FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            CONTACT: Jacqueline Lara  

 March 9, 2017                                                                                                     240.305.2133Jacqueline@marylandwbc.org

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

Maryland Women’s Business Center to Host Free Intro to Advanced Technology Series

Experts will Share How Entrepreneurs Can Succeed in Maryland’s Competitive, Hi-Tech Industry

Rockville, MD, March, 9, 2017— On Thursday, March 23, 2017 the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) will host an Introduction to Advanced Technology Series with experts to highlight how start-up companies in the Life Sciences, Biotech, Alternative Energy and Cyber Security space can access resources and alternate sources of funding to grow their businesses.

According to the Maryland Department of Commerce, entrepreneurs and companies are thriving in Maryland: “The state leads the world in adult stem cell production and vaccine development, and represents one of the largest life sciences clusters in the U.S. with 500+ biotech firms, 2,260 life sciences companies, the NIH, the FDA, John Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, and plenty of funding and guidance resources.”

MWBC will roll out their new Advanced Technology program to ensure women-owned STEM businesses get the support they need to thrive in a competitive environment and positively impact our economy.  “Due to the feedback we received from an increasing number of hi-tech clients and our StartRight! Women’s Business Plan Competition entrants, we realized that we needed to provide this industry-specific programming. We plan to help our clients identify and utilize the appropriate resources and funding available to them,” said Kiesha Haughton, Managing Director of the MWBC.

Experts from UM Ventures, Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech), Maryland Department of Commerce and TEDCO will share an overview of their programs, funding sources, and what entrepreneurs need to know about tech licensing and commercialization. During the second panel, experts from Bowie State University Business Innovation Center, BioHealth Innovation in Montgomery County, and Frederick Innovation Technology Center (FITCI) will discuss the benefits of incubator programs, and each county’s criteria to access them.

Each panel will include a moderated Q&A session, and participants will have an opportunity to network with all attendees after the program. The event is free to attend, but space is limited and an online RSVP is required.

Where: Maryland Women’s Business Center, 51 Monroe St., Plaza East-20, Rockville, MD 20850

When: Thursday, March 23, 2017; 10:00am-12:00pm EST

Who:

  • Kiesha Haughton, Managing Director, Maryland Women’s Business Center
  •  Julie C. Lenzer, Assoc. Vice President Economic Development, Co-Director UM Ventures—University of Maryland
  • Peter Sandborn, Director, Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute
  • Judith Costello, Director, Office of BioHealth and Life Sciences, Maryland Department of Commerce
  • Ron Kaese, Director Federal Programs, TEDCO
  • Lisa Smith, Bowie State University Business Innovation Center
  • Ethan Byler, BioHealth Innovation, Inc.
  • Kathie Brady, Frederick Innovation Technology Center
  • Start-up, high technology entrepreneurs in the areas of Life Sciences, Biotech, Alternative Energy and Cyber Security.

How: Reserve your spot online via this link.

Fee: No charge

To learn more about Maryland Women’s Business Center, visit www.marylandwbc.org.

About Maryland Women’s Business Center

Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) was established in 2010 as a program of the nonprofit Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) to help people throughout the region start and build successful women-owned enterprises that are positioned for long-term growth. MWBC conducts specialized training, offers individual business counseling, and provides unique resources.  Our special initiatives include a Childcare Business Development Program and StartRight! Women’s Business Plan Competition. www.marylandwbc.org. Stay connected on FacebookInstagram , LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About Rockville Economic Development, Inc.

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership formed in 1997 by the City of Rockville, Maryland, to strengthen and broaden the city’s economic base through business entrepreneurship, expansion, retention, and recruitment programs. REDI offers guidance and support to help businesses at all stages of growth launch, locate and expand in Rockville.  For more information, contact 301-315-8096 or visit www.RockvilleREDI.org.

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