January 2021 Newsletter
Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! Although the effects of 2020 will be felt for many months to come, it is certainly nice to turn the calendar page. It has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey to collaborate with so many partners in support of economic development and small business assistance during this trying past year. I am so proud of the efforts made by our staff and clients and the unwavering dedication they have all shown to persevere. It has also been a real boon to add new clients during the past year and advise them on their path toward company launch and growth.

During this new year, we look forward to continued renovations, client company successes, additional new client company additions, and continued positive economic development.

Thank you for your engagement and support. And as always, please reach out if you have an idea for a new business or can refer a friend/colleague - we want to help!

Keep innovating,
Stacy Strauss, Director
Top Story
A Year in Review
2020 was a year full of unexpected and unusual circumstances, making the accomplishments of the Innovation Center and our clients even more special. Take a look back at the most popular stories from our 2020 monthly newsletters:


As we enter the new year, the staff and clients at the Innovation Center are truly appreciative of the support we receive from Ohio University, the region, private donors, and funders. We couldn't be more grateful for the hard work and dedication of the people who continue to value our mission and enrich our communities.
News From The IC
The Innovation Center Wishes You a Happy New Year
The Innovation Center wishes you all a safe and healthy New Year! As we leave behind a year full of unprecedented challenges, let us look forward to 2021 with a new sense of hope. We look forward to seeing all of the great things you will accomplish in the new year!
Renovations Continue at the Innovation Center
The Innovation Center began renovations on November 30 and quick progress is being made by Gutknecht Construction! Work is currently underway to convert three office spaces into new laboratories for current and future clients. In addition to the new lab spaces, the Innovation Center is installing new flooring and upgrading the heating, access controls, and virtual conferencing technology throughout the building.

The Innovation Center is thankful for the grants provided by the Economic Development Administration and the Appalachian Regional Commission in support of this renovation. Ohio University has also dedicated funds toward the completion of this project.
Innovation Center 3D Printing Lab Played a Role in
Paleontology Discovery
A research team led by Dr. Patrick O'Connor, professor at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, announced the discovery of a new prehistoric bird, Falcatakely, in the journal Nature in late November.

The Innovation Center's Additive Manufacturing Lab assisted in the discovery by prototyping the specimen for the research team. In the article, Joseph Groenke, lab coordinator at HCOM/BMS, gave credit to the lab. He said, "our partnership with the Ohio University Innovation Center was a key part of this process. Being able to see each of the bones as a prototype replica formed the basis for understanding the specimen and also in reconstructing it."
 
To learn more about the discovery, click below. If you have a need for 3D printing, contact lab director, Misa Hata.
Ohio TechCred Accepting Applications
The first Ohio TechCred application period of 2021 will open on January 4 and close on January 29. TechCred gives employers the chance to upskill current and future employees in today's tech-driven world. Employers will be reimbursed up to $2,000 per eligible credential once their employees earn the credential. Be sure to take advantage of this great opportunity to upskill your workforce!

To learn more or apply, click below.
Applications Open for Innovation Center Virtual Membership
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated changes in employment and on-site work, you may find yourself in a position to become an entrepreneur. If so, be aware of this preexisting membership opportunity through the Innovation Center. As a virtual member, early-stage companies get access to key incubator resources including coaching, vendor discounts, connections to an extensive network of resources, a mailing address, professional meeting space, and more.

For a complete list of benefits and information on applying, click below.
Upcoming Events
Virtual VALIDation Workshop
Join Erin Rennich, Innovation Center Executive Coach, to learn how to leverage existing resources and customer intel to get valuable feedback on your business idea. This workshop is designed for new and early-stage businesses.
Date: January 14

Time: 9am - 10am
Leveraging Digital Marketing to Make More Well-Informed Business Decisions
Anyone can Google what CTR, KPI, SEM, YOY, SEO, CTV, OTT, and FEP means. But, do you know what's best for your business and how to translate the data? There are more advertising options out there than traditional media.

Ready to be more confident and make a more informed decision? Join Joshua Cash, Director of Digital Marketing for Blue Owl Digital Solutions, at the January Lunch and Learn for this presentation. To register, email Trenia Twyman at [email protected] by January 20.
Date: January 21

Time: 12pm - 1pm
Virtual Introduction to Intellectual
Property Workshop
Join Erin Rennich, Innovation Center Executive Coach, to learn how to identify and leverage opportunities to secure patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights as assets. This workshop is designed for new and early-stage businesses.
Date: January 21

Time: 9am - 10am
News & Events from Our Partners
January 6
Building Websites -
Should I Do It Myself or Hire a Pro?
Virtual Training
January 8
Business Law Basics - What Every Business Needs to Know
Virtual Training
January 11
Maximize Your
Initial Call
Virtual Training
January 12
Basis of a Successful Start (BOSS) Class
Virtual Training
January 13
How to Utilize Pinterest to Increase Sales
Virtual Training
January 14
Excel Formatting, & Basic Formula
Virtual Training
January 14
Preparing Your Business to Sell on Amazon
Virtual Training
January 15
Creating a Sales Process for Your Business
Virtual Training
January 20
Getting Your Facebook Page Started & Updated
Virtual Trainings
January 21
Excel Part 2: Formatting, & Charts
Virtual Training
January 25
Self-Management vs. Crisis Management
Virtual Training
January 26
Adding Sales to Customer Interaction
Virtual Training
January 27
Learning LinkedIn to Increase Sales
Virtual Training
January 28
Advanced Functions & Pivot Tables
Virtual Training
How We Can Help
The IC is the recipient of the 2019 Randall M. Whaley Incubator of the Year Award (InBIA) and the 2019 Rural-Based Entrepreneurship Center of the Year Award (InBIA). The center was ranked the third best University-Based Incubator in the U.S. (UBI Global Ranking 2015-2017), and was named the 2016 Rural Incubator of the Year (InBIA).

Our 36,000 square foot building has some space available.
For details, please give us a call at (740) 593-1818.
Make A Gift
The Ohio University Innovation Center provides valuable business incubation resources to fuel the economy in Athens, Ohio and the surrounding region. Your gift supports our mission to connect entrepreneurs with the people and resources needed to grow businesses and create jobs in Southeast Ohio.
Support for the Innovation Center is provided by Ohio University and TechGROWTH Ohio through funding provided by the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. Support is also provided by the Economic Development Administration, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.