INNOVATIONHUB @ GOODYEAR
FEBRUARY 19, 2016
ON THE WEB
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Jen's Editing Notes: #FridayFeatures allow our community the opportunity to learn more about each other. This week, we also get to learn more about a great program offered right in our backyard.
Randy Smith, who we featured a few weeks ago, first told me about this program. While I had heard of it, I really didn't know much about it. Thanks, Randy, for the tip! I hope you all enjoy this information and are able to use this resource. And we thank the City of Goodyear for providing the answers to our Q&A. |
Q. What is the Innovation Hub?
A. The InnovationHub@GoodyearAz is a business pace for entrepreneurs and aspiring businesses owners looking for information on opening a small business or expanding an existing one. The InnovationHub@GoodyearAz is part of ASU’s Network, which provides free entrepreneurial support during library hours at multiple Valley locations. The InnovationHub provides resources to all types of entrepreneurial businesses. The InnovationHub is a partnership between the City of Goodyear, ASU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group at SkySong, and the Maricopa County Library District.
A. The InnovationHub@GoodyearAz is a business pace for entrepreneurs and aspiring businesses owners looking for information on opening a small business or expanding an existing one. The InnovationHub@GoodyearAz is part of ASU’s Network, which provides free entrepreneurial support during library hours at multiple Valley locations. The InnovationHub provides resources to all types of entrepreneurial businesses. The InnovationHub is a partnership between the City of Goodyear, ASU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group at SkySong, and the Maricopa County Library District.
Q. Who can take part in this program?
A. Anyone needing resources to research how to get their business idea off the ground or looking to expand or market their business.
The InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ is available for use any time during regular library hours. Combining elements of a co-working space with expert library fact-finding services and resources, as well as ASU Startup expertise, the InnovationHub provides a one-stop-shop for resource referrals, collaboration space, and assistance at any stage of the business development process.
A. Anyone needing resources to research how to get their business idea off the ground or looking to expand or market their business.
The InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ is available for use any time during regular library hours. Combining elements of a co-working space with expert library fact-finding services and resources, as well as ASU Startup expertise, the InnovationHub provides a one-stop-shop for resource referrals, collaboration space, and assistance at any stage of the business development process.
Q. How can teenagers participate?
A. Entrepreneurs of all ages are welcome to take advantage of the space and resources at the InnovationHub, and to participate in our free ASU Start Up School. In addition to InnovationHub classes and workshops, teens can participate in Coding classes at the Goodyear library branch presented by the Maricopa County Library District.
A. Entrepreneurs of all ages are welcome to take advantage of the space and resources at the InnovationHub, and to participate in our free ASU Start Up School. In addition to InnovationHub classes and workshops, teens can participate in Coding classes at the Goodyear library branch presented by the Maricopa County Library District.
Q. How long has it been around and how did Goodyear become involved with this?
A. The InnovationHub opened in early, 2014, about the time the new Goodyear Branch of the Maricopa County Library District opened. With Goodyear’s diverse business workforce and business-friendly environment that supports small business and recognizes it as the backbone of a community, the city’s involvement was a natural thing to do. InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ was the first incubator space in the West Valley.
A. The InnovationHub opened in early, 2014, about the time the new Goodyear Branch of the Maricopa County Library District opened. With Goodyear’s diverse business workforce and business-friendly environment that supports small business and recognizes it as the backbone of a community, the city’s involvement was a natural thing to do. InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ was the first incubator space in the West Valley.
Q. Do you have any success stories that have come about because of this program?
A. Entrepreneurs utilizing the resources of the InnovationHub run the gamut from formulating their initial idea, to established small businesses.
One particular success story is Merry Sondreal. Merry came to the InnovationHub in mid-September with a basic idea for her business – and the desire to make it happen. She met with InnovationHub mentor, Darah Mann, who encouraged her to participate in the ASU Start Up School and additional entrepreneurial workshops. Today, Merry has already obtained her business license, and is in the process of developing marketing/branding materials to get Very Merry Interiors up and running!
A. Entrepreneurs utilizing the resources of the InnovationHub run the gamut from formulating their initial idea, to established small businesses.
One particular success story is Merry Sondreal. Merry came to the InnovationHub in mid-September with a basic idea for her business – and the desire to make it happen. She met with InnovationHub mentor, Darah Mann, who encouraged her to participate in the ASU Start Up School and additional entrepreneurial workshops. Today, Merry has already obtained her business license, and is in the process of developing marketing/branding materials to get Very Merry Interiors up and running!
Q. Can you please tell me more about the mentoring and how the chamber is involved?
Business Mentoring
A. The InnovationHub offers you two great options for mentorship and business guidance!
The InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ assists entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing walk-in mentoring hours twice a week, and at other times by appointment. Hours may vary, but are generally Tuesday 10am-12pm and Thursday 1pm-3pm. A better option is to schedule a 30 minute or 1 hour session, available Monday through Friday during regular library hours (contact [email protected] to schedule an appointment.)
Business Mentoring
A. The InnovationHub offers you two great options for mentorship and business guidance!
The InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ assists entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing walk-in mentoring hours twice a week, and at other times by appointment. Hours may vary, but are generally Tuesday 10am-12pm and Thursday 1pm-3pm. A better option is to schedule a 30 minute or 1 hour session, available Monday through Friday during regular library hours (contact [email protected] to schedule an appointment.)
We have also partnered with Greater Phoenix SCORE, to offer you free one-on-one business mentoring as well.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. SCORE has been mentoring new and existing businesses for over 40 years. As highly successful and experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs, SCORE mentors deliver valuable, timely, and practical advice.
Whether you are a start-up or an existing business, SCORE mentors are here to help you and your business open new markets, reach new customers, and achieve new goals. If you are interested in booking an appointment with SCORE mentor Jay Gladney at The InnovationHub, just follow the instructions below:
1. Go to www.greaterphoenix.score.org
2. Click on “Request a Meeting” in the green box on the right
3. Complete the “Local Mentoring Request” form. Be sure to:
a. Describe your business and the assistance you need
b. Use the same e-mail address each time in order to avoid creating duplicate account
4. Once in the Calendar, select the location for the meeting from the drop down list*
*Note – the InnovationHub is listed as “Goodyear Library.” Mentoring is also available under the location “Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce” (SE corner of Litchfield Rd. & Van Buren St.) if the appointments available at the Hub do not work for you
5. Select a mentor (move your cursor over the name to see a brief profile) at the time available
6. Create a SCORE account (on Thank You page) to eliminate the need to reenter your contact information for the next appointment
7. You will receive a confirmation at the e-mail you provided. Save the e-mail--in case you need to cancel the appointment there is a link near the bottom to allow you to do so with one click.
8. If you need help logging into the appointment calendar, select “Contact Us” at the top right of the greaterphoenix.org home screen.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. SCORE has been mentoring new and existing businesses for over 40 years. As highly successful and experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs, SCORE mentors deliver valuable, timely, and practical advice.
Whether you are a start-up or an existing business, SCORE mentors are here to help you and your business open new markets, reach new customers, and achieve new goals. If you are interested in booking an appointment with SCORE mentor Jay Gladney at The InnovationHub, just follow the instructions below:
1. Go to www.greaterphoenix.score.org
2. Click on “Request a Meeting” in the green box on the right
3. Complete the “Local Mentoring Request” form. Be sure to:
a. Describe your business and the assistance you need
b. Use the same e-mail address each time in order to avoid creating duplicate account
4. Once in the Calendar, select the location for the meeting from the drop down list*
*Note – the InnovationHub is listed as “Goodyear Library.” Mentoring is also available under the location “Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce” (SE corner of Litchfield Rd. & Van Buren St.) if the appointments available at the Hub do not work for you
5. Select a mentor (move your cursor over the name to see a brief profile) at the time available
6. Create a SCORE account (on Thank You page) to eliminate the need to reenter your contact information for the next appointment
7. You will receive a confirmation at the e-mail you provided. Save the e-mail--in case you need to cancel the appointment there is a link near the bottom to allow you to do so with one click.
8. If you need help logging into the appointment calendar, select “Contact Us” at the top right of the greaterphoenix.org home screen.
Q. If a business person or leader in the community wants to get involved to help mentor, how can they do that?
A. The InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ would be interested in speaking with local entrepreneurs and business leaders with an interest in potentially presenting workshops and additional programming. Please contact [email protected] for additional information.
A. The InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ would be interested in speaking with local entrepreneurs and business leaders with an interest in potentially presenting workshops and additional programming. Please contact [email protected] for additional information.
Q. Does this program have any new goals over the next 5-10 years?
A. Yes.
· The InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ will be rolling our new sessions of ASU Start Up School this spring.
· We will be developing a Meet Up group to collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs.
· Additional programming will be added through the year in response to InnovationHub participant’s requests.
A. Yes.
· The InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ will be rolling our new sessions of ASU Start Up School this spring.
· We will be developing a Meet Up group to collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs.
· Additional programming will be added through the year in response to InnovationHub participant’s requests.
Q. Anything else you'd like to add?
A. Please see the attached flyers, which provide additional information about the InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ and the SCORE mentoring appointments.
Interested individuals are encouraged to join our mailing list to receive updates and notifications on ASU Start Up School, mentoring information, and classes and workshops offered through the Hub. Text INNOVHUB to 22828 to get started.
A. Please see the attached flyers, which provide additional information about the InnovationHub @GoodyearAZ and the SCORE mentoring appointments.
Interested individuals are encouraged to join our mailing list to receive updates and notifications on ASU Start Up School, mentoring information, and classes and workshops offered through the Hub. Text INNOVHUB to 22828 to get started.
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