Quarterly Newsletter of the UCF Business Incubation Program
Quarterly Newsletter of the UCF Business Incubation Program Showcasing News from Clients, Graduates and Partners Volume 6 Issue 12 Summer 2013 UCFBIP Receives National Recognition The National Business Incubation the nation’s leading business incubation Association (NBIA), which annually network,” said Tom O’Neal, executive recognizes the best business incubators, director of the UCFBIP. “Over the client companies and graduates in years, we have been very successful in the industry, recently named the systematically growing our network to UCF Business Incubation Program meet the entrepreneurial demand of (UCFBIP) “Incubator Network of Central Florida.” the Year” during the NBIA’s 2013 The UCFBIP currently manages International Conference on Business nine site locations, creating a network Incubation. This is the first time that that stretches across seven cities within the NBIA has issued an award that four counties in Central Florida. specifically recognizes the achievements The network sites are of organizations that operate multiple predominantly mixed use, with clients business incubators. (From left to right) UCFBIP team members Chait Rendu, Gordon Hogan, Esther Vargas-Davis, Tom O’Neal, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Connie Bernal, Henriette Schoen and Essa Batarseh accept the NBIA award in Boston. “We are thrilled to be recognized as
IN THIS EDITION UCFBI—Daytona Beach International Airport
Pages 2-3 Message From Tom, Calendar, UniKey and NEC 10th Anniversary Celebrates Milestone Achievements
Pages 4-5 Board Profiles, Smartway Goes July marked the two-year anniversary of the Nationwide, Michael Weiss Joins UCFBI—Daytona Beach International Airport. To UCFBIP celebrate, the incubator hosted an open house on July 29 to commemorate its achievements and showcase the Pages 6-7 Earthrise Space Sets Eye on the Moon, Garmor Breakthtough progress of its clients. The event drew more than 250 business and community leaders from the community. Pages 8-13 Client Profiles The ceremony included a tour of the facility, Page 13 Veterans Become Entrepreneurs introductions to current clients, and the launch of the Fusion Fitness Designs firm and the Daytona Incubator Page 14-15 UCFBIP Gives Back, Isabella’s Bella Cucina Research Library and co-working space initiative. During the ceremony, Magdy Attia, president of Volusia County Chair Jason Davis speaks at the UCFBI-Daytona Beach Page 16 21st Century Learning Solutions AbM Engineering LLC, was honored as “Entrepreneur of International Airport two year anniversary. Behind Davis, (from left to right), the Year” for his success in the alternative energy industry. are Connie Bernal, site manager; M. J. Soileau, UCF’s Vice President Most recently, Attia and his team designed an innovative of Research and Commercialization; County Council members Josh Wagner, READ ONLINE gearbox, which uses a sophisticated and efficient method Deborah Denys and Pat Patterson. Photo/JEFF CRUMBLEY of rotating components that operate in compression. This Use your smartphone translates to less wear on the gearbox and allows for higher edition of the Volusia/Flagler Business Report, a monthly QR reader and read this newsletter online! loadings, making it a premier solution for various gearbox publication of the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Nominees applications. were selected both by readers and staff. The incubator’s site manager, Connie Bernal, was “I’m honored to be selected for this award,” said recently selected as one of the top “30 Influential Women Bernal. “It’s one of my biggest achievements, and I in Business from Volusia and Flagler” counties. Bernal couldn’t be prouder of the entrepreneurs in our incubator was recognized in the Influential Women in Business and throughout Central Florida whom we support.”
PAGE 1 The Accelerator
UCF Business Message From The Founder Incubation Program Welcome to the the Martin Corporation, so the Florida legislature summer issue of opted to put the university (known then as Florida Advisory Board The Accelerator, the Technology University) among the citrus groves Members 2013-2014 quarterly newsletter on the outskirts of town near Cape Canaveral. of the UCF Business Since its founding in 1963, UCF has grown Incubation to become the second-largest university in the Program country, recognized worldwide for its academics Richard Charles Lacey (UCFBIP). The and research in fields such as optics and photonics, Anderson purpose of this Mayor, City of modeling and simulation, solar energy, materials, City of Apopka Winter Springs newsletter is to keep and of course, engineering and computer science. our clients, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and Today, UCF stands for opportunity not only for Randy Berridge Dean Monaco staff informed about the activities of the UCFBIP. the students it serves, but also for the region’s economy it helps to grow and diversify. Florida High Tech MyInnoVenture Corridor Council The UCF Business Incubation Program UCF’s story is important because it shows what (UCFBIP) has many reasons to celebrate. In March, can happen when you combine talent, innovation, Michael J. we were awarded the “Incubator Network of the an entrepreneurial spirit and a “can-do” attitude. Rebecca Borders O’Donnell Year,” a new honor presented by the National At UCF, we believe in entrepreneurs and the Mayor, City of St. UCF Faculty/ Cloud Business Incubation Association. We are thrilled to importance of providing them with guidance and Florida Angel receive the award as it is a testament to our program’s support early on, to help foster stronger companies. Nexus superior clients, staff, partners and supporters. At the UCFBIP, our mission is to help Terence F. In addition, this year also marks major entrepreneurs create successful companies, Brennan Tony Ortiz anniversaries for both UCF and the National something that we couldn’t do without the support Brennan Legal Commissioner, City Group LLC Entrepreneur Center (NEC). The NEC was and partnerships of our local community. I of Orlando founded in 2003 as a collaboration between Walt encourage you to read about our upcoming events, Disney World Resort, Orange County government expansions and milestones at incubator.ucf.edu. Rob Ehrhardt Randall E. and UCF. With our entrepreneurs in mind, and in Volusia County Poliner light of these joint anniversaries, I thought it would Tom O’Neal, Ph.D. Antares Capital be interesting to tell the story of UCF’s beginnings. Associate Vice President Tom George Corporation In the early 1960’s, the citrus and aerospace Office of Research & Commercialization City of Sanford, industries dominated Central Florida. Few people Executive Director, UCF Business Economic Eric Ushkowitz opposed the creation of a new university that Incubation Program Development Orange County would focus on supplying engineers to NASA and Economic Jeff Jones Development CALENDAR OF EVENTS Osceola County UCFBIP Strategic Initiatives Heather Bond Vargas To help foster new business opportunities across Central Florida, the UCF Business Incubation Cobb Cole P.A. Program hosts educational seminars and networking functions at each of its nine convenient site Rick Karl locations. For more details, please visit incubator.ucf.edu. Volusia County Florida Ken York Employee vs. Independent Contractor Innovation Concourse of the Southeast Seminole County August 27, 3:00-4:30 p.m. MegaWatt/FL-CAN Showcase Kim King Economic UCF Business Incubator—St. Cloud September 24-25, 2013 Development MOSI-Tampa, FL City of Orlando Networking Workshop & Business After Hours August 28, 3:00-5:30 p.m. Excellence in Entrepreneurship UCF Office of Research & Commercialization Certificate Course Belinda Ortiz October 22 - November 19, 2013 Kirkegard Leveraging Google+ For Business UCF Office of Research & Commercialization City of Kissimmee, September 10, 9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Economic UCF Business Incubator – Winter Springs Florida Companies to Watch 2013 Development October 24, 2013 Federal Healthcare Reform: Hard Rock Live Challenges and Solutions September 10, 3:00-4:30 p.m. UCF Business Incubator—St. Cloud
PAGE 2 Quarterly Newsletter of the UCF Business Incubation Program The Evolution of the Key – Coming Soon Fumbling with keys will soon be an annoyance accidentally unlock the door as you’re walking by. The idea and founded the company in 2010. In 2012, of the past. With Kevo, unlocking the front door will lock will glow blue once it establishes a connection. Dumas beat out more than 24,000 applicants for be as simple as tapping the lock with your finger. The Kevo lock will be available as a deadbolt a spot on the season finale of the Kevo, a mobile app that lets you send, receive lock replacement and has been designed for a do-it- television series “Shark Tank.” and delete eKeys, is the first product by lock makers yourself installation that takes Kevo will be available Kwikset and Weiser to implement UniKey’s touch- less than five minutes. Simply in late summer 2013. to-open technology. UniKey, a graduate of the UCF download the Kevo mobile When launched, it will Business Incubation app from the Apple App only work on iOS- Program, developed the store to your smartphone, based products with high-tech access control and you’re done. The app will Bluetooth capabilities, technology that will allow allow you to set up your Kevo currently the iPhone residents to touch the lock to enter their home as long lock; send, disable and delete 4S, iPhone 5, fifth- as they have their smartphone with them. UniKey has eKeys; and manage Kevo generation iPod Touch, Phil Dumas, Unikey CEO licensed its technology to Kwikset and Weiser, who Fobs. The Kevo Fob (included current-generation iPad, will manufacture the lock. with the lock) offers the same and the iPad mini. UniKey, The new Kevo lock uses Bluetooth low energy so touch-to-open technology and convenience to users however, anticipates that the user’s smartphone will need to be fairly close to who don’t have a smartphone. support for Android, Blackberry and the lock for it to communicate. Kevo also requires you Phil Dumas, a UCF College of Engineering and other devices will be announced in the future. to touch the lock before you enter, so that you don’t Computer Science alumnus, developed the UniKey For more information, visit UniKey.com. Local Dignitaries Celebrate National Entrepreneur Center’s 10th Anniversary Ten years ago, community cores She painted a picture of Central Florida Walt Disney World Resort, UCF that no one could have imagined unless and Orange County government they believed in Walt’s vision. partnered with the U.S. Small “Innovation is important. It’s Business Administration to establish what makes America the country the Disney Entrepreneur Center in we’ve become,” said Gidusko. “And Orlando to provide a central location entrepreneurialism is essential. It’s for entrepreneurs to receive business what makes Americans who we are. support. And that’s what makes the National In June 2013, the renamed Entrepreneur Center one of the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) very best ideas that Central Florida, held a 10th anniversary celebration to collectively, has ever had. Because you commemorate the center’s milestone. never know, the idea you help grow Local dignitaries – including Orlando tomorrow might be the one that shapes Mayor Buddy Dyer; Orange County the next century.” Mayor Teresa Jacobs; UCF President The NEC anniversary celebration John Hitt; Tom O’Neal, NEC also featured networking, free business chairman of the board and associate seminars and a guided tour of the vice president for the UCF Office of far this center has come in its first 10 Small Business Center and UCF 22,000-square-foot facility, located Research and Commercialization; and years,” said O’Neal. “I’m excited about Business Incubation Program are inside the Orlando Fashion Square Nancy Gidusko, Walt Disney World the potential of what the next decade each a part of the effort to provide Mall. Resort director of community relations may bring.” entrepreneurs with the resources they The NEC offers easy access to 12 – shared the history of the NEC’s Hitt applauded the NEC and need to succeed,” he added. independent programs that provide evolution and their organization’s role discussed the value partnerships play. Jacobs extended special business assistance to entrepreneurs. in its development and stressed their “The NEC is grand testimony to the congratulations to the NEC, This year alone, the center has coached continuing support. power of partnership,” said Hitt. “It proclaiming June 18, 2013 as National more than 12,000 small business Tom O’Neal led the celebration was established as a driving force for Entrepreneur Center Day. leaders. In its decade-long existence, the by discussing the unique culture that creating jobs and growing a better Gidusko commended the NEC has coached more than 100,000 the individual partners and sponsors region through economic development. NEC, citing the importance of small businesses and facilitated more in Central Florida have created, Today, the NEC has become the front entrepreneurship and innovation. than $150 million in small business something that rarely happens in other door of entrepreneurship in Orlando She described Walt Disney’s initial loans. communities. “Having been a part of and a national model for aiding small hardships as an entrepreneur on his For more information about the the NEC from the beginning provides businesses. UCF’s strong belief in the path toward what would evolve as the NEC, visit nationalec.org. me with an understanding of just how value of this center is why the UCF No. 1 tourist destination in the world. PAGE 3 The Accelerator
UCFBIP Advisory Board Profiles
The UCF Business Incubation Program has established a strong Advisory Board to coordinate the efforts of both the University and the community in providing tools and resources that enhance the prospects for the commercial success of developing companies. The Board serves as a liaison between the Incubator, the University, and the Central Florida community. Visit incubator.ucf.edu for the full board list.
Randall A. Poliner Systems Services was sold to Computer Task Group, engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and Inc., at the time a $400 million NYSE firm serving an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He holds President, Antares the consulting, systems integration, and professional two patents for electronic instrumentation in the Capital Corporation services needs of Fortune 500 clients. Poliner had energy field. He serves as an advisory board member direct responsibility for the consulting services at both the College of Engineering and the School In 1993, after four years group serving manufacturing and distribution of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia at South Atlantic Capital clients and the systems integration group serving Tech, a capital campaign fund leader for the Harvard Corporation, Randall Poliner industrial automation markets. He was responsible Business School, and chair of the current Georgia founded Antares Capital for developing the firm’s consulting and systems Tech capital campaign for the School of Electrical Corporation in the belief that there was a need for integration strategy, constructing a national account and Computer Engineering. Poliner also serves as a venture capital/private equity firm comprised of marketing program, and identifying and evaluating chairman of both the trustees and the investment individuals with substantial leadership experience in acquisition candidates. Poliner also guided Flood committee for an endowment dedicated to furthering small, rapidly-growing companies. Data Services as president and CEO from $4 million Catholic education, and he has served as a trustee of Prior to his venture capital career, Poliner was to $70 million in sales over four years and provided the Georgia Tech Alumni Association. a founder and chief operating officer of Macrodyne, the sales leadership for First Americans Information Regarding his experience with the UCFBIP, an instrumentation and signal processing company, Services Group, which purchased the company Poliner said, “We make it a point to do what we which he led from product definition to established resulting in an increase of revenue from $147 million can to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community revenues and eventual sale of the business. Poliner was to $248 million in one year. throughout the Southeast and Texas, so it’s gratifying asked to join Scientific Systems Services to effect a Poliner earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical to be a small part of the great work that goes on at the turn-around of this publicly held company. Scientific engineering from Georgia Tech, an M.S. in electrical UCF Business Incubation Program.”
Richard Anderson has consistently maintained the lowest ad valorem tax the runway and operational facilities at the Orlando rate compared to all other full-service cities within Apopka Airport, with the ultimate goal of developing Chief Administrative Officer, Orange County, while upholding a high standard for the site into a hub for the commercial shipping City of Apopka quality of life. industry. Anderson believes that partnerships prove Anderson serves as a member of the UCF Richard Anderson serves as to be the best way to leverage taxpayer resources. Business Incubation Program Advisory Board, where the city of Apopka’s chief Under his leadership, Apopka now provides public he serves as the representative for the city of Apopka. administrative officer, where safety dispatching services for the cities of Maitland, He also serves on the Safety and Security Advisory he is responsible for managing Eatonville and Ocoee. He also negotiated an Board for Orlando International Airport. In the past, the entirety of Apopka’s operations. He began his interlocal agreement to establish the city of Apopka Anderson served on the Apopka Community Bank career with the city of Apopka in 1974 as a member as the exclusive public provider of water and sewer Board, the Florida Department of Health’s Emergency of the Apopka Fire Department. As a graduate of the services for most of northwest Orange County. Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Council, and first class of certified paramedics in Orange County, Apopka’s partnership with UCF reflects one the Orange County EMS Advisory Council. He is Anderson quickly established his reputation as a element of Anderson’s commitment to economic a past president of the Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ leader. development. Anderson regularly works with the Association and the Foliage Sertoma Club. In his current role, Anderson’s forward thinking Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission Throughout his 39-year career serving Apopka, and entrepreneurial approach to government services to ensure that Apopka is strategically positioned for Anderson has been the recipient of numerous has allowed Apopka to provide an enviable host of opportunities. He holds an active role in the planning community service awards, including the Boy services and facilities to its residents and business of the Wekiva Parkway, which will position Apopka Scouts Golden Eagle Award, which is presented for community. As the second-largest city in Orange as the single interchange between State Road 429 and distinguished service in a community for 25 years or County (both in population and land area), Apopka Interstate 4. He also supervised the acquisition of more.
PAGE 4 Quarterly Newsletter of the UCF Business Incubation Program
UCF Student Business Goes UCFBIP Nationwide the SMARTWAY Recruits Program Development Manager
The UCFBIP is pleased to welcome Michael Weiss as its new Program Development Manager. In this role, Weiss will help develop marketing and communications initiatives for the program. He will also work with the site managers to create new support programs to help startup companies accelerate growth and create jobs UCF students Taylor Cheeley and Nicole than 16,000 major retail locations — with CVS throughout the Central Enterlein, inventors of the SMARTWAY Cup, have Pharmacy, and Walgreens. To augment their national Florida region. generated considerable traction since winning the distribution, the company is launching “I am “I am looking forward UCF College of Business Administration’s 2013 Joust Woman,” a 12-month national marketing campaign. to the opportunities and Michael Weiss Business Plan Tournament. The campaign aims to drive brand and sales challenges that lie ahead with this position,” said The Joust offers entrepreneurial students the development by establishing an edgier personality Weiss. “My goal is to develop programs that will opportunity to pitch their ideas to judges for a while also serving as a voice for female unification attract more startups to grow their company at a UCF chance to win $12,500. As part of their winnings, and strength. It advocates healthier lifestyles and Business Incubator, and accelerate progress among SMARTWAY was awarded a year as a client of the empowers young women with the courage to discuss our existing clients.” UCF Business Incubation Program. embarrassing issues that may be life-threatening. The Prior to joining the UCFBIP, Weiss served as the The SMARTWAY Cup, a disposable urine “I am Woman” campaign will consist of national and assistant director of public relations for UCF’s Rosen funnel, enables women to comfortably stand when regional television commercials, full-page layouts in College of Hospitality Management. Weiss also using a public restroom, reducing vulnerability women’s fashion and health magazines, billboards in previously served as the associate director of public to contaminated surfaces and potentially harmful major metropolitan areas, online advertising packages relations for Bonnier Corporation, one of the largest diseases. Previously, this female hygiene product was and a 20-campus college tour across eight states. consumer-publishing groups in America. only available at the on-campus UCF Knight Aide To fund their campaign, SMARTWAY must “The UCF Business Incubation Program is Pharmacy and Convenience Store and at CVS and raise $480,000 and has already raised one quarter of under such exceptional leadership and I am excited to 7-Eleven stores on Alafaya Trail; however it will soon their goal. be working with such a talented, dedicated team, as be available nationwide. For more information, visit StandTheSmartway. well as a diverse array of quality clients,” Weiss added. SMARTWAY has established its first major com. Weiss has a bachelor’s degree in communication from contract — a national distributorship with more Florida Atlantic University and currently is pursuing UCFBIP Receives National Recognition his master’s in communication at UCF. Did you know? FROM PAGE 1 networked program that has helped the Central Florida community adopt entrepreneurship as a key component in their economic development agenda,” Plasmonics, a technology company ranging from high-end technology and Internet said UCFBIP Director Gordon Hogan. developing tunable infrared companies to service providers, financial services Since its inception, the UCFBIP network has metamaterials, announced it will companies and even a brewery. The exception within helped sustain over 3,140 jobs, with over $400 contribute $250,000 in 2013 to the UCFBIP network is its photonics incubator, million in regional output. Additionally, the UCFBIP support UCF research efforts. which specializes in optical, photonic, laser and other network has helped yield a return on investment of light-related technology. $5.93 for every dollar invested by its stakeholders. “The UCFBIP has been successful in scaling up from a one-site incubator program into a PAGE 5 The Accelerator
Earthrise Space Sets Eyes on the Moon, Partners with UCF to Aid Company Goal for space — the company inked “We look its first lunar payload customer, forward to Chile-based Angelicvm. Contracts working with for Earthrise Space’s lunar payload Earthrise deliveries not only open the Space, door to private and government particularly entities interested in utilizing the the student unique lunar environment as a interns,” Alison Wildblood, CEO of platform for scientific research, said Alison CAMCAD Technologies but they also pave the way for Wildblood, the future of space exploration. CEO of CAMCAD Technologies. Earthrise has established “There are so few opportunities relationships with important for students to get real-world sponsors and partners to aid in experience learning CNC Earthrise Space combines the creative power of UCF student interns with the experience of seasoned industry the company’s celestial goals. programming and machining veterans to create the company’s concept of design to completion in record time. These partnerships have fostered in Central Florida. For more invaluable teamwork across the than 20 years, CAMCAD has In recent years, the idea Florida-based team competing entire industry. For goals as worked with technical schools of “NewSpace” has become in the Google Lunar XPRIZE. lofty as spaceflight, cooperation and universities to help train the popular in the technology The company’s participation between companies and nations next generation of manufacturing world. This bold new concept in the competition is part of is a necessity to overcome professionals. We intend to use our is driving private organizations Earthrise’s ultimate goal of the challenges of both space manufacturing expertise to help to become prominent forces in establishing ongoing lunar payload itself and limited finances. Earthrise Space achieve success the world of space exploration delivery services for clients. in their quest for the Google and development. Hoping By combining the creative Lunar XPRIZE,” she added. to fuel further growth in the power of young minds with the Earthrise’s long list of space industry, XPRIZE — the experience of seasoned industry sponsors also includes National organization responsible for veterans, Earthrise Space has Instruments, Mydea Technologies facilitating the world’s first created a fresh approach to Recently, Earthrise Space (a graduate client of the UCFBIP), successful private space flight electrifying its workforce, and partnered with Research Park- Jarritos, and Stratasys, a 3-D — joined forces with Google proved its merit through the based CAMCAD Technologies, printing company that donated to create the $30 million company’s ability to take a design an award-winning provider a printer to Earthrise Space. Google Lunar XPRIZE. from conception to completion of innovative manufacturing Earthrise has also partnered In 2007, UCF alumnus in record time, and at reduced solutions and a client of the UCF with NASA’s own Swamp Works Ruben Nunez founded Earthrise costs. Interns at Earthrise gain Business Incubation Program laboratory under a federal Space with the mission of invaluable experience and (UCFBIP). CAMCAD donated Space Act Agreement. Swamp establishing a NewSpace have been hired by companies use of its SURFCAM five-axis Works, dedicated to finding company capable of making like Boeing and SpaceX. CAM programming software innovative new solutions for space exploration accessible to The requirements for to Earthrise to help streamline space exploration, has provided the public, while simultaneously the Google Lunar XPRIZE manufacturing processes. It is also Earthrise Space with simulated addressing the nation’s critical are difficult: The team must providing training and additional lunar soil to work with as well need for a more economic space successfully land a rover on the support to help streamline as engineering aid. In return, industry model. Nunez joined lunar surface, travel 500 meters, the company’s manufacturing Earthrise Space built and provided forces with more than 40 UCF and send high-definition video and processes. Additionally, the the use of a lunar simulant tilt students, alumni and space imagery back to Earth. Late last UCFBIP has partnered with industry veterans to establish year, Earthrise Space completed a Earthrise to donate workspace CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE Earthrise Space, the only major accomplishment in its quest and other valuable resources. PAGE 6 Quarterly Newsletter of the UCF Business Incubation Program
Breakthrough in Materials Science Garmor, Inc., a spin-off of UCF, has and Restrepo, we are able to produce large developed a proprietary way to produce volumes of graphene at a much reduced cost,” graphene, an element extracted from graphite said Canavan. “By adding a small amount that is stronger than diamond, more conductive of graphene during the production process, than copper and more flexible than rubber. manufacturers of plastic, rubber and metal can Richard Blair, a chemist in UCF’s make their products far stronger and lighter.” NanoScience Technology Center, and Garmor recently received $300,000 in Ph.D. graduate student David Restrepo funding from the Florida Institute for the developed a clean method for “unlocking” Commercialization of Public Research’s graphene using a combination of Seed Capital Accelerator Program. Canavan chemical and mechanical processes. notes that this initial round of funding and maximum 1-to-1 ratio in matching funding will enable the company to move into its next phase, as well as scale up The licensed intellectual property enables to support their production plans. the production of cost-effective, mechanically Garmor has a full-time staff of eight, Anastasia Canavan, president and CEO of Garmor enhanced graphene that can be used as an recently adding Restrepo to the team. additive to composite materials to make The company is moving into their new them stronger, while maintaining lightweight facility near the Orlando International characteristics. Common applications include Airport in August, where it will have the high-strength plastics used for automotive capability to produce more than 100 metric bumpers and truck bed liners, boat hauls, tons of graphene per year. Canavan notes bridge components and custom-molded parts. that they foresee hiring close to 100 full- According to Anastasia Canavan, president time researchers and production staff. and CEO of Garmor, the main challenge of Garmor is an off-site client of the UCF commercializing graphene isn’t its applicability, Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP) but its productive cost. Canavan notes that and is working closely with them and commercially available graphene can be the UCF Venture Lab to determine purchased via the Internet for $100 per gram. current market and sales information. In comparison, the price of 24-karat gold For more information, visit Richard Blair, assistant professor of chemistry and forensic science at in the U.S. today is about $42 per gram. GarmorTech.com. UCF, and a biofuels specialist, uses a milling process to convert raw “With the help of researchers Blair materials to simple sugars and other useful compounds. Earthrise Space Sets Eyes on the Moon FROM PAGE 6 pod will be attached to the underside of bureaucratic firms — an asset that presents an F-104 Starfighter that will fly into the a significant advantage at a time when upper troposphere, where it will collect the space industry is wholly invested in table to support Swamp Works’ research. samples of African dust that travels over the making space exploration more efficient. In addition to Earthrise Space’s lunar mission, Atlantic and is deposited in Florida. The Woven together, these factors converge the company maximizes its capabilities dust will be examined for microbial life, to form the unique set of opportunities through a variety of contracts. The company’s yielding valuable data that may shed light that make Earthrise Space a promising DART (Dust Altitude Recovery Technology) on this poorly understood dust exchange. new force in America’s space industry. project recently passed rigorous high-speed Earthrise Space’s innovative business For more information, visit EarthriseSpace. testing at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle model allows the company to operate org or GoogleLunarXPrize.org. Landing Facility. The DART dust collection without the restraints of larger, more PAGE 7 Incubator Client Profiles
First Response Disaster Team UCFBI-Daytona Beach When Disaster Strikes, Count on First Response International Airport
Entrepreneurs Ken and that are licensed in mold remediation; Anne-Marie Poulin founded First therefore, they can do immediate Response Disaster Team in 2010 recovery. When subcontractors as a full-service restoration firm are necessary, First Response has providing emergency water damage great rapport with several licensed, restoration, mold remediation, and insured and reliable companies, fire and smoke damage restoration. relieving yet another client burden. The Poulins had their first “Other companies can provide experience with restoration teams remediation services, but if they aren’t when water damage from the 2004 contractors they are unable to do hurricane season required they build-back work, leaving the client contract a restoration company. The to contact a separate contractor,” project, which should have taken said Anne-Marie. “They can literally roughly one month to complete, cut a hole out of your drywall lasted six months and left the and remove the damage, but then Ken and Anne-Marie founded First Response Disaster Team in 2010 in response to their own horrifying family living in their camper. you’re left with a gaping hole. We experience with restoration services. “After our own horrifying don’t run our business that way.” experience, we saw the need for The Poulin’s business model has and become the go-to restoration from the UCFBIP to help them a restoration company with a proved to be successful. First Response firm for commercial entities, such as establish and reach long-term goals. better business model,” said Anne- recently acquired a second restoration hotels, office buildings and hospitals. “The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Marie Poulin, co-founder of First truck, hired a second team of two The Poulins are especially course was instrumental in helping Response. “When disaster strikes, technicians, added an administrative appreciative for the publicity us see the big picture with regard to you have it rough already and using assistant and is currently recruiting and exposure the UCF Business marketing, sales and management,” unprofessional workers with little a marketing professional. According Incubation Program (UCFBIP) she said. “The program has been communication does not ease the to Anne-Marie, the company is has helped them receive and for invaluable because it has forced us to situation. First Response is here to seeking to expand their reach across the connections it has generated. look years into the future and plan help people through tough times.” Florida, and eventually, nationwide. The husband and wife duo accordingly to reach our goals.” The First Response Disaster Team They are growing their expertise as owned three businesses prior to For more information, rises above the competition because commercial mitigation specialists to founding First Response. According visit TheDisasterTeam.com. they are certified general contractors provide emergency response plans to Anne-Marie, they sought assistance
Freshorize - Soft Landing Program Gives Freshorize Fresh Start in the U.S. UCFBI Kissimmee
After having the misfortune of The rise in interest prompted to its first potential major U.S. airline client. sitting next to the lavatory during a long Patel to remodel the line to make “The site managers and staff have made this flight to London in 2000, Aziz Patel, it more eco-friendly and efficient for an absolutely wonderful experience,” Patel said. owner and CEO of Freshorize, was commercial use. The redesigned Freshorize “Although I came here by myself, I do not feel inspired to create a solution for airline products use 26 percent less plastic, alone. The program makes everyday life easier and passengers and flight attendants. dispense foam more efficiently, and is helping my company move at a great pace. If I Patel created Freshorize, a line of incorporate Wikidex, a new method did not have this resource at my disposal I would soap dispensers that includes an aerosol of dispersing fragrance at a linear rate probably still be in the startup stages instead of air freshener that is automatically that increases the product’s shelf life creating new products and commercial contacts.” triggered when soap is dispensed. The and maintains consistent freshness. When Patel brought Freshorize dispensers into product was designed for consumer Freshorize is currently used by his UCFBIP office, he discovered that the vortex use; however, Patel never forgot 90 percent of British airlines, and the air-conditioning system, which is not used in the his original inspiration – airplanes. company wants to extend its business to United Kingdom, resembles that of an aircraft The Freshorize Airline Edition the U.S. Freshorize was recommended to cabin, causing his products to release fragrance. went through almost two years of participate in the Soft Landing Program, Freshorize has since developed the first version development before it was finalized. In a UCF Business Incubation Program of its product for use on air-conditioning vents 2005, Freshorize won the International (UCFBIP) application that assists foreign and, with the UCFBIP’s assistance, hopes to make Travel Catering Association’s for-profit companies in high-growth an impact on the hotel industry by late 2013. Mercury Award for the best onboard fields entering the U.S. market. The Soft For more information, visit Freshorize.com. product, which led to more airlines Landing Program has provided Patel with wanting the innovative product. an office, meeting space and a connection
PAGE 8 Incubator Client Profiles
ALTR - Impacting Fashion Design with Customizable Button Covers UCFBI Orlando
After a year of working in a creative idea and well-written downtown Orlando restaurant, business plan. Gramatikas was Alexandra Gramatikas was persuaded awarded $10,000 and a one-year by her father to expand her horizons residency in the UCF Business and attend the UCF Joust Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP). Plan Tournament. “I was inspired by She used the winnings to create the entrepreneurial talent at the event their first round of inventory. and started filling out my application Currently, ALTR sells UCF for the UCF M.B.A. program the and University of Florida (UF) next day,” said Gramatikas. button covers. The UF buttons Not long after, Gramatikas were added to their Collegiate and her friend Tripp Driskell found Covers line this July, after ALTR themselves in a deep discussion over was approved for a trial run by Komen. ALTR will accomplishments,” she said. “We are a relatively small topic: buttons. the UF Licensing Department. also be working with so thankful for all the opportunities “We were at a nautical-themed wine “This is a thrilling time for us because UCF in the upcoming 2014 Cure it has provided and for opening the tasting and started talking about football season is coming up, and Bowl, where they hope to sell special door to the UCFBIP. We’ve felt how great it would be if blazers and students love to represent their button covers to benefit breast cancer supported every step of the way — other articles of clothing could be team at games,” said Gramatikas. research foundations. “It’s the first we couldn’t have made it to this more customizable. A light bulb “We’re really excited to see how the time that the event will be held at point without the assistance we’ve went on. After we discussed it with product takes off within the UCF UCF,” said Gramatikas. “We’re really received from the UCF community.” family and friends, we realized we and UF communities,” she added. excited to participate and show our In Central Florida, ALTR’s were really on to something,” she The company is also partnering support of breast cancer research.” button covers can be found at Gray’s added. Thus, ALTR was born. with Susan G. Komen to sell pink Gramatikas is grateful for her College Bookstore near UCF and Inspired by the Joust, Gramatikas buttons for breast cancer awareness. experience with the UCF Joust. at Siegel’s Clothing Co. in Winter entered the competition in Spring For every unit sold, ALTR will donate “Winning the Joust competition Park. For more information or to 2012 and won first place for her $1 of the proceeds to Susan G. has been one of our greatest purchase, visit MadeToALTR.com.
VGlobalTech - Simplicity and Certainty in Web Design UCFBI Orlando
When Vb Joshi was and experience and providing simple, unable to find a good online transparent and proven results,” said Joshi. Web design company for his “Most of our customers have had first online tutoring business a prior bad Web design experience,” he in 2009, he decided to put added. “We publish exactly what we do for his computer programming our customers and even teach them how experience to work and to do it themselves eventually – people start his own Web design really appreciate that.” Joshi’s business company, VGlobalTech. outlook is proof that honesty pays off “I was amazed that there Vb Joshi – VGlobalTech has managed to retain was so much abstraction 85 to 90 percent of their customers. in the industry,” said Joshi. Under Joshi’s leadership, the company “Too many times I saw good people getting has been very successful. Recently, taken advantage of because they were intimidated they just completed a new website for REBUILD Globally provides opportunities for by the technical jargon of Web design and too esteemed Central Florida florist Lee James. James Haitians to make shoes and handbags from tires and focused on running their own business.” is the floral manager for The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, other materials found in the city’s rubble. The shoes Founded in 2010, VGlobalTech provides Web Grande Lakes, and the owner of Lee James Floral are sold in Haiti, at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa design services, content management solutions, Designs. Joshi also spoke at the Orlando Business Beach, Fla., as well as online at RebuildGlobally.org. search engine optimization, graphic design, online Journal’s 2013 Business Growth Expo about the The company credits the UCF Business marketing, media development and social media importance of blogging. He is scheduled to speak Incubation Program with providing guidance and optimization. The at another Orlando Business Journal event in July. business support, but most importantly, opening company’s clients Joshi is seeking to make a difference with the the doors to what was possible. “I heard about range from medical impact of his company in the marketplace. He the program after taking one of Dr. Tom O’Neal’s practitioners will be designing a new website for local nonprofit classes when I was getting my M.B.A. at UCF,” said and lawyers REBUILD Globally pro bono. “I met Julie Joshi. “It has been the best thing to ever happen to to hospitality and tourism providers. “Our aim Colombino at a business function and was inspired me – I wish we had met the incubator years ago!” is to take the abstraction out of Web design, by her work in Haiti,” said Joshi. Just 10 days after For more information, or to view some of online marketing and social media marketing the 2010 earthquake, Colombino left her home VGlobalTech’s recent work, visit VGlobalTech.com by employing scientific techniques, innovation in Winter Park, Fla., to aid in disaster response. PAGE 9 First Response Disaster Team - When Disaster Strikes, Count on First Response
Incubator Client Profiles
Plasmonics Inc. - Bright Future Lies Ahead UCFBI Photonics UCF Campus
The future is bright for direction that heat is emitted. Plasmonics Inc., a spinout The end product will be a foil company from UCF College fixed to the outside of a satellite.” of Optics and Photonics Plasmonics’ material is scheduled Professor Glenn Boreman’s for a test flight in 2015. infrared systems research group. Another Phase II project that Founded by Boreman and Plasmonics is working on involves David Shelton, Plasmonics is developing an unattended ground currently developing cutting- sensor (UGS) with the capabilities edge technology associated David Shelton of detecting specific profiles. The with infrared systems and nanotechnology UGS will effectively be a motion primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense. detector that only alerts when “Until recently, we’ve mainly focused on something of interest is detected. research and development,” said Shelton. “The “A major problem with motion Small Business Innovation Research Program detectors are the high number The Plasmonics team faced with transitioning from solely research and development, [SBIR] has played a key role in some of the core of false alarm rates,” commented is now focused on manufacturing and pursuing opportunities in commercial markets. technologies developed to date. As a company, Post. “Our technology will enable we are now faced with transitioning from solely the sensor to detect when a person Arlington, Va. Shelton joined several distinguished research and development to manufacturing or truck goes by versus a deer, for example.” lecturers at the conference, including Nibir Dhar and pursuing commercial markets.” A third project is attempting to redefine of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, According to Nathan Post, chief operating the limits of optical technology. “Since the time Bernd Gerhardt of the German Ministry of Defense, officer of Plasmonics, the company was recently of Galileo, all optics have required both lenses and Michael Thomas of Johns Hopkins University. selected for an SBIR Phase II award. Traditionally, and sensors,” said Shelton. “Recent advances According to Post, future growth for the goal of a Phase II program is to develop a field- at Plasmonics have proven the possibility of Plasmonics involves transitioning into the ready prototype with intentions of mass production. lensless imaging, allowing cameras to be just commercial industry. The company is working with One of the Phase II programs involves thermal about any size or shape. Imagine a camera that the UCF Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP) management for space systems. “A major problem has the same dimensions as a credit card.” to determine the best markets for its technology. that existing satellites have is heat management,” Plasmonics currently has a full-time staff of “Right now, we have a toolbox full of innovative said Post. “Since satellites produce heat while in a nine, including four Ph.D. engineers and material core technologies that can be used for a wide vacuum, the only way for their electronics to emit scientists, though they are expecting to grow variety of applications,” said Post. “We are currently heat is through radiation. So unless a satellite is to 14 by the end of the year. To fit the growing identifying problems in the marketplace to focus actively orienting itself away from the sun, it will team, the company is moving to a new office our efforts. We are fortunate to have the assistance overheat and melt. We’re currently working on in Central Florida Research Park in August. of the UCFBIP to help us with this transition.” developing a material that will be a zero-power In July, Shelton was invited to speak at the For more information, visit consumption passive solution that can control the Eighth Annual Night Vision Systems Conference in Plasmonics-inc.com.
Ready CPR - Empowering Others to Save Lives UCFBI St. Cloud
Recognizing a great need for cardiopulmonary recently co-founded with Space Coast CPR. resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support “Many larger companies have made CPR (BLS) training in Kissimmee and St. Cloud, training mandatory for their employees,” Fla., Christina Arbogast founded Ready CPR Arbogast said. “The victim’s chance for survival is in 1997 while attending East West College of greatest if CPR is started as soon as the medical Natural Medicine for her master’s degree. special baby-sitting boot camp course for preteens emergency occurs; however, a number of people “I was surprised that our region lacked quality and teenagers. “Our course is designed specifically are reluctant to administer CPR even if they have CPR training,” said Arbogast. “High-quality CPR with young adults in mind,” Arbogast said. “We prior training for fear of doing it wrong,” she means providing compressions at proper depth teach our students the basics of pediatric first aid added. “Our classes ensure employees have the and rate, with correct release and with limited and provide them with the tools necessary to run a proper skills to administer aid confidently in an interruptions. Ready CPR educates people on proper baby-sitting business. This includes everything from emergency situation, no matter the scenario.” CPR techniques, in addition to basic first aid, so that using social media to résumé writing, to teaching Arbogast credits the UCFBIP for providing people are equipped to not only take care of others, students how to determine if they have the proper guidance and important business tools. “I was but also themselves in the event of an emergency.” supplies at a home when they start babysitting.” looking for places to hold my classes in St. Cloud Ready CPR offers classes for adults and Ready CPR offers private classes at five and heard about the incubator through word of children on proper CPR training. Depending of the UCF Business Incubation Program mouth,” Arbogast recalled. “The incubator has on the age group, Arbogast utilizes catchy ways (UCFBIP) sites. They also provide CPR and safety provided me with valuable networking and business to help participants remember the steps of CPR training on site at larger companies, hospitality training to help take my company to the next level.” and first aid in the midst of an emergency. organizations and restaurants through CPR For more information, visit ReadyCPR.com. Ready CPR also offers BLS training and a to You, a subsidiary company that Arbogast PAGE 10 First Response Disaster Team - When Disaster Strikes, Count on First Response
Incubator Client Profiles
Carter Solutions, Inc. - Problem Solved UCFBI Central Florida Research Park
Tony Carter is a problem solver. “After years and technical assistance aimed at fostering of working in the industry, I found that roughly women’s empowerment and gender equality. 85 percent of information technology issues can be “We set up a global contract management system solved by configuring existing software,” he stated. for UNIFEM so people across the globe could “Then, where existing platforms don’t work, we go in have access to the information,” said Carter. and write the code. We’ve found that to be the most and objectives through his company. He credits Carter Solutions employs 10 full-time effective, low-risk approach to solving problems.” his success to his ability to understand business employees, four part-time employees and six Carter is president of Carter Solutions, Inc., problems from a high level and subsequently figure contractors. He has applied to work with UCF’s a full-service IT solutions company specializing out what needs to be solved on a technical level. Young Entrepreneur and Scholar program, in highly effective Web development on the “I have a pragmatic approach when it comes a project funded by the National Science DNN content management platform, successful to my work, and I try to find the quickest low- Foundation and U.S. Department of Labor enterprise content management with Microsoft risk method to solving a problem,” he explained. to prepare students to enter the workforce by SharePoint, and mobile application development “Over time, I developed best practices for providing internship opportunities in science, on the iPhone and Android platforms. He founded software development. It’s not about selling a technology, engineering and mathematics fields. the company in 1995 after 15 years of working platform or a specific technology. There are ways When asked about future plans, Carter as a commercial collections agent and began to solve problems that don’t cost $100,000.” explained that the company is working on a new focusing on the company full time in 2008. Carter’s approach has proven to be successful. project that will revolutionize the way property “In 1995, I realized that the Internet “We were contacted by an insurance marketing managers monetize their websites. “We’re really was on the verge of changing the way people company that focuses on seniors in the Tampa excited about this project, but we can’t let the and companies communicate,” said Carter. “I Bay area,” he said. “They had tons of products, cat out of the bag just yet,” he laughed. was intrigued and wanted to learn everything groups and websites to maintain and were having Solving problems is Carter’s passion and there was to know. Since I didn’t have a formal difficulty managing them because they needed something that he says he’ll do for the rest of education in technology, I spent countless hours their lawyers and other entities to be able to log his career. “Just last year I had two customers teaching myself networking systems and software in. We put the DNN content management system contact me who I hadn’t talked to in more than development, eventually mastering program in place, and immediately they were able to log 10 years. They came to me needing help with a languages such as C, C++ and HTML.” in and work simultaneously on all their sites.” problem, even though they could have contacted After a successful career working as the director He was also contacted by the U.N. to someone else. I think that says something about of engineering for an anti-spyware company, Carter build a global system for the United Nations our work and the way we do business.” focused on providing companies with practical Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), an For more information, visit solutions to their information technology problems agency established in 1976 to provide financial CarterSolutions.com.
H2 IT Solutions - Hard Work, Creativity Pay Off UCFBI Central Florida Research Park H2 IT Solutions (H2 IT), a customer-oriented own avatars and and Training Technology Center in Orlando. The company that provides professional engineering, interact. These company was the only local winner in the contest. software programming, gaming development and simulations were H2 IT attributes their success to their logistics support, is quickly making a name for used to introduce dependability, meticulous work ethic and itself in military and commercial industries. leadership concepts, strong team. One of the company’s goals is to Formerly employed as software developers and build teamwork and be named the “No. 1 Best Place to Work in government contractors, husband and wife Alice simulate the stress Orlando” by the Orlando Business Journal. and Patrick Hayden founded H2 IT (coined for the and critical thinking aspects of officer training. “We feel that providing a stable, challenging duo’s name) in 2005, due to “Officer training is pretty aggressive,” and team-oriented atmosphere helps promote a a need they identified in the said Alice. “Participants have five minutes to positive attitude and sense of pride in the work industry to provide honest, review the mission and 15 minutes to play the that we do for our clients,” explained Alice. “We effective consultation. game. There are 20 to 30 staff instructors and also believe that in order to provide quality service, “My husband and I both an EMT on standby in case of emergency.” our employees must be equipped with the right come from a strong work In April, H2 IT won first place out of a dozen tools: we provide them with the latest hardware and ethic background that we entries from across the country in a gaming contest software to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.” learned from our families and tied to the Defense GameTech Users’ Conference. H2 IT’s next step is to take the products the private industry,” explains H2IT won $10,000 for Compound, one of the they have developed for the government Alice Hayden, founder Alice Hayden, president of virtual team-building games the company developed and turn them into commercial games H2 IT. “In the private industry, for the U.S. Air Force University’s Squadron for both PC and mobile platforms. you’d be terminated on the spot if lack of effort Officer College. In the game, students learn how “This industry can be very difficult,” explained existed. Our reputation for dependable, quality to lead a team, delegate and communicate tasks, Alice. “In the end, it’s about the quality of work and service soared from that point moving forward.” and most importantly, work together to analyze how you run your business. We pride ourselves in H2 IT landed their first major contract with and adapt to a situation. H2 IT also won first prize doing the job right, being a trustworthy partner, and Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala., to in the critical-thinking and adaptability category not being afraid to put a little skin in the game.” develop virtual environments in Second Life, an of the Federal Virtual Challenge, sponsored by For more information, visit H2ITsolutions.com. online virtual platform where users can create their the U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s Simulation PAGE 11 Incubator Client Profiles September 24-25, 2013 The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) Tampa, FL The Innovation Concourse of the Southeast (ICSE) kicks it into high gear late this September, so don’t miss your chance to meet the up-and-coming small technology businesses, industry-leading corporations, innovative university researchers and countless regional resources that foster the perfect network for building commerce.
This newly combined event leverages the successes of U.S. Department of Energy and Economic Development Administration sponsored programs at the University of Central Florida — MegaWatt Ventures and Florida Cleantech Acceleration. innovationconcourse.com/2013event [email protected]
FBIA Bi-Annual Meeting October 1-2, 2013 UCF Business Incubators in Kissimmee and St. Cloud
Visit www.fbia-online.org or contact Michael Weiss at [email protected] for more information
Congratulations to 2013 UCFBIP Awardees
21ST CENTURY LEARNING SOLUTIONS, INC.
October 24, 2013 PAGE 12 Hard Rock Live Quarterly Newsletter of the UCF Business Incubation Program
Exam Plus FL Service Focused, Results Guaranteed UCFBI Winter Springs After the Call of Duty: Formerly employed by a drug and alcohol Veterans Become testing company, José Batista saw a need in the industry to provide better technology and faster response. He established Exam Plus FL Entrepreneurs to innovate the testing industry by providing a The University of variety of screenings — including instant-result Central Florida Business screenings, 24-hour mobile testing services, Incubation Program health information and risk management (UCFBIP) and Kauffman services — to immigration, clinical and FastTrac have joined business communities. The company also helps forces to help veterans in customers, companies and agencies maintain Central Florida realize their comprehensive substance abuse programs. entrepreneurial dreams. Founded in 2010 to assist Central Florida companies in benefiting from a drug-free The program, called FastTrac® NewVenture™ workplace, Exam Plus uses management expertise Veteran Entrepreneur, will be offered in January to guide companies statewide. Batista’s work 2014, to aspiring entrepreneur veterans who has been successful, attracting Fortune 500 have an idea for a business, but also need a corporations, the U.S. NAVY, the U.S. ARMY, plan and framework for successfully starting Pictured are Jorge Rosario, Chief Operating Officer and Jose NASCAR and NextEra Energy Resources. a company. Working alongside other veteran Batista, President/CEO. “It’s important for business owners to realize entrepreneurs and with the support network of that having a drug-free workplace can save money seeking new state and national opportunities experienced veteran entrepreneurs, mentors, and and, mostly in the case of small businesses, within government and private organizations. advisors, the course will focus on the following: prevent them from going out of business,” said Exam Plus has been nominated for • Launching a new business Batista, Exam Plus president and CEO. “Twenty- several awards, including the 2012 Don • Identifying your target market three million U.S. small businesses reported Quijote Hispanic Business of the Year, the fraudulent activity that resulted in firings, • Understanding the true cost 2012 MBE Supplier of the Year and the which on average costs $11,000 to find and of operating a business 2013 Seminole County Regional Chamber train replacements. An Exam Plus background As a veteran, the commitment to of Commerce Small Business Award. check can help minimize this expense.” excellence, attention to detail, strategic planning Batista credits the UCF Business Incubation Batista noted that 90 percent of large skills, and a keen focus, are the same traits Program (UCFBIP) with helping elevate the corporations are drug-free workplaces, however that make business-owners successful. company’s profile. “The incubator’s site managers only five to seven percent of small businesses and personnel have been extremely helpful in FastTrac NewVenture for the Veteran claim this title. In Florida, drug-free companies connecting us with organizations that benefit Entrepreneur will provide the forum to meet other have the advantage of receiving a 5 percent from our services,” Batista said. “I especially aspiring entrepreneurs, who will provide support annual discount on their worker’s compensation enjoy the use and convenience of all of the throughout the program and extend beyond the insurance, while other businesses may end up [UCFBIP] locations to meet with clients.” course. After completing the course, veterans with less desirable employees, possibly resulting in Batista is presenting a monthly seminar, an increase in insurance if more claims are made. interested in joining the UCFBIP must apply to “Safe Workplace: Employer’s Responsibility,” at Exam Plus continues to expand. In the be considered for acceptance into the program. various UCFBIP locations through November. second quarter of 2013, the company began For details on how to register, visit incubator. For more information, offering services in Puerto Rico and plans to ucf.edu or call 407-882-0888. visit ExamPlusFL.com. continue its expansion into the Caribbean and Central and South America. Batista is also Congratulations! UCFBI - Central Florida Research Park Success Story Connie Bernal Geocove, Inc., the Orlando technology firm that developed the award-winning ARM360 GIS-based disaster assessment system for local, state and regional governments and NGOs worldwide, is featured On Being in a new book that aims to teach cities and counties how to best prepare to manage local disasters. Recognized Enabling Comprehensive Situational Awareness was published by California-based Esri Press and is As “One of the Most available from book retailers worldwide. Influential Women in Business” Did you know? According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, only 44% of small businesses remain in business after four years. However, the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA), the world’s We are Proud of Your Efforts To leading business incubation and entrepreneurship organization, has reported 87% of companies are CongratulationsSupport Entrepreneurship in Volusia still in business five years after graduating from an incubator. County!Connie Bernal PAGE 13 on Being Recognized as One of the “2013 Most Influential Women in Business”
We are Proud of Your Efforts to Support Entrepreneurship in Volusia County.
incubator.ucf.edu The Accelerator
UCF Business Incubator Startups, Staff Help Men’s Wearhouse Reach National Suit Drive Goal
In an effort to give disadvantaged Men’s Wearhouse has partnered with workers a fresh start, Men’s Wearhouse more than 150 nonprofit organizations recently held its sixth annual National Suit around the country to distribute the Drive, with the goal of collecting 150,000 National Suit Drive donations to gently used professional clothing items. unemployed men and women in need. Thanks in part to the UCF Business The local nonprofit partners also prepare Incubation Program (UCFBIP), the these men and women to re-enter the national men’s apparel retailer was able to job market through résumé-building reach its goal. workshops, interview preparation and The UCFBIP, which provides tools, employment training programs. Bridges training and infrastructure to startup of America and STAR Family Center companies throughout the Central Florida respectively serve as Orlando and Daytona region, donated more than 150 articles Beach’s nonprofit partners for the National of men’s and women’s business attire. Suit Drive. “This was the single largest donation our “I am proud to see our staff and client store received,” said Kent Johnson, sales companies give back to the community associate at the Men’s Wearhouse location like this,” said Gordon Hogan, director at Waterford Lakes in Orlando. “We really of the UCFBIP. “The National Suit Drive Michael Weiss, UCFBIP Program Development Manager, proudly displays the appreciate the UCF Business Incubation is a great program, and I am glad that we donations collected by client companies and staff of the UCFBIP in support of Program’s contribution.” could contribute.” the Men’s Wearhouse National Suit Drive.
UCFBIP Success Story Isabella’s Bella Cucina
Food with Passion – Bringing the Family Back to the Table
Isabella Morgia di Vicari, 3,000 people, but soon will be “It will be about bringing the better known as Chef Isabella expanding her reach to the Central family back to the table, to family of Isabella’s Bella Cucina, a Florida area and beyond with her traditions and about bringing full-service catering company latest project — her own cooking communities and America that specializes in authentic show, “At the Table with Isabella.” back to health at the table.” Italian and Spanish food, plans Premiering this fall on Good To fund production for to alter the way Americans think Life TV45, “At the Table with this new series, Chef Isabella is about the family dinner table. Isabella” will consist of 13 half- approaching supporters who share Chef Isabella has staged hour segments that will be aired her goal to entertain families many entertaining cooking weekly. This cooking show will and celebrate family values. demonstrations that use food to propel Chef Isabella’s plans to Additionally, she has hired Rhonda better the community by teaching turn her unique blend of healthy Herborn, to serve as director team building, innovation and home cooking, passion and of special events, to focus on self-sufficiency, as well as the joys philosophy into a food empire that expansion of the company’s private of cooking and eating well. She’s will benefit everyone it touches. and corporate clientele base. performed before corporate boards Chef Isabella says it will For more information, Chef Isabella Morgia di Vicari and conventions of more than be more than a cooking show: visit FoodWithPassion.com.
PAGE 14 Quarterly Newsletter of the UCF Business Incubation Program
UCF’s Florida Angel Nexus Set to Invest $1 Million Investment Group Enhances the Availability of Financial & Strategic Capital in the Southeast U.S. UCF’s burgeoning to connect its best investment entrepreneurial support system opportunities to capital from has added a key component South Florida to Tennessee. – an initiative dedicated to The companies presented supporting qualified early stage to investors are vetted by FAN companies with financial capital. advisors and are presented in a consistent format for individual evaluation. Companies do not need to have a UCF connection; however many in the early Over the last year the pipeline have taken advantage Florida Angel Nexus (FAN) of UCF’s suite of services for The Florida Angel Nexus is enhancing the availability of financial & strategic capital while fostering network has been quietly lining entrepreneurs, said Blaire cooperation between resources across the Southeast U.S. The FAN team includes, from left, Founder Michael O’Donnell, Coordinator Blaire Martin, FAN Member and UCF Executive-in-Residence George Gramatikas, and up accredited investors and Martin, FAN’s Coordinator. Business Analyst Kapono Curry. promising early-stage companies Most members of FAN’s and has succeeded in closing three Investment Group are experienced identify additional markets and a partnership with Vidora, a deals, on target to meet its goal entrepreneurs, investors or develop a strong sales strategy. mobile video aggregation service, of investing $1million in early seasoned executives. “It is great FlexReceipts, another FAN to offer programming live and stage companies in FY 2013. to have such a diverse group investment, participated in on-demand on mobile devices. Michael O’Donnell, executive of successful people, because the Igniting Innovation (I2) Early-stage companies that director for the UCF Center for members typically have area Capital Acceleration Network, have revenue and aggressive Innovation and Entrepreneurship expertise that aligns directly as part of the 2012 Cleantech to plans to scale can learn more and founder of the FAN, says with potential investment Spacetech multi-showcase event, and apply to FAN through the the initiative not only fills a opportunities,” said Martin. in partnership with the Florida website. Once a company begins significant need at UCF, it has the FAN is recruiting additional Cleantech Acceleration Network the application process, they can potential to help bring additional angels to enhance this strength. (FL-CAN). The company potentially gain access to the UCF investment into the state. FAN’s largest investment offers consumers and vendors Mentor Network. FAN’s advisors “This is a new and exciting era to date was into AZZLY, a an online receipt management and community partners can for job and wealth creation. The company based in Vero Beach, system that eliminates the need also assist companies to research number of growth companies and that delivers web-based patient for paper. Retailers are interested their markets, refine their plans, the amount of available resources care and revenue management in the product because it also align pro forma financials, define are both on the rise,” O’Donnell services to small and mid-sized offers analytic data on customers’ their financial/intellectual capital said. “There are many people doctor’s offices and health buying patterns and targeted needs and perfect their pitch, working to close the known gaps. providers. AZZLY recently direct marketing options. as well as to develop a cohesive The resulting opportunities that won best pitch at the Florida The latest FAN investment presentation to potential investors this creates for everyone involved Venture Forum’s 2013 Early Stage was with ConvergTV, a UCF and/or strategic partners. will be substantial,” he added. Venture Capital Conference and Business Incubation Program In addition to qualified While FAN works with was a client of UCF’s GrowFL client. ConvergTV offers scalable companies, FAN is UCF’s entrepreneurial network economic gardening program. consumers the ability to choose seeking accredited investors, to identify and cultivate “AZZLY was attractive to customizable television content mentors, and investment promising companies, it is also FAN because of the company’s created by independent producers groups. For more information a member of the Angel Capital market and user-friendly seeking to monetize their quality visit floridaangelnexus.com, Association Southeast Syndication technology platform,” said Martin. content through the company. email info@FloridaAngelNexus. Network, giving it the ability FAN has helped the company ConvergTV recently announced com or call (407) 716-8563.
PAGE 15 The Accelerator Incubation Program Graduate Technology Anywhere, Anytime America is facing a crisis in the lack of individuals information.” seeking careers in the fields of science, technology, TDC utilizes the latest in “iLearning” technology. engineering and mathematics (STEM). In an age Through the use of applications and activities, TDC when technology has become an integral force with empowers teachers to incorporate technology in the today’s learners, America’s STEM problem can be classroom to improve student achievement in all addressed by training teachers on how to better STEM curriculum areas. engage students. Since 1999, 21CLS has conducted both 21st Century Learning Solutions (21CLS), a quantitative and qualitative research on thousands graduate of the UCF Business Incubation Program of teachers and administrators who have utilized (UCFBIP), is working hard to combat this issue. TDC. Recently, 21CLS contracted with Notre Founded in Dame College to offer the TDC course to 171 2003 by Randy teachers across four course sections. A pilot study was Team members of 21st Century Learning Solutions work on their latest Gunter, Ph.D., conducted whereby teachers completed a pre- and creative project at their new office in Oviedo. ST 21 CENTURY LEARNING SOLUTIONS, INC. and Vicki Rath, post-test. The results revealed that participants felt Ph.D., 21CLS is a premier online course design more favorable about their ability to effectively use 21CLS employs a full-time staff of 20, all of and development company. The company’s featured and integrate mobile technologies inside and outside which, Rath noted, have a tie to UCF. They moved to course, Technology Driven Classrooms (TDC): of the classroom, and that mobile technology could their new office in Oviedo in January, complete with Engaging the iGeneration, is an eight-week online have a positive impact on student learning. As one its own production studio. In August, 21CLS was instructor-led, graduate-level course for educators teacher stated, “It is refreshing to depart from stale announced as a winner of the 2013 class of Florida seeking to fundamentally change the way they teach thinking of the one-size-fits-all mentality and to Companies To Watch. and their students learn. As participants explore discard the labels that many children wear due to the “Our future growth is being driven by a change the “Always On” mentality, they gain a concrete teacher’s inability to meet them as individual learners. in society and education,” added Rath. “This is an understanding and appreciation for how mobile The educational system is in need of drastic changes, exciting time for us, as this change influences our devices, specifically the iPad, can supplement and and the best part is … the answer is available right product lineup. We are creating more proprietary dramatically enhance students’ learning. now.” online courses for educators, which is opening up a “With the presence of today’s technology, In addition to their flagship course, 21CLS new market and revenue stream for our company. students no longer learn the way they did in the past,” also has an innovative and highly skilled media We truly appreciate our friends at the UCFBIP for said Rath, president and CEO of 21CLS. “Because team that creates cutting-edge and cost-effective the networking and for being a sounding board. technology is highly customizable and motivating to products, specializing in developing interactive media The expertise we received along the way has helped students, it is well suited to expand student learning using HTML5. “Not only do we surf the wave of catapult us to where we are today.” experiences. Our course can equip teachers to use innovation in media, we also drive it,” said Rath. “We For more information, visit 21CLS.com mobile technology to help students become active constantly monitor new developments in media, as learners instead of simply being passive recipients of we relentlessly pursue our own.”
Accelerator Publication Information University of Central Florida The Accelerator is produced quarterly by the Gordon Hogan Business Incubation Program UCF Business Incubation Program. For more Director University Tower/Research Park information, please contact the UCFBIP at [email protected] 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 501 407-882-0222. Opinions expressed do not Orlando, FL 32826 reflect the official views of the university. Use Editor of trade names does not constitute endorsement Christa Santos Phone: (407) 882-0888 by UCF. Please credit UCF Accelerator when [email protected] Fax: (407) 823-3299 reproducing content from the publication. Copy Editor Thomas O’Neal, Ph.D. Peg Martin Executive Director, UCF Business Incubation Program, Associate Vice President for Contributing Writers: Research & Commercialization Dianne Gross, Jimmy Kimball, Jennine Miller, [email protected] Gina Smith and Michael Weiss
Design & Creative Matthew Bross 20/20 Media [email protected]
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