The Incubator presentation

2. Economic Development is City Council Priority
• #1 Priority for 2012
• Council goal for 2013
• Economic Development Plan adopted May 2012
– 1. Retain, expand, and attract businesses, emphasizing Innovation;
– 2. Nurture Entrepreneurship in Evanston;
– 3. Create jobs and Workforce Training
– 4. Promote Evanston, locally, regionally, and nationally, as an innovative and
progressive place by reinforcing the strengths of our diverse residential,
educational, cultural, and business communities.

3. TIC is an Economic Development Partner
• 501c3 non-profit corporation
• A community of entrepreneurs bringing innovation to market
• Supports the growth of very early stage technology-based businesses.
• An entrepreneurial business environment that fosters collaboration and
sharing among young companies, while respecting the independence and
self-reliance that motivates entrepreneurs.
• A community with a culture that supports risk taking, invention and the
creation of wealth.

4. TIC Helps Companies Launch to Growth Stages
TIC offers a number of services including
– Business Planning
– Business Mentoring
– Legal Clinics
– Seminars
– Networking Events
– Access to Northwestern University faculty and student interns
– TIC offers short-term leases and flexible space options
– Infrastructure (e.g. digital telephone, broadband)
– Amenities include conference areas, reception, mail and
kitchen facilities

5. TIC Has Long History of Launching
Successful Companies
• The TIC has served over 350 technology startups since
its founding
• Approximately 25 firms have expanded in Evanston
upon graduating employing nearly 500 people.
• While some are well known, including Peapod and
Illinois Superconductor (ISCO), others are growing
rapidly and attracting attention, including Leapfrog
Online, Aginity, and Vibes Media.

6. TIC’s Success Has Been Recognized Internationally
• Forbes.com named TIC one of the “Ten Technology
Incubators Changing the World” in 2010.
• TIC was named “Business Incubator of the Year” in
1997 by the National Business Incubation Association.
• TIC partnered with the Japan External Trade
Organization (JETRO) for 10 years.

8. TIC Creates Jobs and Supports Local Businesses
2012 Survey of Incubator Companies
Total
Companies
Total
Responses
Total
square
feet
Employees -
Full Time
Alumni Companies in Evanston 28 16 106,600 492
Current Incubator Companies 34 27 25,165 94
Totals 62 43 131,765 586
• TIC companies use local accountants, bankers, lawyers,
consultants, etc.
• TIC entrepreneurs shop and eat in Downtown Evanston

9. TIC Planned Improvements for 2013
1. Marketing consultant hired to improve public relations, image,
expand social media presence
2. Corporate Board Expansion
3. Launching an Investment Fund – Evanston Business Investment
Corporation (EBIC III)
4. Expanded Evanston Maker Faire 2013

10. Seminars for Local
Entrepreneurial Community

11. Seminars for Local
Entrepreneurial Community

12. Seminars for Local
Entrepreneurial Community

13. International Ceramics Conference Panel

14. Business Plan Competition

15. Visiting Educational Tour Groups - Japan

16. International Visit - JETRO

17. International Visit - Africa

18. Educational Tours

19. Educational Tours

20. Maker Faire
• 3D Printing

21. Maker Faire
• Chicago Children
Museum exhibit