NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

USF Poly Now Accepting Incubator Applications

The University of South Florida Polytechnic's Blue Sky business incubation program is now accepting applications for space in its two facilities -- a business accelerator, Blue Sky East in Winter Haven, and an entry-level incubator, Blue Sky West in Lakeland.

"We want a diverse group of entrepreneurs with the potential to create a significant economic impact in central Florida," says Marshall Goodman, VP and CEO of USF Polytechnic. "These facilities provide opportunities for a wide range of enterprises. Some will be raw start-ups, and some will be more advanced. Regardless of the stage, Blue Sky represents an opportunity to thrive."

The application is available online at http://poly.usf.edu/BlueSky. Applicants must be for-profit technology corporations, with proprietary technologies preferred. Applicants can be a start-up company, an existing small business in a growth phase, an existing business launching a new business project, or an international business looking for a soft-landing site.

The Blue Sky facilities are the first public business technology incubators in Polk County. They will focus on attracting and nurturing entrepreneurial businesses by creating a place where USF Poly faculty, staff and students can work with businesses to develop innovative technology. Incubated companies will benefit from the proximity to and resources of a national research university as well as the assets of economic development networks.