Entrepreneur Center Aids Local Startups

NVTC's Entrepreneur Center, established in 2003, provides an array of resources to tech-related entrepreneurs and startups including mentoring, business planning, student programs and networking events. dcTechSource.com talked to Kristin D’Amore, director of the Entrepreneur Center @NVTC, and asked her about the center’s offerings and its plans for 2010.

By Avery Fellow | January 18, 2010

Define the entrepreneur community in Northern Virginia.
The entrepreneur community in the region is extremely vibrant. We are seeing a wide diversity in the types of businesses as well as the people who are starting the businesses. The community is unique because we have companies in every stage of the entrepreneur lifecycle; from a concept being worked on in a garage to the company looking for its second round of institutional funding. Entrepreneurs come to the region, build their business in this region and then stay in the region and continue to give back to the community. These individuals have the drive and focus to build products and services that not only will be successful in the marketplace but also will make a difference to our world and everyday lives. 

How has the recession impacted local entrepreneurs? What is your advice to entrepreneurs on starting and operating a business in a recession?
Local entrepreneurs now need to focus on the fundamentals of building a business and being able to do more with less. Entrepreneurs are learning that it is necessary to first build a foundation and then look for additional funding.

What are the most exciting offerings and activities at the center?
We have a wide variety of events and activities for entrepreneurs and others in the entrepreneur community including a quarterly networking series, an event series with panelists who discuss issues of importance to small businesses, and a mentoring and advising program. One of our newest programs is the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac TechVenture, which is a comprehensive business planning program allowing entrepreneurs to hone the skills they need to create, manage and grow a successful business, and make close connections with leaders in the technology community. We launched this program last fall and graduated our first 12 companies in December. The application deadline for our spring program is January 19.

Who can benefit most from these programs?
FastTrac TechVenture benefits startup companies that are beyond the idea stage and in most cases have some sort of prototype -- companies who have already started, but are looking to take that next step.

Our Networking series, event series and Navigator Awards benefits anyone interested in being involved in the technology entrepreneur community. It is a great place to meet people who can possibly become partners or customers and to learn about exciting and innovative ideas in the region.

What is the best way to get involved at the center?
The best way to become involved is to attend an event or sign up for a program. We also offer a startup membership rate in NVTC.

What are the center’s biggest plans for 2010?
We are looking to launch a new program that will give startups that are looking for investment money a chance to present their business concept in front of an audience. We feel this is a logical next step for the Entrepreneur Center; we currently educate entrepreneurs, provide them with mentors, give them opportunities to network with technology executives, and now they will have the opportunity to promote their companies to a larger audience.

Tell me about the launch of the Entrepreneur Navigator Award. What does the center hope to promote by providing this recognition?
We are very excited about the Entrepreneur Navigator Awards because they are giving us an opportunity to honor individuals and organizations who have mentored and advised entrepreneurs and startups in the region. The inaugural event is January 20 and we will be presenting three awards: Navigator, Organization Navigator and Lifetime Navigator. We want to recognize those unsung heroes who have spent time and effort working with entrepreneurs and startups in the region.

Please visit the NVTC website for more on the Entrepreneur Center

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