~ A Technology Innovation Center ~

Services Available   l   Application Process   l   Location

Incubators are a means to success for today's entrepreneurs.

What Is the Innovation Center?

The Economic Development Council’s Innovation Center is Okaloosa County’s first business incubator targeted for technology-based entrepreneurs. 

 What is a Business Incubator?

A business incubator is a business support process that accelerates the successful development of start-up and fledgling companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of specific resources and services.

 Okaloosa County has the 10th highest job growth rate of the 300 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) across the United States.

Objective

Creation of high-wage jobs, retention of business in the community, commercialization of new technologies, and overall strengthening of the local economies.

Services Available

An incubator program provides client companies with business support services and resources tailored to assist the young firms  establish their product and customer base.

• Business Planning Assistance

• Financial Counseling

• Shared Administrative Support

• Lower Operational Cost

• Conducive Growth Atmosphere

• Networking Opportunities

• Mentor-Protégé Program

• Conferencing Facilities

• Commercialization and Marketing Guidance

Application Process

The Innovation Center is available to small, start-up or early stage businesses.

Steps for Interested Businesses

1. Review floor plans for availability

2. Complete and submit an Application Form

3. Provide the applicable application fee

4. Submit proof of insurance

5. Allow authorization for a background check

6. Prepare and submit a written copy of your business plan or concept paper

Contact the University of West Florida Small Business Development Center for assistance with your business plan.

The Economic Development Council will provide assistance with necessary business and occupancy licenses. 

Innovation Center Location

The Innovation Center is located on the University of West Florida W.E. Combs Campus, 720 Lovejoy Road, Buildings 5 & 8, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.  A collaborative partnership among the Economic Development Council, University of West Florida and the Okaloosa County School Board facilitated the Innovation Center’s development.

Campus Map                  

Innovation Center Photographs
Click on photo thumbnail above to view larger image.

The Innovation Center is a project of the Economic Development Council with support from the University of West Florida and Okaloosa County School Board to cultivate and strengthen the development of technology-based
start-up companies in the Okaloosa County area.

A listing of Okaloosa County businesses
may be viewed on the EDC membership page.

Services Available   l   Application Process   l   Location

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