April 2020 Newsletter
Dear Reader,

This past month has certainly been a difficult time for our clients, partners, and stakeholders. In light of that, we've aggregated the ever evolving resources and opportunities for businesses related to COVID-19 below.

For businesses, the most important of the announcements below are links to the three webinars tomorrow (April 2). For Athens County businesses, the Athens Area COVID-19 Business Resource Call is an opportunity to talk with the county's experts to guide your business during this crisis.

For a feel-good read amidst all the chaos, be sure to check out our story on our student experiential learning program.

And, for those seeking a new gig, see the stories on RXQ's postings and our Virtual Client Membership.

Finally, please know that the Innovation Center is to open to our on-site essential businesses and maintaining safe operations. The Innovation Center is also providing virtual business development support to all of its clients and is still sourcing new clients during this crisis.

For help, please do not hesitate to contact me directly via a reply to this email. 

Be safe, be well, and keep innovating,
Stacy Strauss, Director
Top Story
COVID-19 Business Resources
Capital Access & Business Cost Savings Measures


Talent Retention & Workforce Assistance


Marketing


Business Assistance


Products & Supply Chain


Talent Acquisition for Growing Businesses
 
News From The IC
OHIO Students Gain Professional Experience at the IC
The Innovation Center has and will continue to benefit from and be a resource to Ohio University students. In 2015, the IC launched its experiential learning program. The IC is so appreciative of our partnering Ohio University colleges and the far-too-numerous-to-mention faculty members who have enabled this program's launch and growth and who continually help source and place students.

From business to biotechnology, students gain unique entrepreneurial experiences at the IC and fill key gaps within our client companies.

To read the full feature, click below. 
JobsOhio makes $2M Investment in Southeast Ohio
On March 31, JobsOhio announced a $2 million investment in Appalachian Growth Capital (ACG). This investment will allow Appalachian Growth Capital to financially assist more small businesses in the region during this difficult time. AGC is a U.S. Treasury-Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides small business financing to Appalachian counties in Ohio.

“This investment comes at a critical time as AGC gears up its efforts to help small businesses in the region address the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19,” said Brad Blair, AGC executive vice president and CEO.

To read the full story, click below.
Innovation Center Virtual Client Membership Available During COVID-19
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, 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.
RXQ Compounding, LLC is Hiring
Innovation Center graduate, RXQ Compounding , is hiring. RXQ, located in Albany, Ohio, manufactures sterile and non-sterile medications, including products that are on the FDA Short List. These medications are distributed to physicians and hospitals around the U.S. RXQ is currently seeking a quality systems manager, a quality operations manager, and an office manager. RXQ expects to have additional postings in the coming weeks. Production technicians will be responsible for producing a range of pharmaceutical products and equipment for use in the medical community. The office manager will be responsible for coordinating office administration procedures in order to ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

To read the full job listings, click below.
Upcoming Events
Virtual IDEAtion Workshop
Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to take the next step in developing their business idea by considering the customers' perspective at the IDEAtion Workshop. Participants will be introduced to the Strategyzer Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas - two agile business planning tools designed specifically for startups. After registering, participants will receive an invite for the virtual workshop via Microsoft Teams.
Date: April 16

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
News & Events From Our Partners
TOMORROW - April 2
Athens Area COVID-19 Business Resource Conference Call
3:00 p.m.
TOMORROW - April 2
JumpStart's Extending the Runway: Financial Decisions to Make Right Now
10:00 a.m.
TOMORROW - April 2
Rev1 Virtual Q&A: CARES Act Discussion
11:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: 636 480 599

April 16
Small Business Tech Trends Webinar
2:00 p.m.
How We Can Help
Product Development
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 in part by TechGROWTH Ohio through funding provided by the Ohio Third Frontier Commission.