Kickstand Blog

Up Next: February 2010 Monthly Meeting - Contracts As Risk Management
When: Thursday, February 11 @ 5:30 - 7pm
Where: The WaterCooler

Often key to the launch of a new business and the pitch of a new idea is the less inspiring work involved in vetting and signing contracts. What should you be aware of? What risks lie within the basic contractual agreements that await entrepreneurs? Join Kickstand this month as attorney Mark Peters shares the top areas to focus your attention on when looking at a contract.
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Coming Up: March 2010 Monthly Meeting - What I Learned My First Year as a VC
Glenn Michael and George Mulhern at Highway 12 share stories and insights from their first year as VCs.
When: Thursday, March 11 @ 5:30 - 7pm
RSVP NOW

Innovation In The News: Idaho Technology Council
The start of 2010 saw the launch of the Idaho Technology Council - a private sector group focused on growing the state’s high-tech economy. The ITC, funded by memberships and sponsorships, is dedicated to fostering the growth of technology companies in the state, primarily in the areas of information technology, agriscience, and energy. The Council advocates for creating a strong, innovative technology ecosystem and a high quality, high paid workforce. "Invention and innovation are at the heart of what Idaho is, but unless we collaborate with the entire technology ecosystem, from research and education, to business-friendly incentives to talent recruitment, we won't realize the growth we need to create a sustainable industry here," said Bob Lokken, CEO of WhiteCloud Analytics and member of the ITC Board of Directors.
Idaho Statesman coverage
Blog post from ITC Board Member Mark Solon
Home of the Idaho Technology Council

Innovation in the News: Site Selection Magazine
The Greenhouse Effect - A climate for outdoor enthusiasts breeds business expansion in Idaho
In February's Site Selection Magazine - a feature story includes Idaho businesses ATK, JayCo, Hoku, Inovus Solar, Ridgeline Energy, RFinity, 5D Robotics, U.S. Trademark and Technology Ventures Corp. "As entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts alike have flocked to Idaho seeking a fresh start or a better way of life — or both — they have found a business climate that fosters creativity, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for clean communities."


Seize Opportunity: Harness the Talent
Let’s face it, there’s a lot of talent on the streets.  Idaho TechConnect is currently organizing an effort to harness the local talent and put it to work in the start-up and early stage businesses in the Boise Valley.  The basic idea is simple: to match the talent with a business.  For five hours a week, the talent volunteers/interns with a company.  The cash-strapped business can tap into tremendous expertise and skills that they would not be able to afford.  The talent gets acquainted with the new and up and coming businesses. The business grows and succeeds and hopefully, we create jobs for the talented workforce and keep them in the Valley.
 
TechConnect has had an initial discussion with the Professional Networking Group of Meridian and had a lot of interest and are seeking placements for these individuals. Three companies in the WaterCooler are interested in participating and TechConnect's extended an invitation to the Small Business Development Center, TechHelp and SCORE to see if their clients are interested.
 
If you are interested in participating, as talent or a company that could use a volunteer, contact Krissa Wrigley at krissa.wrigley@idahotechconnect.com.

Seize Opportunity: Tapping Your Entrepreneurial IQ
Are entrepreneurs born with a unique gift? What is it that enables them to transform an idea into a successful new venture? What can we learn from their experience? Do I have what it takes to succeed? “Mindset: Tapping your entrepreneurial IQ” provides an inside look at the underlying beliefs that drive behavior that enables entrepreneurs to succeed, and attempts to answer these questions and more, for the benefit of someone considering an entrepreneurial venture. This self-paced learning program enables aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from the firsthand knowledge and experience of successful real-world entrepreneurs. The two-hour, 38-minute "Mindset" program currently is being offered free to the first 250 qualified applicants through a scholarship funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Applications are available at entrepreneurship.org.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Special thanks to our loyal sponsors whose participation enables up to keep growing Kickstand and providing you with opportunities to network, learn and grow.

TechConnect accelerates Idaho's innovation-based economy by connecting people, ideas and resources through activities in 4 areas: Building an entrepreneurial culture Promoting industry-university collaboration Facilitating commercialization Encouraging investment in infrastructure to support an innovation-based economy.