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USC Columbia Incubation Program Helps Local Tech Startups

Submitted by: Jose Vidal on Nov 20, 2007 at 8:42 pm Tagged with: incubator, Jobs Source: University of South Carolina

If you would like to locate your technology company here in Columbia, do we have a deal for you: discounted rent, technical support, practical advice, exposure to potential clients and experienced lawyers and accountants who may be willing to work with you for a lower rate or even free. The USC Columbia Technology Incubation Program is a partnership between the University of South Carolina, Midlands Technical College, and the City of Columbia, it can give support to emerging technology-driven companies, corporate spin-offs, faculty-owned companies, and non-South Carolina and international firms. This support can include providing cost-effective space and support, prototype manufacturing facilities, product realization and development services and business consultation. The standard program is for anyone interested in starting a technology company. The company has to have a written business plan and use the students, faculty, staff, or facilities of the University of South Carolina or Midlands Technical College. The company should plan to graduate from the program in approximately three years.

Your company pays rent of approximately $10 per square foot, which includes Internet service, a telephone line, janitorial service, electricity and water, as well as priceless logistical support. Don't fear a lot of red tape; the incubator, part of USC businessLINK (http://www.uscbusinesslink.com) is there to make sure you don't wait for an answer.

For more information, check out the web page at http://incubator.research.sc.edu