Developing the Roots of Small Business


2109 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604     (423)439-8500

How To Become A Member

 

Becoming a Member      Member Benefits       Selection Criteria      

 

Graduation Criteria      Services & Fees   

 

  Pre-Application

Becoming a Member    top

 

The Innovation Laboratory uses four key decision points when admitting start-up companies

  • Technology

  • Management

  • Market           

  • Finances       

More specifically, early-stage companies should seek to satisfy the following criteria for admission into the Innovation Laboratory

  • Proprietary advanced technology concept or prototype

  • Commercial product, service, or process

  • Qualified management team

  • Distinct market opportunity

  • Company growth potential

  • Start-up funding

  • Potential investor attractiveness

  • Strategic business plan

Early-stage technology based companies that meet the above criteria should complete a pre-application and submit it. The decision to admit a company is made following a presentation and technical assessment before a review committee.

 

Member Benefits     top

 

Basic Shared Business Services

High Speed Internet Access

Copier and Fax Machine

Conference Room with Audio-Visual

Kitchen Facilities

Telephone Service with Voicemail

Building Maintenance

Fire and Police Security

Mail Distribution

Resource Library

Notary Service

 

 

Business Education

On-Site Small Business Development Center

Access to Faculty, Staff, and Students

 

Synergism with Fellow Entrepreneurs

Innovation Laboratory Tenants

Entrepreneurial Studies

 

 

Publicity and Visibility related to the Innovation Laboratory

 

Selection Criteria     top

We are unashamedly highly selective and are looking for realistic though innovative technology-based business opportunities which will add value to the regional and local economy.

Innovation is defined as a state of mind combining creativity, entrepreneurship and a willingness to take calculated risks. The ETSU Innovation Laboratory operates in a climate where innovation - with a focus on technology - is vital to the future of local and regional competitiveness. The Innovation Lab process comprises several elements:

  • Discover

  • Evaluate

  • Support

  • Fund

  • Develop

  • Graduate

We are focused on four principal client groups which are:

  • Individual Entrepreneurs

  • Innovative small business start-ups

  • Large businesses with projects or technologies to spin-off

  • University and research organizations with opportunities to commercialize

Our selections are very strict as we look for innovations that can add value to the economy through the creation of wealth, job creation or sub-contract opportunities for existing businesses.

After an initial assessment of the technology and application review process, the role of the Innovation Laboratory is to facilitate the business development. In-house expertise and resources are available in technical assistance, business management, marketing, and business training. External support can be called upon as required. We focus on a practical, hands-on, team based approach with a commitment to success. If your proposal does not meet our criteria, we will try to redirect you to another more appropriate agency.

 

Graduation Criteria     top

 

Companies admitted to the ETSU Innovation Laboratory will use their best efforts to meet graduation criteria established by the company management and the Innovation Laboratory. Whether an on-site company or an off-site affiliate company, graduation is expected after achieving one or more of the following:

  • Company reaches maximum allowable stay

  • Company space requirements exceed available space

  • Company has experienced significant revenue growth and/or profitability

  • Company no longer needs or uses business assistance services

  • Company has acquired significant funding, is acquired, or makes a public stock offering

  • Company has a significant product/services sales and/or backlog indicating a customer need

  • Company has a well thought out operating plan and financial backing to carry on outside the Innovation Laboratory.

Services & Fees     top

Fees Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Office Space $10/ Sq Ft $10.50/Sq Ft $11/Sq Ft
Lab Space $18/Sq Ft $19/Sq Ft $20/Sq Ft
Storage

$3 / Sq. Ft.

$3.50 / Sq. Ft.

$4 / Sq. Ft.

Services Included

  • Business Library and Resource Center

  • Conference Room with Audio/Visual

  • Basic Utilities

  • Free Parking

  • Lobby with Visitor Reception Area

  • Secured Entry and Exit

  • Kitchen Facilities

  • Custodial Service

  • Notary Service

Additional Fee Based Services

  • Telecommunications

    Telephone with Answering Service

    High-Speed Internet Connection

  • Copy Machine

  • Fax Machine

  • Audio and Video Conferencing

  • Molecular Biology Core Facility

    DNA Sequencing

    Phosphorimaging

    Robotic Automation

    Quantitative PCR

    Training/Consultation

    

Affiliate Members

Services includes:

            Access to consulting services

            Participation in all incubator training sessions

           Use of shared rooms and equipment

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