Six startups graduated from the small-business incubator at the Hamilton County Business Center, making the successful transition to freestanding businesses. The graduation marks a turning point in the life of an entrepreneurial start-up, signifying they have met long-term business goals and progressed enough to move on for further growth.
For a period three to five years, the firms enjoyed the affordable, flexible space, administrative services, business counseling and assistance, and supportive environment offered at the Business Center.
The graduating firms are:
-- Best Express Foods, founded by a group of food service professionals, has grown to become a national supplier of frozen food items throughout the United States.
-- SafeSchools, an online safety training and tracking system designed specifically for school employees.
-- Skilled Trades, which provides construction personnel to contractors in the areas of carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, concrete, welding, roofing and other skills. The company has nine locations throughout the Midwest and as far west as Denver.
-- Somatic Digital, which has developed touch user-interface technology that connects paper directly to digital content that can reside on optical media, the Internet, or hard-drives.
-- ZQI Inc., a professional consulting firm that specializes in leadership consultation, strategic planning, capacity building, fundraising, and project management.
-- Acetech Services, a refurbisher and reseller of prepress equipment.
All are relocating to offices in Hamilton County.
"These companies are excellent examples of what entrepreneurship is all about: innovation, hard work and growth," says David Main, president and CEO of the Hamilton County Development Co., owner of the Business Center.
Writer: David Holthaus
Source: David Main, HCDC
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