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The NW Innovation Resource Center has launched a series of lunchtime educational sessions for NWIRC mentors and entrepreneurs. The NWIRC’s 101 Series sessions provides NWIRC Entrepreneurs with a way to meet local experts who are willing to share their experiences. For NWIRC Mentors, the sessions are an opportunity to meet with entrepreneurs and share experiences.

The goal of the series is to provide rich information in a short period of time that will help NWIRC Entrepreneurs make educated decisions about their business immediately. As a result, topics vary from month-to-month based on needs and requests. All NWIRC Mentors and Entrepreneurs are welcome.

Recent sessions:

• Dan Whittle, a local patent agent and founder of Patent Leverage LLC, presented an overview of the America Invents Act. He shared information about how small businesses can tweak their intellectual property strategy in response to upcoming changes.
• Debbie Ahl, Past Chair of the NWIRC, led the group in a networking fundamentals session. She reviewed how to build positive relationships within the business community, with specific focus on preparation for events and how to navigate introductions.

Upcoming sessions include:

• Advertising/Marketing/Sales/PR
• Sales for Non-Sales Types

Please contact the NWIRC for more event details.

The NWIRC’s Accelerator Program has been developed to provide support and services that entrepreneurs can utilize to establish and efficiently grow their businesses. We support business development and growth through coaching, mentorship, goals and accountability. Our network of community mentors provides a basis for stronger, more effective businesses, creating new opportunities in the market place.

The Accelerator Services Manager reports to the Executive Director. The position is located in Whatcom County.

Responsibilities:

• Managing entrepreneur support activities including: Entrepreneur intake and coordination of mentor assignments, dashboard data collection and ensure that elements of the coaching and mentoring program are implemented
• Provide business coaching to entrepreneurs
• Manage the Mentor operations process including: Identify and recruit potential mentors, manage Mentor intake process, orientation and communications
• Event support, some planning and coordination of meetings and events
• Resources library: Provide materials and information resources for mentors and entrepreneurs, maintain knowledge of industry and entrepreneurial support trends, assist with materials for NWIRC website
• Funding support including identifying funding options available for entrepreneurs, providing awareness of NWIRC and its entrepreneurs to funding sources
• NWIRC support: Assist with potential project obligations of NWIRC,  relationships with other service and government organizations related to the work of the NWIRC and perform other duties as may be designated by the Executive Director

Skills needed:

• Organized and detail oriented
• Strong time management
• Project management skills
• Public relations / customer service skills and attitude
• Computer basics: Email, Spreadsheets, web content, Web browsing, project management
• Enthusiastic and urgent

Background:

• Business experience sufficient to understand all aspects of a business is essential
• Financial experience with budget management
• Entrepreneurial/Startup experience would be valuable
• Bachelor’s degree

Hours: 40 hours per week. Hours Flexible. Some evenings and weekends depending on events

Start Date: Upon availability

Applications submitted via email to DKamionka@nwirc.com

Whatcom County has a history of community based intellectual property (IP) as demonstrated by the patent volume for our area with over 70 patents awarded each of the previous three years.

These innovations and others, however, often lay dormant as the IP holder is not interested or equipped to take the steps necessary to commercialize (build a business around) the opportunity. It can be challenging for inventors to identify resources to help them develop their invention toward economic benefit.

To assist inventors, the NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) can provide assistance to IP holders who do not wish to start a business themselves, but would like to see their inventions taken to the market. The NWIRC will determine the best method of generating commercial value for the individual and the region. If it is determined that a business should be started as the commercialization vehicle, the NWIRC’s Accelerator Program of services for new businesses will become involved to provide support and guidance for establishing and growing the business.

Additional information is available here.