TIC helps technology firms grow

September 24, 2006

Technical Innovation Center

Director: Chris Marschner
Phone: 301-790-2800, ext. 399
Web site: www.technicalinnovationcenter.com.

Hagerstown Community College's Technical Innovation Center (TIC), the county's full-service business incubator, helps early-stage technology firms grow and thrive during the firms' first years of operation.

Opened in 1994, the center's mission is to foster higher-wage employment opportunities within the county and to assist technology and manufacturing businesses by providing one-on-one business development and strategic management services.

The center rents facilities to resident firms and provides minigrants to firms to secure services for intellectual property protection, market studies, prototype development work and management training.

The center - which has focused on software development, information technology and precision manufacturing companies - plans to add 4,000 square feet of specialized laboratory space for life science firms. The new lab space is expected to help increase the number of biotechnology firms in Washington County.

The $1.3 million addition is expected to be fully leased prior to its opening in mid-2007.

The center's proximity to HCC's Advanced Technology Center and other HCC facilities enables firms to obtain assistance on a wide array of subject areas. Clients also have easy access to student labor for internships and full- and part-time employment.

Resident clients and affiliates can participate in, at no additional cost, numerous group training seminars, networking events and business luncheons held at the center.

The TIC recently expanded its services to meet the needs of nonresident firms by creating an affiliate program that is open to all types of enterprises.

The center is self-supporting, with all operating costs derived from client fees. Surplus revenue is reinvested in additional shared equipment for client businesses.

The center can accommodate 15 to 18 resident business firms.

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