Turn Your Idea into a Business
We can help make the connection between building a product and building a business
Sure, this is a tinkering space. But don’t let it end there. This is what sets us apart from other maker spaces. We have resources on campus that can help you make the connection between the idea you’ve been tinkering with in the labs, and its potential to become a business.
Let’s go beyond making. Let’s build companies.
Business coaching
Whether you’re looking for help with first business plan, initial market research, sales and marketing strategies, or financial projections, we have resources on campus that can help. Learn more about the various business coaching services on the Lorain County Community College campus to see which one is a right fit for you.
GLIDE (Great Lakes Business & Development Enterprise)
GLIDE’s experienced Entrepreneurs-in-Residence provide professional business advice to entrepreneurs leading technology-based startups. Their EIRs focus on trusted business processes, not specific technologies, so they can help any business or potential business at any stage of development navigate toward commercial success. Talk with them about business coaching, incubator space, access to funding, access to specific resources, student interns, and technology transfer. Learn more about GLIDE
Small Business Development Center
The SBDC on campus offers comprehensive business management and education services. Its free, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one counseling and low- or no-cost training covers strategic planning; eCounseling; technical assistance; quality-based assessments; information about federal, state and local programs; and loan packaging assistance. Learn more about the SBDC
NEO LaunchNET
NEO LaunchNET, powered by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, is a free business service for any Lorain County Community College student, faculty, staff or alumni. Whether you’re working on an an existing business or have an idea for a new one, NEOLaunchNET can help meet your entrepreneurial needs. Learn more about NEOLaunchNET
Technology Commercialization
Taking new ideas and innovations to market requires business know-how, technical expertise and industry connections. Fortunately, having knowledgeable partners can make the path to commercialization smoother by helping bridge the gap between new product R&D and high-volume manufacturing. Explore the technology commercialization services on campus that can help you take a technology-based idea and move it along the commercialization pathway.
SMART Microsystems
SMART Microsystems, located in the Richard Desich SMART Commercialization Center for Microsystems, helps innovators move MEMS sensor technology from development to production by creating turn-key solutions for microelectronic package assembly challenges. With an engineering team experienced in manufacturing and state-of-the-art facilities, SMART Microsystems accelerates the transition of new MEMS sensor product to the market. Learn more about SMART Microsystems
Startup Funding
Young companies need funding to grow, especially startups that are based on commercializing innovative new technologies. With an on-campus fund, as well as connections to funding sources around Northeast Ohio, we can help you raise the capital you need to get a high-growth company off the ground.
Innovation Fund Northeast Ohio
Innovation Fund Northeast Ohio is the region’s most active pre-seed fund for technology-based startups. Its entrepreneur friendly funding (up to $100,000) is paired with intensive business assistance to help the most promising startups in Northeast Ohio grow. Learn more about the Innovation Fund