STARTUP QUEST LAUNCH

August 28, 2012

FLORIDAWORKS, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY LICENSING AND SANTA FE COLLEGE EXPAND PROGRAM TO SEVEN OTHER FLORIDA REGIONS

WHAT: FloridaWorks and the University of Florida’s Office of Technology Licensing are hosting a media conference to announce the expansion of Startup Quest, an entrepreneurship training program for out-of-work, degree holding, professionals, at a program launch event at the Florida Innovation Hub in Gainesville, Florida. The media conference will be held during an afternoon at an invitation only program launch conference with an open reception afterwards.

FloridaWorks received an $11.95 million grant from the United States Department of Labor by establishing a consortium with seven other Regional Workforce Boards to form BASEC: the Business Advocacy and Self-Employment Consortium. This consortium represents almost 43% of Florida’s civilian labor force and 41% of the number of unemployed individuals.

Press is invited to attend:
- 3:00- 3:30pm Interviews with Kim Tesch-Vaught, Executive Director of FloridaWorks; Jane Muir, director of the Florida Innovation Hub at UF and EDA UF Tech Connect, and associate director of the Office of Technology Licensing; Angela Pate, President and CEO of Focused Management Solutions

- 4:40-5:40pm Attend a networking session where local partners from all eight regions meet with Startup Quest startups and other companies: that have obtained training funds from FloridaWorks. These firms will each have a table to present information about their products or services and their benefit from the local workforce investment system.

Press will also have an exclusive opportunity to learn more about the pilot program launched by the University of Florida to provide women with entrepreneurial training and skills, Empowering Women in Technology Startups (eWiTS). Visit www.eWiTS.org for more information.

Photo ops will be available throughout the media conference and during the networking session at the conclusion of the program launch conference.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 3:00-3:30pm, interviews available.
Networking Session between 4:40-5:40pm is optional.

WHERE: Florida Innovation Hub at the University of Florida (On the second floor)
747 Southwest 2nd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601

WHO: Media Conference Speakers:
Kim Tesch-Vaught, executive director of FloridaWorks
Jane Muir, director of the Florida Innovation Hub at UF and EDA UF Tech Connect, and associate director of the Office of Technology Licensing
Angela Pate, President and CEO Focused Management Solutions

BASEC is a consortium established between eight Local Workforce Investment Boards within the state of Florida. Those eight regions serve 17 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Gadsden, Hillsborough, Leon, Nassau, Pinellas, Putnam, St. Johns, Volusia, and Wakulla.
(Gainesville, Jacksonville, Daytona, Brevard, Ft Lauderdale, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee)

The Startup Quest program combines technology from the university system, successful mentors who have already made millions of dollars by selling or going public, and teams formed of professional trainees in STEM, marketing, finance, operations. Each team competes to create the best business plan and startup pitch, as judged by a panel of investor judges. The first Startup Quest was formed though partnerships and collaboration between FloridaWorks, the University of Florida Office of Technology Licensing, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, 14 entrepreneurs and 12 investors.

More info at:
http://www.floridaworksonline.com/about/past-programs/26/155-sq

If planning to attend, email Shareen@GainesvilleChamber.com your name and media affiliate by Wednesday, August 29 at 10:00am for logistical accommodations.

For media inquiries or further questions, view attached media advisory or contact:
- Shareen Baptiste, Administrative Assistant/Communications Manager, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Business Services/FloridaWorks
- 352.262.6751 or Shareen@GainesvilleChamber.com