Ep. 224 | Resourceful Innovation in Florida: Navigating the High Tech Corridor | Florida SBDC SBSS 2023 Series

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Jack Henkel, Senior Cluster Manager at the Florida High Tech Corridor. Jack brings over 15 years of experience within Florida's innovation ecosystem, making him a valuable resource for businesses seeking to thrive in the high-tech landscape.

Jack's journey began at UCF, where he later joined the Office of Research and Commercialization for a decade. His primary role was aiding companies in spinning out of the university and facilitating growth for those looking to intertwine with academia.

The Florida High Tech Corridor's sphere of influence encompasses the 23 Central Florida counties, stretching from Tampa to Gainesville. Originally founded as a partnership among UCF, USF, and UF, the corridor acts as a conduit linking research institutions, industries, and government entities.

Structurally flexible, the Corridor recently adopted the name "Florida High Tech Corridor" to better represent its role as a resource hub. Unlike a membership-based organization, it offers a plethora of resources to companies without imposing any fees.

One of the cornerstones of their assistance lies in the realm of SBIR and STTR programs. These programs, funded by the SBA across 11 agencies, provide essential resources for startups seeking financial support. With their seasoned team's expertise, the Corridor assists businesses in strategically engaging with these programs, fostering growth and innovation.

Furthermore, the Corridor serves as the FAST Center for Florida, helping businesses determine the ideal agency fit and providing resources and training for those stepping into the SBIR and STTR landscape.

Tune in to this episode to gain insights from a veteran in Florida's innovation ecosystem, exploring the myriad ways the Florida High Tech Corridor aids businesses in achieving success and propelling technological advancement. Recorded live at this year’s Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit hosted at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. 

Learn more about the Florida High Tech Corridor: https://floridahightech.com/