan program designed to help local businesses and entrepreneurs secure necessary financing.
It is a program Yelton has been working to launch since he joined the small business incubator in 2009.
He said tighter lending rules have meant that banks are saying no too often, putting even the best business ideas in jeopardy.
“Sometimes the worst thing that can happen is that (a fledgling business) gets an order and they cannot fill it,” Yelton said.
For the first 60 days, the program will be limited to NACET clients, who can apply for up to $10,000 in loans to buy necessary inventory and equipment.
After the first two months, local entrepreneurs not affiliated with the incubator will be able to apply for the same revolving loans. The terms include a 4.5 percent interest rate and repayment schedule of no more than three years, Yelton said.
Currently, the city-backed incubator can only loan out a total of $25,000. However, Yelton is optimistic the balance in the incubator’s checkbook will grow in the coming months.
“We are in talks with another potential donor to increase that amount,” Yelton said.
Regardless of those talks, the city of Flagstaff, Coconino County, the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona are also putting the finishing touches on their own revolving loan programs.
Rich Bowen, the head of ECoNA, says tight credit isn’t affecting only entreprenuers with no established credit history.
He said local business owners who have managed to keep their credit in good standing through the recession are also being turned down for new loans or lines of credit.
Bowen said the agency will use funding from the now-defunct Greater Flagstaff Economic Council to launch the revolving loan fund. GFEC had $280,000 in its reserves when the city canceled its economic development contract in 2007.
Julie Pastrick, the president and CEO of the chamber of commerce, said a recent survey of their 1,020 members found access to funding was a top concern for local businesses.
She said for a local dentist, the new credit rules could prevent the professional from buying or even replacing vital equipment.
“These loans can really help existing members of the business community get to the next level,” Pastrick said.
The local agencies will work collaboratively to act as a single point of contact for business and entrepreneurs looking for funding, evaluating each application in order to pair with the right program.
Yelton is cautious, saying he expects there will be some risks with loaning money to any business, no matter how thoroughly vetted. “There will be some defaults,” Yelton predicted. “I want the community to be realistic in their expectations.”
One way to minimize risk, he said, will be a $150 application fee charged to each loan applicant.
Yelton also sees the program as a temporary measure, with businesses eventually transitioning to working with banks for loans or lines of credit.
“We don’t want to be their lender for the next 10 years,” Yelton said.
Joe Ferguson can be reached at 556-2253 or jferguson@azdailysun.com.
During this period, Mr. Carr supervised over a billion square feet of commercial and institutional real estate projects. Award winning projects include: Cochise County Jail, First Interstate World Center in Los Angeles, and the renovation of the 700-seat Pasadena Playhouse in California.
Mr. Carr’s first experience with the concept of public/private partnerships occurred in 1984. Then, as a Principal with Westrends Development, Inc., Mr. Carr served as one of the management teams members in the development of a 25 million gallon per day (MGD) Potable Water Treatment Plant for the City of Scottsdale. Subsequent Projects included the planning, design and construction of a $200 Million highway project in the southeastern United states.
Mr. Carr has extensive experience in the process of preparing successful Responses to Requests for Qualifications, Requests for Proposals and the successful interview. He had formed and led a number of Virtual Enterprises (VE)’s in which he molded teams of qualified experts in project master planning, environmental permitting, engineering, architecture, finance, construction and the initial startup of infrastructure and public facilities throughout the nation. These teams became, a single purpose company assembled for the specific purpose of assisting communities in the development of needed facilities. During this process Mr. Carr organized and managed a number of VE’s in being awarded contracts to develop nearly $1 Billion in public facilities.
]]>As Principal and Founder (in 2001) of Siegel Consultancy LLC, he has served multiple life science industry clients needing ad hoc regulatory, clinical or scientific affairs expertise. He has written scientific papers, clinical study and product development reports, and regulatory submissions to all FDA Centers. He has consulted on Quality System design and implementation, software verification and validation testing and regulatory strategy based on current regulatory standards and insight into FDA concerns and activities.
Recently, Siegel was responsible for product development, research, manufacturing and testing partnerships, regulatory activities and investor support for ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc. as Senior Director, Product Development and Regulatory Affairs (starting in October, 2006), and subsequently as VP and Chief Scientific Officer from 2008, coming from Zila, Inc., where he served as Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, responsible for leadership of the company’s Scientific and Regulatory Affairs programs in oncology and oral health. Siegel had served as Domain Expert to the Life Sciences Group at Sun Microsystems and lead the MD/PhD team responsible for the identification, acquisition and integration of regulatory and scientific content into a product being developed by BioQ Inc. in collaboration with IBM, Accenture and Autonomy (a European artificial intelligence company). Prior to that, he served with two CROs as Regulatory Director at Paragon Biomedical and at Advanced Bioresearch Associates, a boutique medical product development specialty CRO with multiple offices nationwide, providing regulatory, clinical and scientific support for life science companies. He joined ABA following regulatory affairs positions at Hybritech Inc. (an Eli Lilly company) and Iatric Corporation, where he was responsible for regulatory and compliance activities surrounding biological products and a monoclonal antibody/drug combination product.
After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY and PhD in Biochemical Pharmacology from SUNY Buffalo (working with Drs. J. Craig Venter and David J. Triggle), Siegel performed post-doctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, and at the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ. He has served on the Board of Directors for ImmuneRegen, as well as the Phoenix Leadership group of AZBio, the Arizona life science industry trade group.
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]]>Rural Economic Development Grant Program Helps Create Jobs, Provide Capital Investment
PHOENIX (April 12, 2012) –The Arizona Commerce Authority awarded $1.5 million from the Rural Economic Development Grant Program to 8 communities which will be leveraged to create up to 180 new jobs which represent approximately $6.6 million in new payroll and nearly $10.5 million in new capital investment to the state. Grants range in value from $60,000 to $460,000, and will be used to assist rural communities foster economic development projects that represent job growth and capital investment in base industries. “Our rural communities have always had the potential to foster technological development and job creation – but they haven’t always had the means to do so,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “I commend the Commerce Authority for recognizing the importance of rural economic development with these much-needed grants.” "Arizona's rural communities are an important facet to our statewide economy, and the ACA is committed to facilitating job creation in every corner of our state," said Don Cardon, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "We understand these communities have limited budgets, and the ACA is pleased to provide them with resources to enhance their economic base." "This is the type of investment we need in rural Arizona. We need to bring jobs and development to areas other than the big cities," said Senate President Steve Pierce. Arizona House of Representatives Speaker Andy Tobin applauded the ACA stating, “Rural Arizona has always had the potential to make impressive advancements in the development of emerging technologies. This generous grant from the ACA will help those communities continue to provide much needed jobs and new technology solutions while increasing the viability of Arizona’s rural industries." "I am proud to be part of the Governor and Legislature's efforts to support business opportunities in Yuma," said Senator Don Shooter. "By supporting these companies we encourage the business community to do what it does best - and that is to create jobs we need in Yuma and all of Arizona." Using the strong relationships the local communities have with their respective companies, the ACA solicited applications from and awarded grants to various cities or towns. The cities selected deserving companies for the awards. The 8 grant recipients, and their selected projects include:City of Flagstaff - $100,000
Machine Solutions
City of Yuma - $460,000
InsulTech
Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce - $95,000
Mountain Heart, LLC
Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology - $60,000
PathoGene LLC
Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation - $304,302
Superior Industries
Yampa Manufacturing
Hot House Naturals
Buddy Companies
Bronze Smith Factory
Town of Payson - $300,000
Advanced Tactical Armament Concepts, Inc.
Valley Verde Wine Consortium - $124,000
Rhone Unlimited, LLC
Freitas Vineyards
Merkin Vineyards
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Yuma Chamber of Commerce - $60,000
DatePac
This is the second year of ACA's Rural Economic Development Grant program, which has been well received by the rural economic development community. "As a rural economic development practitioner, the support from ACA to rural areas has taken a large step forward. The prospect activity over the past year in addition to the Rural Grant and other efforts has bolstered our ability to compete for job creation. I applaud ACA's efforts to give the rural communities the opportunity," said Gary Marks, executive director of the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation. The ACA, along with a review committee, reviewed 49 proposals and determined the 8 recipients based on criteria including job creation, capital investment, project sustainability and cost effectiveness. The grants will be paid on a reimbursable basis, with each grantee submitting invoices for allowable costs. Each grantee must submit a monthly report to the ACA to ensure projects are progressing. ]]>
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Dr. Rob Keller brings extensive experience in research and product development for FDA regulated products. Dr. Kellar is the former VP of Research and Development for Histogen, Inc., a regenerative medicine company in San Diego, CA. He has served as a lead scientist in discussions with the FDA on the challenges of new biologic product regulations and has brought a number of regulated products to market. Within the medical device industry, Dr. Kellar has served in a variety of roles, including management oversight for research & development, clinical studies, manufacturing, regulatory approval, marketing and sales of medical devices. Dr. Kellar is the Founder and President of Development Engineering Sciences, a firm based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Kellar's previous experience in the biomedical industry also includes prior positions with W.L. Gore & Associates and Advanced Tissue Sciences. Dr. Kellar serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for Theregen, a cell therapy company investigating the cardiovascular applications of the cell-based human tissue patch, Angerina™. Dr. Kellar also holds an Adjunct Professor Faculty position in Mechanical Engineering at Northern Arizona University.
Josh Cross is the CEO of Hermes Commerce, Inc. (HCI) makes commerce easy. HCI delivers an app to mobile devices with which people can easily pay for goods and services with participating merchants. Through the app, merchants are able to drive sales by hyper-locally targeting customers with advertisements and coupons. Bank account information, security settings, privacy settings, alerts, and other opt-in features are easily accessible through the mobile app or app website. Credit cards and interchange fees are eliminated from POS transactions. Peer-to-peer money transfers are enabled.HCI makes getting money easy.
Dr. Craig Woods has held various senior level positions in the pharmaceutical industry where he developed a variety of new products in immunology, ophthalmology, oncology and tissue repair. He has personally founded several life science companies and serves as a scientific and business consultant to a number of institutions. In 1998, Dr. Woods helped form Quest Vision, Inc. to develop the first practical human artificial accommodating lens. QuestVision, Inc was eventually acquired by Advanced Medical Optics (now Abbott Laboratories). Dr. Woods has special interests in comparative research to advance human and veterinary medicine, and has published in leading veterinary and human medical journals. He is a frequent lecturer at veterinary and life science conferences concerning advancements in medical technology. As an undergraduate, he was awarded a Howard Hughes Medical Fellowship in genetics, and has been awarded multiple grants in comparative research in immunology and ophthalmology. Craig obtained his B.S. (Biology), a M.S. (Biochemistry / Anatomy), and D.V.M. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Craig earned his MBA in logistics from Arizona State University.
Entrepreneurial SpiritMonday, April 9th, 6:00 PMW.A. Franke College of Business's Gardner AuditoriumEvent is free and open to the public. No registration required.
Monday, April 9th, 6:00 PM
W.A. Franke College of Business's Gardner Auditorium
Event is free and open to the public. No registration required.
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The Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology and The W. A. Franke College of Business are proud to announce its April Executive Speaker, Billy Parish on April 2nd at 6:00 PM in the Gardner Auditorium.
Billy will be discussing the 6-step process to build a foundation for a career of meaning that he and his team developed in Making Good. It will be an interactive workshop, including small group conversations, exercises and an exploration of where the opportunities are for good jobs.
Billy Parish is Co-Founder and President of Solar Mosaic, a solar investment marketplace, and Co-Author of Making Good: Finding Meaning, Money & Community in a Changing World. In 2002, he dropped out of Yale to found the Energy Action Coalition and grew it into the largest youth advocacy organization in the world working on the climate crisis. A serial social entrepreneur, Parish has helped launch dozens of clean energy, youth, and green jobs related companies and organizations and has been honored as a Rolling Stone magazine "Climate Hero," an Utne Reader "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World" was elected as a Fellow by Ashoka, the global association of the world's leading social entrepreneurs. He lives in Oakland, CA, with his wife and two daughters.
Where: The W.A. Franke College of Business’s Gardner Auditorium
When: April 2nd at 6:00 PM
Event is free and open to the public. No registration required.
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Nest Energy Services has been selected by the Arizona Commerce Authority to receive an AZ FAST Grant award of $7,5000.00. This competitive grant enables Arizona-based technology companies to initiate the commercialization process.
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The Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology and The W. A. Franke College of Business are proud to announce its February Executive Speaker, Jack Irving on February 13th at 6:00 PM in the Gardner Auditorium
Jack Irving has a diverse background with over 20 years experience in marketing, product marketing, training/OD, sales and sales management Jack has led the marketing efforts for products and services from medical devices to high tech, technology services, network infrastructure, professional services/consulting and software companies. This broad experience has included both F500 and start-ups. Jack is also a published business columnist and has been a featured speaker and panelist at trade shows, expositions and the National Institutes of Science. Jack has been interviewed in Japan, China, Germany, England and the US in various business publications. He has managed 3 global training organizations and is a life member of International Society for Performance Improvement, the American Society for Training and Development and various other industry associations and groups.
Where: The W.A. Franke College of Business’s Gardner Auditorium
When: February 13th at 6:00 PM
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(Flagstaff, Ariz., January 20, 2012) – The Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET) is pleased to announce the establishment of an Executive-in-Residence program (EIR).
The Executive-in-Residence program is designed to provide NACET client companies with executive level management and advisory services. These services are provided by an experienced executive with a passion for entrepreneurship who can provide insight and knowledge on business strategy, organizational development, finances, and sales and marketing. These advisory services are custom tailored to meet the unique needs of each start-up company.
In conjunction with the establishment of the EIR program NACET is proud to name Michael Zervas as NACET’s first Executive-in-Residence.
Michael is a senior executive who has established himself as a uniquely successful operator of start-up enterprises. Over the last 25 years he has personally bootstrapped five consecutive businesses with a combined market cap of over 125 million dollars. Starting at the age of 26, Michael took a 5,000 dollar bank loan and over the next 12 years built the largest advertising agency in Phoenix, Arizona at that time. With gross revenues exceeding 25 million per annum, The Michaels Wilder Group (www.michaelwilder.com) serviced fortune 1,000 clients where Michael honed his advertising, marketing and sales skills earning numerous regional and national awards for his campaigns.
Upon executing a value realizing event for his agency, Michael next approached Schwans Food Service (www.Schwans.com) with the idea of developing a franchise model for their grab and go line of products. Awarded the pilot program, he quickly developed an area plan encompassing Arizona, New Mexico, California and Nevada.
Michael then built a boutique consulting agency, Inuit Consulting, which assists start up ventures in plan development, capitalization, and launch. During the last 8 years Michael has consulted with hundreds of small businesses. Inuit Consulting then began acting as an angel investor in start-up projects while Michael took key director positions to help drive growth and profits.
His latest undertaking is the ground up development of a cardiovascular and sleep medicine center of excellence. Combining outpatient diagnostic capabilities with inpatient clinic and outpatient surgical center, Mountain Heart (mountainheartcares.com) has become the largest and most referred cardiovascular and sleep facility in Northern Arizona. This vertically integrated organization focuses on lean manufacturing techniques and superior patient satisfaction. These focuses are being touted as a model for medicine in the 21st century.
Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, partnering with the City of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University, fosters business growth and economic vitality, creating high-quality jobs for the region. Partnering with a wide variety of non-technology, service, manufacturing, high technology, science and renewable energy firms, NACET offers a hands-on business incubation engagement program designed to transform innovation into viable companies. NACET has operated its current program in Flagstaff for the last 11 years.
To learn more about NACET, log on to www.nacet.org.###
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BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING SERVICES
for
The Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology
Issued by:
Russ Yelton, President and CEO of The Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET) has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA). The Arizona Small Business Association is a dynamic, growing community dedicated to entrepreneurial development and business advancement. With a reach to more than half a million employees at over 11,000 member businesses, ASBA provides services at every stage of business growth. With 41% growth during the recent economic turndown, ASBA is Arizona’s leading, most experience trade association.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Yelton will participate in meetings , provide insight into the needs of entrepreneurial companies and assist in other functions of the ASBA Board. ASBA, a state-wide organization, is the largest trade organization in the nation and addresses issues facing small businesses in Arizona. Mr. Yelton says “I joined the ASBA’s Board of Directors to ensure the voices of NACET clients are represented in Arizona. as well as the needs of small business owners across the state”. The ASBA directly addresses issues facing small business throughout Arizona and they have a strong voice in creating new legislation.
Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, partnering with the City of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University, fosters business growth and economic vitality, creating high-quality jobs for the region. Partnering with a wide variety of non-technology, service, manufacturing, high technology, science and renewable energy firms, NACET offers a hands-on business incubation engagement program designed to transform innovation into viable companies. NACET has operated its current program in Flagstaff for the last 11 years, has offices at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Business Assistance Center operated by the Northern Arizona Council of Governments and also provides management services to the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation, a new incubator opening In January 2012 at GateWay Community College in Phoenix.
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December 19, 2011 -- NACET would like to express its gratitude to all NACET Clients, Mentors, and Friends for their generous donation of over 250 food items to the Flagstaff Family Food Center. The Flagstaff Family Food Center provides nutritional meals in a safe pleasant environment and assists children with reading, homework and social skills. Our contribution will help the Flagstaff Family Food center serve hot, nutritious meals to Flagstaff families in need. You can learn more about the Flagstaff Family Food Center at http://www.hotfood.org/.
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The Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology and the W. A. Franke College of Business are proud to announce its final Executive Speaker Series for 2011!
Please join us by bringing questions for our Business Services Panel comprised of Russ Yelton from Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, Stephanie McKinney from National Bank of Arizona, and Michael Zervas from Mountain Heart. The panel will be answering questions such as, "What do I do next with my business idea?", "How do I start my own business?", "How do people end up as entrepreneurs?", and more. The panel will be welcoming questions you may have about starting a business so bring those questions with you to the event and be prepared to have an interactive session with this incredible panel!
The event is this coming Monday, November 21st at 5:30 PM in the Gardner Auditorium.
Russ Yelton received his Bachelor’s in Management from Appalachian State University and his MBA from Western Carolina University where he has also completed coursework towards his doctorate. Russ is a serial entrepreneur who, besides starting various companies, has been in incubation management for more than five years. In his previous career he worked with a community college to convert an abandoned 141,000 sq ft manufacturing facility into a mixed use incubator consisting of an FDA approved commercial food kitchen, biotechnology research labs, light manufacturing and executive offices. The program also developed agreements with seven incubators in six foreign countries which lead to its recognition by the National Business Incubation Association as the second most innovative program in the world in 2008. Yelton has served as both President and Vice-President of the North Carolina Business Incubation Association, Chair of the Mountain South Incubator Alliance and currently serves on the board of directors of the National Business Incubation Association as well as several others.
Stephanie McKinney is a local business leader with more than 25 years of experience and currently serves as Vice President Business Relationship Manager for National Bank of Arizona. Prior assignments include 8 years as President and CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Economic Council, receiving 3 Governor’s Excellence in Rural Development awards during her tenure. Stephanie relocated to the Flagstaff area after a 20 year banking career in Southern California. An active member of the Flagstaff community, Stephanie was honored as Flagstaff’s ATHENA recipient in 2004. She currently serves on the Governor’s Council on Workforce Policy, the Flagstaff Forty Executive Committee, the Non Profit Resource Center Board of Directors, and the Finance Committee for Coconino County’s Economic Development Initiative. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and an Economic Development Institute Certificate from the University of Oklahoma. Her hobbies include golf, gardening, scuba diving, and volunteering as a big sister with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
Michael Zervas is a founding partner of Mountain Heart Sleep and Cardio Vascular Center of Excellence, the largest and most referred to facility in Northern Arizona, serving over 25,000 patients a year. Michael’s entrepreneurial background began in 1987 where utilizing a 5k dollar credit line, launched an advertising/marketing agency which grew to 20 million dollars in annual revenue and was the recipient of several national awards. Upon the sale of that venture, his next endeavor was to launch a regional franchise concept that grew to 75 franchisees and 6 million in revenue by year two. He consults on start up business projects all over the world. Zervas is a recognized authority on sales, advertising, marketing and entrepreneurship and has been published nationally. He is solicited regularly by Universities to speak on the subjects of entrepreneurialism and value integration. An advocate for cultivating next generation business leaders, Michael judges annual national and international student entrepreneurial competitions. Mr. Zervas is a trained mixed martial artist and keeps his edge with regular workouts. Active in his local community as a volunteer football coach, he is also a member of both the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and NACET. Michael’s commitment to business is only matched by his commitment to social responsibilities. He sits on the board of several charitable organizations in the U.s and Canada and volunteers at the Flagstaff Family Food Center.
Where: W.A. Franke College of Business’s Gardner Auditorium
When: November 21st at 5:30 PM
Cost and Registration: The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
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The Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology and the W. A. Franke College of Business are proud to announce its November Executive Speaker, David Engelthaler on November 7th at 5:30 PM in the Gardner Auditorium.
David M. Engelthaler is the Director of TGen North in Flagstaff, AZ, part of the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute. TGen North is focused on advancing public health, clinical medicine and biodefense through targeted microbial genomics. Besides directing the day-to-day operations at TGen North, Dave oversees a number of research groups working on developing tools to detect and analyze infectious diseases such as influenza, valley fever, MRSA, cholera, plague, anthrax and others. He is also the co-founder of PathoGene LLC, a Flagstaff for-profit company (located at NACET), developed to transform mid to late stage diagnostic intellectual property into market-ready assays.
David was recently the Arizona State Epidemiologist and the Arizona Biodefense Coordinator. He has over fifteen years experience in public health related research, including ten years with the Arizona Department of Health Services and three years with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, working with such diseases as plague and tularemia. He has published numerous papers on epidemiology, disease ecology, genetics, and microbiology. David has several years experience in leading teams, managing large programs and multi-million dollar budgets, developing collaborations, and developing education programs. He has briefed the Arizona legislature and has testified before Congress. He continues to work closely with state, federal, and international health agencies to help solve a variety of health and safety related problems.
David got his undergraduate in Biology at Northern Arizona University, has a Master's Degree in Microbiology from Colorado State University and he currently lectures and teaches classes on infectious diseases and epidemiology at NAU, where he hold a research faculty position. Dave sits on the Coconino County Public Health District Advisory Board and a number of non-profit boards and committees in Arizona.
Where: W.A. Franke College of Business’s Gardner Auditorium
When: November 7th at 5:30 PM
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The Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology and the W. A. Franke College of Business are proud to announce its September Executive Speaker, Todd Snowden on September 12th at 5:30 PM in the Gardner Auditorium.
Todd Snowden is the President of PathoGene, LLC, a medical diagnostics company dedicated to identifying infectious microbes (viruses, bacteria and fungi) using cutting edge DNA technologies. The company’s mission is to develop novel molecular diagnostic assays for detection, surveillance and treatment decision support to the global healthcare, veterinary and public health markets. These developments will help control the spread of infectious agents, improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs associated with the treatment of infectious diseases. Todd will be discussing licensing and commercializing technology at a University level.
Where: W.A. Franke College of Business’s Gardner Auditorium
When: September 12th at 5:30 PM
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NACET's first ever MentorFest is coming this Thursday, September 1st. This is an exciting opportunity for the public to meet with the amazing individuals involved in NACET's Mentors Group. The Mentors Group at NACET provides an incredible opportunity for NACET clients to receive expert advice from experts in specific business fields. This expertise provides timely and important information to clients as they make critical business decisions. The group also allows clients the opportunity to meet professionals early in the lives of their companies that they may engage later as their companies grow.
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When Anthony Horn was six years old, he wasn’t playing with army men like other youngsters his age; he took apart a Power Mac GE computer.
“My inspiration for technology and being in a business came from Apple. I have always been a fan of Apple, but the way Steve Jobs [CEO of Apple] thinks simply inspires me. He knew what he was doing, with Apple, Pixar, and NExT,” Horn said.
Horn is going to be a junior at Coconino High School this fall and is looking forward to his educational opportunities there. He recently took his interest in technology beyond the high school classroom when he attended a week-long seminar for budding entrepreneurs coordinated by the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET). The program is called Young Entrepreneurial Scholars, or YES.
“I wanted to participate in this program because I have a dream to change the world with technology. And if I were to just jump into it, error would come quickly. This program will help me understand what I need to do to create and manage a successful company,” he said.
During the week, nine high school students were provided with hands-on entrepreneurship training. “The Chamber has long focused on local youth and the potential impact they have on local businesses after graduation. It is important that students understand that we encourage their entrepreneurial thinking and that even the smallest ideas can blossom into small businesses. We want students to have the opportunity to put their ideas into practice,” Julie Pastrick chief executive officer of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce said.
All it takes is one good idea with the right set of support and business success tools for someone to be their own boss and launch their own small business. We hope that this week gives our participants the chance to put their ideas into practice,” she continued.
Stephanie Hoyt, 16, also participated in the scholar’s week. She is going into her junior year at Northland Preparatory Academy. “I wanted to participate in the YES week program because of the experience. Entrepreneurship has always interested me. My parents started their own business and they both love what they do. I still do not know what I would like to do after I get out of school, so going to this camp will hopefully clarify if I want to go into entrepreneurship or not,” Hoyt said.
Hoyt’s interests are varied and she is driven to expand her skill set. “I love to read and learn. I also frequently babysit and tutor every once in awhile. At school, I am a member of the Baking Club, Grand Canyon Youth, Mock Trial, and Student Council,” she added. At the seminar, she presented her idea of starting a company that offers all organic products, from food to clothing, a type of organic Target, she says. Hoyt led a group of students in molding a business plan to create such a company on paper.
During the training event, students learned several components about entrepreneurial opportunities and operating their own businesses. Among many activities, they gained an understanding of entrepreneurship as a viable career option, learned about available resources in Northern Arizona to help business owners once they opened their business, they met and learned from successful entrepreneurs, brushed up on their social skills and learned how to work confidently in groups.
Jeff Saville, vice president with NACET, said, “This was a great opportunity for area teens to learn about what it takes to create business ideas and bring them to fruition.”
Jamey Hasapis and Trish Rensink of the BelleWether Group facilitated the event and led students through many of the activities. “A lot of time in school we get only theory and we don’t learn how to adapt English, math and science and transfer them into a workable business plan. This week was an opportunity for the students to meld their education and skills,” Hasapis said.
“We want to see more spirit in the business world. I hope I helped to inspire more confidence in these students and teach them to solve problems and find opportunities,” Rensink said.
Students learned how to create a business plan, develop a company website, and record a company video for podcasting – many of the skills necessary to succeed in the current economy and business environment. Horn says he’ll take every bit of advice he learned and try to apply it to his dreams.
“The profession I want to get into after school is simply technology. I want to rethink everything we have, and make it better, smarter, and more affordable. I want to create jobs for people,” Horn said. FBN
http://www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com/young-entrepreneurs-learn-from-business-leaders/
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Luxury Rush Website
Luxury Rush Radio Commercial
Luxury Rush Video Commercial
Eco-Fresco Website
Eco-Fresco Radio Commercial
Eco-Fresco Video Commercial
CURE Website
CURE Radio Commercial
CURE Video Commercial
A huge thank you to our lunch sponsors for the week!
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Sean Tierney, co-founder of Scratch Audio, sits with his laptop running the Scratch Audio website. (Jake Bacon/Arizona Daily Sun)
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Making Bookkeeping Simpler
]]>Sedona Energy labs are planning to unveil their dual axis tracking module at the American Solar Energy Society’s National solar Conference in May 2010.
]]>Industry Profiles & Trends
Competitive Profiling
Market Data & Analysis
Business Development
Due Diligence
Fact Checking
Demographic Research
Client & Customer Lead Research
Grant Funding & Research
Chris splits his time between Flagstaff and Phoenix. He is a private pilot and enjoys flying his Cessna 182 into beautiful Pulliam Airport.
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Resource Request Form
Use this form to request the following resources:
- Conference Room
- Mentor's Office
- Solidworks Licensing
Mentor's Meeting Request Form
If your a client company or other affiliate and want to meet with a Mentor, use this form.Mentor's Meeting Discussion Form
Once a Mentor has met with a client, use this form to report about the meeting.
Dr. Craig Woods holds a tarantula at the antivenom research facilities in Cuernavaca, Mexico. (March 2011); photo courtesy of BioVeteria Life Sciences, LLC
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Manson on April 25th at 6:00 PM in the Gardner Auditorium.
Michael S. Manson is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Business School, Michael co-founded several companies including PETsMART and Motor Excellence LLC - a new electric motor group. Motor Excellence, despite the difficult market, employs over 28 people and raised over $20 million in equity as one of the Southwest’s most successful startups. Michael serves as the Managing Member of Brookstone Ventures, a diversified land development and angel investment firm and acts as an advisor to several startup organizations. He worked for Allied Signal as a corporate troubleshooter and received the US. Presidential Award for Excellence in Environmental Design. He served on the Phoenix and Flagstaff Mayor’s Advisory Council, serves as an active leader of the Boy Scouts of America where he received his Eagle Scout and Golden Eagle awards, and enjoys serving in his church. Recently, the Governor of Arizona selected Michael to serve on the Executive Committee of the Arizona Commerce Authority. Despite these accomplishments, Michael considers one of his greatest achievements is surviving and recovering from a 17 year battle with HHV-6 and EBV related CFS. Michael’s motto is, “free truth and pray sweaty.”
Where: W.A. Franke College of Business’s Gardner Auditorium
When: April 25th, 6:00 PM
]]>Angele Sionna (www.ASionnaCreative.com) has been a professional journalist for 15 years, working in TV, print and online media. She also does media relations, public relations, social media management/consulting, website/blog management/consulting, TV producing/consulting, brand building/consulting, writing across all media and multimedia production. Angele has been honored as one of the top 15 mom bloggers in the US by Disney and Touchstone Pictures and has won multiple Emmys and other awards for journalism excellence. She has a bachelors from the University of Texas at Austin and a masters from TCU's Schieffer School of Journalism, both in journalism.
Seminar is free and open to the public. Space is limited so please register early.
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The Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology are proud to announce Young Entrepreneurial Scholars (YES!) Week, a week long summer event for incoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in the Northern Arizona area.
Goals of the Event
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NACET has made SolidWorks available to NACET clients as long as the Solid Works Check-Out and Use Procedures are followed.
Prior to the first use, each user must sign the Check-Out and Use Procedures document and file with NACET in order to use the SolidWorks service (forms and software must be obtained from NACET staff).
To request a reservation, search for an available time on the calendar, then complete the request form on the NACET web site. You will receive a confirmation email when your request has been approved.
Users may check out a license for up to 24 hours at a time, but not for 2 consecutive 24 hour blocks unless the subsequent block is unreserved as of 4pm the previous day.
Time blocks start and end at 9:00 AM.
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There are a few different types of NACET clients. Resident clients are clients that actually reside within the NACET building and receive priority when it comes to services provided by the core NACET team. Affiliate clients are off-site clients that receive services from NACET but don’t actually reside in the NACET building. Student Incubation clients are part of a new program at NACET that offers Affiliate services and some funding for services to current students (who are also starting businesses) at regional universities who qualify and successfully apply and are accepted to the program.
| List of Student Incubation Clients | |
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Ironsights Intelligence SMS Snacks |
Snag a Note WearEarth |
BELLEWETHER GROUP ANNOUNCES CUSTOMER SERVICE WORKSHOP
WHAT: Customer Service Workshop WHEN: February 16 & 23; 5:00 – 8:00 pm WHERE: Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technologies (NACET, 2225 Gemini Drive) WHO: Presented by BelleWether Group COST: $75.00 (Discounts available for Chamber or FiBA members) FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001: BelleWether Group announced today that it will present its FlagWoW customer service workshop at the Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technologies on February 16 & 23. This workshop is for anyone who deals with customers externally and internally. This includes, retail, manufacturing, service, hotel, restaurant and civic businesses. “Providing outstanding customer service is the easiest, most economical approach to making your business successful.” says owner/partner Trish Rensink. “Especially in these tough economic times when businesses are searching for ways to differentiate themselves from their competition.” The FlagWoW customer service workshop is in two 3-hour sessions. In the first session, participants will focus on communication, attitudes and making a commitment to customer service for their business. In the second 3-hour session participants will learn and share techniques on engaging staff and customers and how to include play in their everyday activities. “When participants leave our workshop they will have all the tools they need to put in place a plan to WoW their customers,” says owner/partner Jamey Hasapis. “Trish and I have this vision of when locals and visitors frequent local businesses that they leave saying ‘Wow, I had the greatest experience at this business.’ And they tell everyone they know about their great experience in Flagstaff.” For more information about the FlagWow customer service workshop or any of their other services, call Trish or Jamey directly at 928-853-8206 or 928-310-8660 or visit their website, www.bellewethergroup.com. Trish Rensink and Jamey Hasapis of the BelleWether Group bring over 20 years experience with Fortune 500 Companies inspiring businesses and business leaders to change what they do and become more successful; helping them navigate change, gain focus, define their direction, and develop highly effective teams. Contact: Trish Rensink or Jamey Hasapis Phone: (928)853-8206 or (928)310-8660 BELLEWETHER GROUP 1600 W. Ashley Way Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Phone (928) 853-8206### ]]>
in the Gardner Auditorium.
R. Dixon Thayer is chief executive officer of Southwest Windpower, the world’s leading supplier of distributed wind generators. Thayer leads all areas of business operations and works directly with Southwest Windpower’s senior management team to implement its worldwide growth strategy. His expertise has proven to be indispensable in strengthening Southwest Windpower’s position as a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of small wind turbines and in meeting the world’s demand for green, renewable energy.
Thayer came to Southwest Windpower in December 2009 with more than 25 years of experience in corporate leadership and a history of success in business turnarounds, regenerative growth and value creation. In his capacity as chief executive officer, Thayer directs corporate development, managing strategic growth and company direction, further enabling Southwest Windpower to leverage its tremendous market opportunity while launching the company into subsequent growth.
Prior to joining Southwest Windpower, Thayer confirmed his ability to generate results in the marketplace through numerous executive management roles at major corporations, including chief executive officer of global new business operations at Ford Motor Company’s FCSD sector, and president and chief executive officer at Provant Consulting Companies. Additionally, as president of Sunbeam’s International Division, Thayer led the organization to significant growth and profitability in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Other executive positions held by Thayer include vice president of research, development, engineering and global growth for Kimberly Clark Corporation, as well as numerous roles during his extensive time at Scott Paper Company from 1973 to 1992.
Where: W.A. Franke College of Business’s Gardner Auditorium
When: March 28th, 6:00 PM
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The Power of the Prototype
Presented by Bryan Cooperrider
February 24, 2011
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
NACET Conference Room
2225 N. Gemini Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
So you've got an idea for a great product. But ideas are a dime a dozen - how do you take it to the next level? Prototyping is a powerful tool that is a cheap and effective means of elevating your ideas. In this talk we'll focus on how to get to prototypes and what to do once you are there. Bryan Cooperrider Bryan is the director of the Design4Practice program at NAU, where he teaches design classes at the freshman through senior level. He is a mechanical engineer/product designer and focuses on ideation and the design process. He has extensive experience in prototyping and manufacturing. He is also senior designer at BC Engineering, a small product design consulting firm in Flagstaff.
Seminar is free and open to the public. Space is limited so please register early.
Lunch will be provided.
Please join Kevin West, Kai Degomez and Donald Ignace of West Christensen
- for -
Demystifying Business Tax and Recent Changes!
Kevin has over 25 years of accounting and financial business experience. He has worked with small to medium sized companies in various executive financial positions in public accounting and private industry. He brings to his clients a broad range of skills and experience in tax planning and compliance, business valuation, business improvement initiatives, internal control design, cash management and capital financing.
Presenters will discuss how recent tax changes will effect your business and will uncover the truth about tax myths and mysteries.
This is a FREE EVENT and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(space is limited so please register early)
LUNCH PROVIDED!
Thursday February 10th from 11:30-1:00
NACET 2225 N. Gemini Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Thursday January 27th from11:30-1:00
NACET 2225 N. Gemini Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology is proud to present The Power of Angel Investing. This seminar provides an overview of the angel investing process, including the details of finding, evaluating, and structuring deals and developing angel-entrepreneur relationships that lead to success. The highly interactive program provides attendees with practical information on best practices in angel investing through expert presentations, panel discussions, and small group case studies. A faculty of experienced angel investors, serial entrepreneurs, and expert service providers deliver the seminar. The seminar is segmented with several opportunities to encourage conversations and idea sharing among and between participants and the faculty, including refreshment breaks, a luncheon, and a cocktail party at the conclusion of the event.
Power of Angel Investing Seminar Agenda
7:30 - 8:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 8:25 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Session I
8:25 - 9:00 How Angel Financing Fits In
9:00 - 9:25 Is Angel Investing Right for You?
9:25 - 9:55 Angel Portfolio Strategy
9:55 - 10:15Break
Session II
10:15 - 10:40 Overview of Due Diligence
10:40 - 11:10 Discussion of Due Diligence
Session III
11:10 - 12:00 Structuring the Deal
12:00 - 1:00Lunch
Session IV
1:00 - 1:30 Valuation Methodologies
1:30 - 2:50 Break-out Group Case Discussions
2:50 - 3:10 Break-out Group Case Presentations
3:10 - 3:30 Case Studies and Valuation
3:30 - 3:45 Break
Session V
3:45 - 4:00 The Post Investment Relationship
4:00 - 4:45 The Post Investment Relationship-panel
4:45 - 5:00 Closing Comments
5:00 - 6:00 Cocktail Reception
Event Details:
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
7:30am – 6:00pm
NAU Applied Research and Development Building #56
Registration Required:
Accredited Angel Investors $150 Sponsors
Event Sponsors
]]>How To Get Qualified Traffic To Your Website
Thursday January 13 11:30-1 pm Location: 2225 N. Gemini Drive FlagstaffAnthony Flesch started FP squared Marketing in 1993. Prior to that, he had his own agency and worked in the southern California and Boston area as a creative director and free-lancer in renewable energy, environmental remediation, high-technology, electronic commerce, health care, automotive and financial services.
Seminar components include: SEO – top ten tips and what NOT to do PPC Advertising – how to get maximum ROI Video – why it’s a “must have” online Social Media – a simple introduction Email Marketing – a tool to drive traffic, and profitable on its own Offline tactics to create website traffic FREE Lunch Provided!This is a free seminar and open to the public. Space is limited to 25 seats so please register early and only register if you are confident you will attend.
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Environmentally friendly "green" wines have been touted by various wineries for several years, promoting their eco-friendly and long-term sustainable practices.
But most are shipped in a glass bottle that likely comes from a California-based winery. Even if the bottle is recycled, the carbon footprint to get a glass of Napa Valley's finest onto the dinner table is fairly large.
But what if that wine bottle could be reused indefinitely?
The answer to that question is the basis for a new business here in Flagstaff that is set to recycle and reuse wine bottles: Sustainable Packaging Solutions.
Founder Dave Williamson will introduce two varieties of his Kind Vines brand wine into Bashas' here in Flagstaff sometime next month, a Chardonnay currently priced at $7.99 and a Cabernet Sauvignon for $9.99.
The premise will have wine aficionados buying a bottle and putting down a fully refundable $2 deposit.
Once the bottle is returned, the owner will get the deposit back and Bashas' will return the bottle to Williamson to be cleaned and refilled here in Flagstaff.
Holding a bottle in his hands last week, Williamson said wine bottles have been unfairly maligned when someone discusses reusing the bottle.
"There is absolutely no reason why this bottle can't be reused," he said.
He approached dozens of vineyards -- including several in Arizona -- about his idea. Most laughed him out of their offices.
"They feel like it would cheapen their product," he said.
But eventually Williamson found some wineries who believed in his sustainable vision. One selling point, he said, was buying the wine in bulk rather than shipping them in individual bottles.
"It is a 65 percent reduction in fuel costs and 65 percent reduction in fossil fuels," he said.
It will cost $2.26 to make the recyclable wine bottles, from the bake-on permanent label to using a glass cork called a Vino-Lok. Typical packaging costs with traditional bottles with plastic labels and actual corks are about $1.10 per unit.
The company will make up those costs as the users recycle the bottles.
"When we get the bottle back, our packaging costs are almost down to zero," Williamson said.
Williamson has also incorporated a two-dimensional barcode or a "QR code" onto each of his bottles.
The barcode, easily translated by most modern cell phones, can take a user to a website with more information on the wine itself.
The black and white box on the back of bottles is designed to address a problem with recycling the bottles over and over again.
Small wineries like Kind Vines don't have their own vineyard, instead buying their wine from a third party, almost always a vineyard with excess capacity. The fired-on label on the bottle may never change, but over time, the vineyard might.
A quick click on the QR code will tell cork techies exactly where the wine came from.
"We leave it vague (on the bottle) so this can change and then we are not bound to any specific vineyard or winery," Williamson said. "We can take advantage of the current market and go to hundreds of wineries to get the best deal out there."
Currently, the Chardonnay is a 2009 vintage from Lodi, Calif., and the Cabernet Sauvignon is a 2007 from Red Hills, Calif.
Kind Vines will be on the shelves in Flagstaff and Sedona Bashas' sometime in November.
Joe Ferguson can be reached at jferguson@azdailysun.com or 556-2253.
ON THE WEB Kind Vines: http://bit.ly/bnRDd4
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Visit NACET on Friday Oct 15 th to see all of the big ideas that NACET clients are coming up with...3 pm -5 pm open house. Tech Day is FREE & open to the public !
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This is a free seminar and open to the public.
Space is limited so please register early!
NACET will be providing lunch!
Flagstaff offers a large variety of hotel, motel, bed/breakfast and inn accommodations,conference and meeting venues, more than 200 restaurants, numerous night spots, and a variety of cultural, historic and scientific attractions. A vibrant educational location, it is home to one of the state’s three universities and a well-respected community college. The city has a thriving artistic community and many venues for the performing arts.
The natural assets of Flagstaff are what are most apparent when you first arrive. The fresh scent of pine permeates the air because of the Coconino National Forest, the world’s largest collection of Ponderosa Pines. Flagstaff is surrounded by this natural wonder and in close proximity to the Grand Canyon, San Francisco Peaks (12,633 ft) and the Red Rocks of Sedona.
The first “International Dark Sky City” boasts amazing night skies with millions of stars. There are many City of Flagstaff parks where you can enjoy all these natural wonders and an extensive urban trail system within and around the city.
Flagstaff is situated in the mountains at 7,000 feet and has four distinct seasons. The spring winds bring fields of flowers and summer is marked by warm temperatures and afternoon showers during the monsoon season. Autumn brings crisp days and the yellowing of the Aspen trees and winter snow makes Flagstaff a desirable destination for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and general snow play.
Centrally located, Flagstaff is close to many of the state’s natural attractions. North is the Grand Canyon, Page and Lake Powell, eastbound is the Painted Desert, the Navajo and Hopi Nations, and New Mexico. Go west and you can reach Las Vegas in about four hours by car and Los Angeles in about eight. Driving south winds through the dramatic mountain views of Oak Creek Canyon down to the red rock mesas of Sedona and Phoenix is a little over two hours away on Interstate 17.
At the junction of two major U.S. interstates I-40 and I-17, Flagstaff is served by a regional airport with direct flights to Phoenix, as well as a busy train depot. Flagstaff is a key destination for people seeking the adventure, natural beauty, charm and wide open spaces of the American West.
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Flagstaff, Ariz., September 20, 2010 - Sedona Energy Labs today announced InteliTrack™, its new line of dual-axis solar tracking frames. The line includes the IT1500 designed for lightweight applications and IT2000 designed for commercial/industrial installations. Based on patent-pending technology, "these new systems enable solar arrays to generate a 40% or greater increase in power produced, compared to fixed solar frames," said Mark Scanlon, Founder and CEO. "This shortens project payback by about half and raises typical project ROI from single digits to the mid-teens."
InteliTrack's key difference from other tracking frames is its Balanced/Frame™ design. Conventional pole-mounted systems suspend the PV array from a single point so that it is always out-of-balance and pulled by gravity, requiring a massive support structure and base. The InteliTrack mounts PV panels like a gimbaled ship's compass - the panels revolve on their own axes and are always in balance no matter how they are positioned. The advantages of this design lead to significant cost savings: - minimal or no concrete foundation required to support the system - little concrete and no heavy digging equipment - minimal effort needed to rotate the panels - lightweight actuators and little power consumed - lightweight structure - no crane needed, fast and easy to assemble
The IT2000 supports 5 PV panels of up to 85" x 45" generating 2030W from 290W panels. Its low-to-the-ground design conserves space making for high project density and more power per acre. Units can be ganged together sharing actuators and saving cost.
The IT1500 supports 6 panels of up to 72" x 36" generating 1554W from 180W panels. Weighing only 100lbs, the IT1500 is ideal for rooftop, parking shade structure, and other applications where weight is a factor. IT1500s can also be ganged together.
Tracking for the InteliTrack line is done by the Yokogawa HXS10 SolStation Solar Positioning Controller.
Sedona Energy Labs is the first US company to adopt HXS10 and the second company worldwide. This power plant ready control system has a rich set of inputs and outputs, and is Modbus® and SCADA compatible, with a complete set of diagnostics and built with sturdy, industrial-grade technology. "These features make Yokogawa's product a perfect fit for our application" said Mark Scanlon. "Their technology made it easy for us to implement features like backtracking and dynamic detection of obstructions to array motion," continued Scanlon. "The InteliTrack uses our technology to its best advantage," according to Andrew Brodie, Product Manager for Yokogawa.
The InteliTrack's dual-axis system can overcome a sub-optimal installation in which the array is not perfectly south-aligned. Because it can move in 2 axes, it can position the panels correctly generating the maximum possible power in all seasons and at all times of the day. In addition, the product's active tracking controls can perform wind-speed sensing to park the array in protective mode, snow load sensing to dump accumulated snow, and can park the array horizontally or vertically by remote command.
Sedona Energy Labs will be demonstrating InteliTrack at the Solar Power International show at the Los Angeles, Calif. Convention Center, October 12-14, 2010 in booth number 6345.
About Sedona Energy Labs Founded in 2005 and headquartered at the Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technology in Flagstaff, Ariz., Sedona Energy Labs develops and manufacturers practical, cost-effective problem solving technologies for the alternative energy sector. The founders have a long-term commitment to developing simple innovations that create a better life and a better environment, and to expand awareness of energy independence and efficiency.
Contact: Alan Hochman, 480-595-8896, alan@SedonaEnergyLabs.com
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Tom Lederle, right, and his wife Gale stand by a mobile solar energy station developed by their business NEST Energy Systems, Inc. for the military, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. NEST received nearly $1 million from the... more » The Daily Courier, Brett Soldwedel Associated Press
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. (AP)— An old golf cart, a sick friend and an unwanted retirement aren't necessarily factors that are the foundation of a successful business.
But those three events all played vital roles in Tom Lederle's budding Prescott Valley business.
As the recipient of a nearly $1 million grant from federal stimulus money through the Arizona Department of Commerce, Lederle's success actually began in 2001.
That's when the former computer programmer left his software job because of some prodding from that employer in Phoenix.
"I wasn't ready to retire. It was kinda like a shock," he said.
Retreating to a cabin in the mountains about an hour outside Seattle, Lederle spent his time trying to help a family friend battling cancer.
That led Lederle to drop $500 on a golf cart for his friend to get around in and, unknowingly, this served as the first step in his business.
"That had a big impact on us," he said.
From there, Lederle went on to start selling golf carts in Prescott Valley later that year.
He took a cart that wouldn't sell, bolted two solar panels on the roof and tinkered with it until he got it to work with six 6-volt batteries in the cart.
"The lesson from that carries forward to now," he said.
Lederle figuratively drove into the mobile solar sector and spent the following four years selling solar carts to people and educating them about the carts and the fact that they give more power, torque and were quieter than traditional gas-powered carts.
Business was good as Lederle sold 40 solar carts and it became 30 percent of his golf cart sales.
"It was interesting; we learned a lot," he said. "I think we broke new ground."
In 2005, Lederle formed NEST Energy Services in town and sold the cart business the next year to focus on the mobile solar angle.
Lederle and his employees spent about six months securing a contract with the General Services Administration to do business with the federal government.
In the meantime, Lederle and his crew created a mobile power station with solar panels and electrical outlets in fall 2006.
Lederle took it to trade shows and began talking with the different branches of the military about its uses.
A 2005 executive order from former President George W. Bush requiring all federal agencies to cut their fossil fuel use by 3 percent annually was another piece of Lederle's puzzle to fall into place.
Lederle and his staff ultimately created the NEST Eagle-MC hybrid Power Trailer that comes with three solar panels on top, 24 batteries, three inverters, Ethernet and GPS capabilities and a computer inside.
The trailer is ideal for the military because it provides power in remote areas without the hassle and danger that fuel convoys attract. It also helps the military fulfill Bush's executive order.
Lederle took it to 29 Palms in California a couple of weeks ago to show it to the U.S. Marine Corps.
The grant and praise from the Marines on the trailer are huge, Lederle said.
"We feel honored," he said. "We feel like we have the device at the right moment in time."
The folks at the Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies also get credit in Lederle's success.
The Flagstaff-based business incubator assists entrepreneurs and technology start-up businesses reach success in northern Arizona.
Russ Yelton, president and chief executive officer of NACET, said they began working with Lederle this past May and encouraged him to apply for the grant.
"We started talking to Tom and we realized he was at a very critical point in his business," he said.
Yelton said he saw where Lederle could use some help.
"They were getting products into the military, but they really needed to ramp up and that's really a critical phase in business development, an area that we specialize in," he said.
And Yelton said the grant will help Lederle in many ways.
"It really means the immediate creation of jobs, It accelerates the development of future products with the military so that they can move faster in getting these things to them, which not only helps his company, but frankly it helps protect the men and women who serve our country," he said.
Lederle is also looking at applying his work to first responders.
Regardless of what happens, Lederle appreciates the evolution from golf cart to potentially saving lives.
"I've been very fortunate," he said. "We happen to have come to a point in time with an idea and the people to make a difference, that's an extreme privilege."
]]>Two Flagstaff-based businesses, Southwest Windpower and Motor Excellence, and NEST Energy Services out of Prescott Valley received the money as part of a federal stimulus program designed to encourage the manufacturing of energy-related technologies in Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Commerce, which was given the stimulus money, issued the grants. NACET assisted all three clients in applying for the funding.
Southwest Windpower will use the nearly $460,000 to modernize its production line. The grant will allow the manufacturer to produce its wind turbines at a lower cost.
Motor Excellence, which is developing a new class of electric motors and generators, received a $960,000 grant. The funding will help the business hire new engineers to further develop the first application of the technology, an electric bicycle motor.
NEST Energy Services, which manufactures transportable, computer-assisted alternative energy power support systems, received a $999,300 grant.
NEST's products are specifically engineered to meet the rigorous requirements of government and military customers in harsh, and often hostile, environments.
Posted: Sunday, August 8, 2010 5:05 am ]]>The Accreditation application, review and audit process was the result of almost a year’s work and Southwest Windpower is proud to be a worldwide leader in installer training. Accreditation means that installers and dealers who complete this program, regularly held here at NACET, have attended recognized training which is accepted by governments and regulatory authorities. Further, Southwest Windpower was approved to begin offering accredited weeklong Entry Level Wind Energy courses in an effort to grow interest in wind as a renewable energy source. These courses will also be offered here, at NACET.
Along with state of the art facilities, NACET is currently providing student research teams both domestic and international focusing on new markets and product strategies. Come this fall, the student team’s research will begin to be implemented in all of Southwest Windpower’s over all company strategies.
Affiliate Clients are companies approved by NACET who receive consulting services but do not require office or lab space. This program helps to support those who are in early stage development and not yet needing space or by existing companies who require NACET's technology commercialization expertise in bringing new products to market. Some of the benefits of this program include access to both domestic and international student research teams, access to NACET's Mentor group, video conference and conference room usage and monthly counseling services.
training programs taught by a combination of image analysis experts and board-certified pathologists.
Flagstaff, AZ (PRWEB) June 7, 2010 -- Flagship Biosciences LLC, a provider of digital pathology services, launches an online
training program for image analysis in digital pathology (http://www.flagshipbio.com/). This is the first time that a digital
pathology course has been offered by a combined team of image analysis scientists and veteran pathologists.
The first course is a once-a-week six-week series and is designed to allow adequate time between courses for pathologists
to practice what they have learned. “Quantitative pathology requires reproducible histology and immunohistochemistry
procedures, followed by a pathologist who completely understands the image analysis run on a whole slide image,” said
Frank Voelker, a senior pathologist at Flagship Biosciences, and one of the instructors. “This course series is the first of its
kind to discuss what happens to the tissue and the slide prior to image analysis, along with the actual image analysis
procedures themselves.”
“Having been involved in the pharmaceutical development of IHC-based companion diagnostics tests
(http://www.flagshipbio.com/services-2/tissue-biomarker-development/), I have seen first-hand a widespread lack of
knowledge in the clinical trials pathology community on the theory, practice, and validation of these algorithms in real-life
tissues,” said David Young, president of Flagship. “There is an unmet need in the industry for experienced-based training in
digital image analysis techniques. Due to the heavy workload of many pathologists, there is often little time to devote to
attendance at a multi-day course offsite and digital pathology facilitates remote training in a group setting. This type of
training is essential for pathologists to learn analytic techniques regardless of their algorithm software.”
Pathologists or pathology scientists can visit digital pathology training (http://www.flagshipbio.com/products-page/virtualinstructor-
led-training/) for more information.The courses will begin with simple tools and measurements and proceed to
more advanced image analysis techniques and software.
Flagship Biosciences LLC is a pathologist-owned contract research organization focused on utilizing whole slide scanning
(http://www.flagshipbio.com/services-2/slide-scanning/) for quantitative pathology in pharmaceutical and medical device
development.
# # # Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Please do not contact PRWeb®. We will be unable to assist you with your inquiry. PRWeb® disclaims any content contained in these releases. Our complete disclaimer appears here. © Copyright 1997-2008, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC. Vocus, PRWeb and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy 6/8/2010 Image Analysis Experts and Board-Cert… www.prweb.com/printer/4097824.htm 1/1 ]]>
The current tissue diagnostics gap is analogous to what we had 20 years ago before central laboratory testing was established as a business standard for clinical drug development. -- Dr. John Bloom
“The primary factor in the success of digital pathology is the pathologists and the pathology support, not the technology,” said Steve Potts. “How well are they able to work side-by-side with image analysis scientists, how well are they supported by IT in hosting and sharing data through firewalls, how quickly do they embrace the use of the computer screen for daily work? I am proud to join two visionary pathologists in helping drive this technology forward. David Young’s most recent work with EMT biomarkers and clinical companion diagnostics at OSI Pharmaceuticals, and Frank Voelker’s long track record of image analysis innovation are remarkable examples of the potential for this technology, provided that it is led by pathologists. Rather than a few IHC tests run thousands of times in a clinical environment, drug and device development require almost each study to have a new image analysis technique applied by a pathologist. Flagship has a remarkable combination of pathologist and image analysis experts, working side-by-side and delivering results quickly and cost-effectively.”
Flagship Biosciences is a pathologist-owned company whose mission is to improve tissue assessment in pharmaceutical and medical device development. Flagship’s services include quantitative pathology assessment on-demand, low-cost digital pathology slide scanning, secure hosting, pathologist-supervised IHC and histology placement, custom image analysis and companion diagnostics development. All of their services are reviewed and supervised by board-certified pathologists.
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Arizona Time
]]>Students interested in participating in this program must submit an application and go through a selection process where they are expected to interview and present a thorough business plan. Four student run businesses will then be selected to participate in this program which is from September-August of each year. Applications for the 2010-11 Student Business Incubator Program are being accepted.
By providing critical assistance during the start-up phase, the Student Business Incubator Program will help overcome the odds of business failure. A National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) study reports that 87% of incubator startups are still in business after 10 years, compared to a survival rate of only 44% of non-participants after four years in business.
Program Information | How to Apply | Requirements | Download Application |
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Trailhead Studio is a successful husband-wife marketing and design team based out of both Midcoast Maine and Northern Arizona. Kathy Maloney and Trevor Roberson have more than twenty years of combined experience in design, marketing and business management. Trevor has been a Senior Designer and Illustrator for regional and national publications including Flagstaff Live, Mountain Living magazine (Arizona), Sedona Magazine, Soccer Magazine and Shooting Sportsman. He was also Art Director for the nationally distributed Fly Rod & Reel magazine for several years. Whether you need a web page, a logo or brochure design, or an entire branding campaign, Trailhead will bring a wealth of creative ideas and practical experience to your project. Our strong design sense and savvy marketing ideas can be applied to any budget, large or small. Creating an effective brand or look that accurately represents your business can be a daunting task. Let Trailhead Studio guide you through the process and take you to the next level.
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NACET offers its clients the opportunity to collaborate with some of the best people in their industry for information, advice and guidance. These mentors have been selected based on their expertise and ability to guide others in their field. Their variety of skill sets offer start ups and developing companies valuable information to assist their businesses’ continued growth. NACET clients receive pro-bono time periodically from these mentors as one of the perks of being a NACET client. To schedule a free session with one of our mentors, please contact NACET at 928-213-9234. Please click below to view the available mentors in each category.
Flagstaff and the Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies (NACET) are soon to be home to a molecular diagnostics development company, PathoGene. This venture is being championed by top tier scientists, successful laboratory managers and experienced biotech executives who are using Northern Arizona University (NAU) and TGen as a launching pad for building a successful business. The founders and management team all call Flagstaff their home… and intend to keep it that way.
PathoGene develops novel molecular diagnostic assays to improve the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. The goal is to help control the spread of life-threatening “super bugs” and to improve outcomes once patients become infected. This should lower the overall cost of healthcare and save lives currently being lost to infectious diseases. Lofty ambitions perhaps but PathoGene believes they are well within reach.
Specifically, the company is focused on the diagnosis and targeted treatment of infectious disease pathogens including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) (a common “super bug” and potentially deadly hospital-based infection that already kills more people each year than HIV in the US), Influenza (including H1N1) and Valley Fever (human and animal). Currently the global market for molecular diagnostics is $4B and it is expected to grow to $35B by 2015.
The aim is to take the world-class science coming out of laboratories at NAU and TGen and convert it into diagnostic tools that help medical practice achieve a better standard of care. “NACET is extremely excited to begin working with PathoGene, a T-Gen spin out, said Russ Yelton, CEO of NACET. Yelton continues, “PathoGene has the capability of having an incredible impact on the health of not only Northern Arizona, but also the world. PathoGene represents a further diversification of NACET's growing portfolio of biotech companies.” A board and management team has been assembled who have significant experience doing just this. “The combination of unique, high value technology, a well balanced and experienced management team, focused on a rapidly growing worldwide market provide a tremendous business opportunity for PathoGene” said Todd Snowden, President of PathoGene.
PathoGene board members include founding member, Dr. Paul Keim. Dr Keim is Director of the Pathogen Genomics Division of TGen and is a Regents Professor and holder of the Cowden Endowed Chair in Microbiology at NAU. He is internationally known for his work in human pathogen epidemiology using DNA identification techniques, including his groundbreaking work with Anthrax. Additional board and executive team members bring a full complement of skills and experiences that will contribute to PathoGene’s commercial success. Dr. Thomas Vorpahl is a board certified pathologist with over thirty years experience in laboratory medicine, including several successful entrepreneurial endeavors. David Engelthaler is the Director of Operations at TGen North where he oversees a group of investigators working on pathogen genomics projects targeting clinical medicine, public health and bio-defense. David was previously the State Epidemiologist for Arizona. William Gibbs is CEO of Norchem Laboratories, which is also based in Flagstaff and currently employs over 60 people. Norchem is a high volume toxicology laboratory which has experienced 25% annual growth since 1997. Jeanne Ambruster recently joined PathoGene as Board Chair and is CEO of The Avenues Company - a local consulting group that has been focused for over ten years on the translation of bioscience innovations from bench-top to clinical practice. Prior to that, she was instrumental in growing W.L. Gore and Associates’ medical device business and launching a genetic testing company through the completion of a successful IPO. Todd Snowden recently joined PathoGene as President and combines extensive experience in medical device and diagnostic sales, marketing and business development with a track record of success in operating and growing his own business. Together this team has the experience to develop and grow PathoGene’s business and hopes to provide high quality local employment in the years ahead.
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The full-day Power of Angel Investing seminar provides an overview of the angel investing process, including the details of finding, evaluating, and structuring deals and developing angel-entrepreneur relationships that lead to success. The highly interactive program provides attendees with practical information on best practices in angel investing through a balance of expert presentations, panel discussions and small group case studies.
A faculty of experienced angel investors, serial entrepreneurs and expert service providers delivers the seminar. Plenty of time is available for meeting other attendees and faculty throughout the day and in an evening cocktail reception.
The Arizona Technology Investor Forum (ATIF), MIT Enterprise Forum Phoenix, Invest Southwest and TiE Arizona are pleased to host a full-day seminar on angel investing to the Phoenix community. This workshop was developed by the Kauffman Foundation, the leading center for entrepreneurial education in the country, and is now offered by the Angel Capital Education Foundation. This seminar has been delivered on over 100 occasions in four countries. This is the first time the program has been offered in Phoenix.
Who Should Attend · Successful entrepreneurs who have exited their businesses and have interest in staying involved in early stage companies · High net-worth individuals with senior business/entrepreneur experience who now have the time and interest in investing in early stage companies · Investors who are interested in learning more about investing in seed and early stage technology companies. Subjects Covered in this Curriculum· How angel financing fits in · Is angel investing right for you? · Angel portfolio strategy · Due diligence · Structuring the deal · Valuating startup companies · The post-investment relationship Seminar FacultyThis seminar features local experts in high growth ventures and early stage investing opportunities, including seasoned angel investors with diverse investment experience, tax and legal experts, and angel-financed entrepreneurs. They will be led by Lead Instructor Steve Mercil, the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of RAIN Source Capital, an organization that forms and manages a network of local, statewide, and multi-state angel funds.
Mercil is on the Board of Directors of the Angel Capital Association and the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds. Mercil is a principle in the InvestAmerica NW, LLC, the General Partner of Invest Northwest, LP, which is a venture capital fund focused on middle market and later-stage companies located in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington. He has a master’s degree in statistics and measurements and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Dakota. Agenda7:30am - 8:00am Registration and Continental Breakfast 8:00am - 8:25am Welcome and Opening Remarks Session I 8:25am - 9:00am How Angel Financing Fits In, Presentation and Q&A 9:00am - 9:25am Is Angel Investing Right for You, Panel Discussion 9:25am - 9:55am Angel Portfolio Strategy, Panel Discussion 9:55am - 10:15am Break Session II 10:15am - 10:40am Overview of Due Diligence, Presentation 10:40am - 11:10am Discussion of Due Diligence, Panel Discussion Session III 11:10am - 12:00pm Structuring the Deal, Panel Discussion 12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch - Provided Session IV 1:00pm - 1:30pm Valuation Methodologies, Presentation 1:30pm - 2:50pm Break-out Group Case Discussions 2:50pm - 3:10pm Break-out Group Case Presentations 3:10pm - 3:30pm Case Studies and Valuation, Panel Discussion 3:30pm - 3:45pm Break 3:45pm - 4:00pm The Post Investment Relationship, Presentation 4:00pm - 4:45pm The Post Investment Relationship, Panel Discussion 4:45pm - 5:00pm Closing Comments Location6333 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona
Cost The registration fee for this seminar is $250.00.
Registration is required and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited to 40. All attendees must certify that they are accredited investors in accordance with Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, but no prior angel investing experience is required. QuestionsPlease direct all questions to Jim Goulka at jegoulka@lonemountain.net or 602-463-0844.
Hosted by:
Arizona Technology Investor Forum
   GOLD SPONSORS
  SILVER SPONSORS
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Where: W.A. Franke College of Business’s Gardner Auditorium
When: April 19th 6:00pm Free Admission SUPPORTED BY: NACET W. A. Franke College of Business AZ SBDC City of Flagstaff Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce For additional information contact NACET at 928-213-9234 Please post this flyer at your place of business, click here for pdf ]]>
NACET showcasing their newest solar product prototypes. The room was packed as observers took the time to discuss and view these awesome new creations. Sedona Energy Labs is a start-up company that is working on producing a tracking technology that would allow solar panels to re-orient themselves during the course of the day. Tuesday, the 5 man S.E.L . group assembled the 15’ x 9’ solar panels in the parking lot at NACET and carefully brought them into the Technology Incubator building on dollies. Normally this type of equipment is outside and so our perspective of how really massive it is can be way off! It is sitting inside the lobby now for several weeks. Come by and see the behemoth they have created!
]]>NACET GRADUATES ITS FIRST COMPANY
SenesTech Moves to Flagstaff Airport Business Center The Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies is pleased to announce the first graduation of a bioscience company, SenesTech, Inc. from its incubation program. NACET provides state of the art start up office and laboratory space along with technology transfer services for companies who have invented a product and have set out to transfer that technology into the commercial marketplace. Due to the forward vision of political, business and educational leaders in 2001, NACET was built to provide incubator space to these fledgling companes to help them grow to successful status thereby increasing the higher paid professional employment pool for greater Flagstaff. NACET President and CEO, Russ Yelton stated “We are very pleased for SenesTech wish them great success in the future. “ SenesTech is a privately held biotechnology company specializing in humane animal population management through environmentally neutral chemical sterilization. Its mission is to remove killing, culling of mammalian pests and the current management tool, poison from the environment. Its initial product, ContraPestÒ, is scheduled to be in the rice fields of Southeast Asia by the end of next year. Eventually, their product has the potential to assist in feeding over 300 million more people per year. It has the potential to change the quality of life for the Southeast Asian poor. SenesTech moved part of its operation from Northern Arizona University into the NACET incubator on McMillan Mesa in October of 2008. They started out with seven offices, three labs and 3 full time employees and 9 months later expanded to six labs, 10 offices and 16 full or part time employees utilizing 3,812 sq ft of actual office/lab space. SenesTech will be moving to its new location at the Flagstaff Airport Business Center at the beginning of November 2009 doubling the size of their operations. Everett Hale, CEO of SenesTech stated, “The Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies was instrumental in helping us achieve our success. The support and state of the art facilities at NACET were without question a huge boost to our ability to achieve such great corporate growth. We hope that other companies take our lead and avail themselves of the support, vision and leadership at NACET.”###
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Mr. Russ Yelton, please call Jeff Saville at 928-213-9234 or email Jeff at jsaville[at]nacet.org ]]>Small businesses are the backbone of the local and national economy. According to the Arizona Department of Commerce, small businesses who employ fewer than 100 employees account for 95 percent of all those in this state. Unfortunately, even though small business creation is strong, so is the failure rate — the majority of new companies close shop within 5 years. In contrast, according to the National Business Incubator Association (NBIA), 87 percent of firms that graduate from an incubator are still in business.
One big reason is a lack of business knowledge and experience; another is a lack of external business development support and access to seed capital. Joining a business incubator is probably one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your future success.
NACET provides the ideal environment to start and grow a business because we couple you with seasoned business expertise. You also interact with other entrepreneurs who share similar challenges, creating opportunities for synergistic relations. We consult with you on a range of business disciplines — marketing, distribution, manufacturing, logistics, accounting, legal, human resources, financing, and others. These services are provided through NACET staff, mentors, professional service providers, and/or an entrepreneurial network. In addition, our clients can take advantage of office space, lab space, and business support services in our state-of-the-art facility in the City of Flagstaff’s Innovation Park on McMillan Mesa.
That’s why our clients partner with us for our full engagement program, designed to build a strong foundation for long-term sustainability and growth. We work with all types of businesses, from service and manufacturing to high technology, bio technology, scientific and renewable energy – any company except bricks and mortar retail.
NACET’s extensive business acumen and resources could be the catalyst you need to transform your innovation into a viable company. Read on to learn how you can apply to become a NACET client.
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Resident Clients of NACET are approved companies that receive all incubator services but also rent office and/or lab space from the program. NACET's 10,000 sq ft state of the art facility provides executive office space and hood equipped labs to support research. Both offices and labs also come with furniture, benches, filing cabinets and chairs. Each office and lab has access to high speed secure Internet access and phones. The facility is also equipped with security devices such as swipe cards, coded entry doors and 24/7 video surveillance.
NACET’s facilities include:
Space is available on a year-to-year basis for approved NACET Resident clients. Affiliate clients have access to shared amenities. Units range in size from about 140 to 300 square feet. See map below.
NACET clients partner with us for our full engagement program, designed to build a strong foundation for long-term sustainability and growth. We work with all types of businesses, from non-technology, service and manufacturing to high technology, bio technology, scientific and renewable energy – any company except bricks and mortar retail.
We engage with clients in two ways. Resident clients operate their businesses out of NACET’s high-tech facility, taking advantage of a dynamic business environment without costly overhead expenses. Affiliate clients use the shared office environment when needed, primarily conducting their business out of their own offices or laboratories. All clients take full advantage of NACET’s incubation program.
NACET’s incubation engagement program includes:NACET draws on an extensive network of business specialists to provide management services for our client companies. We consult on marketing, distribution, manufacturing, accounting, legal issues, human resources, financing (through loans, angel investments, venture capital, and other sources), and other areas. These services are provided through one-on-one consulting, mentors, professional service providers, and an entrepreneurial network.
Professionals such as accountants, lawyers, marketing specialists, and engineers volunteer their services to help client companies for a preset number of hours. As an incubator client, you may use these services on an as-needed basis, but you can expect to negotiate a fee structure after using your preset hours.
The managers of the NACET client companies meet regularly to discuss business challenges. This face-to-face network provides a valuable resource for those growing businesses.
In certain cases, NACET may match your company with qualified student interns from Northern Arizona University, other educational institutions (international and domestic), or the Coconino County Career Center Intern Program.
]]>Your responsibilities if selected; you must provide a business license, proof of insurance (residents), workers compensation coverage, and periodic updates on your business goals and objectives. NACET staff will identify areas for improvement. Most importantly, if you are accepted to the NACET program, we expect you to adhere to a few requirements. You are expected to…
…grow your business. You must be committed to growing and expanding your business.
…meet with your mentors. This group of volunteers provides feedback and advice over an extended period so you can accelerate your company’s growth.
…attend networking meetings. NACET clients meet regularly to network, learn, and share ideas. This is a tremendous opportunity to interact with other local high-tech entrepreneurs.
…report to us quarterly on sales, new employees, markets served, and other parameters. The Arizona Department of Commerce requires us to periodically provide metrics for our group of clients. We never release your individual financials to the public.
The Small Business Development Center collaborates with us in assisting, educating, funding, and building small businesses.
The Coconino County Sustainable Economic Development Initiative promotes sustainable economic development in Coconino County in the areas of tourism, workforce development, energy, resources, green building, and home-based businesses.
The Northern Arizona Council of Governments is a nonprofit membership corporation representing local governments that provides a variety of community development services.
Northern Arizona University is home to various groups that share NACET’s goal of developing and supporting new technologies.
• Center for Business Outreach
• Center for Sustainable Environments
• College of Business Administration
• College of Engineering and Natural Sciences
• College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Consortium of Professional Schools
The U.S. Geological Survey is one of the region’s largest research facilities and shares our campus.
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Governor Janet Napolitano cutting the NACET Grand Opening Ceremony Ribbon in November 2008.
During our past 7 years as a virtual incubator, we have worked with over 25 clients. In 2007, we worked with over 17 prospective clients and developed a series of interactive workshops. Existing/graduated clients employ over 50 employees (full-time, part-time, and contractors).
In October 2003, Governor Jane Hull presented NACET with an Economic Development Award for Innovative Economic Development Practices at the Governor’s Rural Development Conference. NACET was also named as a “Who to Watch Program in 2003” by Arizona Business Magazine and a “Who to Watch in Biotech” by the Arizona Republic.
In August 2007, the organization went through a “rebranding” with a new trade name, a new president, and plans for a new facility. The Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies (NACET) began building pathways to client companies, starting with technology transfers in collaboration with NAU. We hosted a series of workshops on the NAU campus to solicit client companies with technology transfer opportunities, most notably in the Colleges of Engineering and Biology. Our signature event, “Invention to Venture — Northern Arizona,” draws inventors, entrepreneurs, service providers and graduate students from around the region to learn from NACET’s community of entrepreneurs who have successfully launched businesses.
]]>NACET carefully selects technology focused client companies based on the following criteria according to the guidelines listed below:
The Admissions Committee, which consists of NACET staff and board members, as well as outside experts, evaluates your application based on these guidelines. Your business may not meet all of these guidelines; our decision for admission is based on your potential to grow given the resources at our disposal.
Download Applications Below:
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NACET clients that have successfully work their way thru the program.
| List of Alumni Clients | |
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Aspen Communications Energy Del Sol, LLC Kahtoola, Inc Novakinetics, LLC |
Solar Mosaic, Inc. Thorhost, LLC / Indigo 8 Visible Energy, Inc |
Resident Clients of NACET are approved companies that receive all incubator services but also rent office and/or lab space from the program. NACET's 10,000 sq ft state of the art facility provides executive office space and hood equipped labs to support research. Both offices and labs also come with furniture, benches, filing cabinets and chairs. Each office and lab has access to high speed secure Internet access and phones. The facility is also equipped with security devices such as swipe cards, coded entry doors and 24/7 video surveillance.
Affiliate Clients are companies approved by NACET who receive consulting services but do not require office or lab space. This program helps to support those who are in early stage development and not yet needing space or by existing companies who require NACET's technology commercialization expertise in bringing new products to market. Some of the benefits of this program include access to both domestic and international student research teams, access to NACET's Mentor group, video conference and conference room usage and monthly counseling services.
There are a few different types of NACET clients. Resident clients are clients that actually reside within the NACET building and receive priority when it comes to services provided by the core NACET team. Affiliate clients are off-site clients that receive services from NACET but don’t actually reside in the NACET building. Student Incubation clients are part of a new program at NACET that offers Affiliate services and some funding for services to current students (who are also starting businesses) at regional universities who qualify and successfully apply and are accepted to the program.
NACET clients that have successfully work their way thru the program.
NACET is designed to support the creation of successful science and technology-based companies that provide high-wage jobs in northern Arizona. Our mission has three components:
NACET has six strategic initiatives: