StartWheel Corporation and Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (HRIC) are merging their educational programs to form “Innovate Hampton Roads,” an initiative designed to bolster education, support, and growth within the local innovation ecosystem. The partnership will blend the resources and reach of StartWheel, a driving force in the region’s entrepreneurial community, and HRIC, a key player in the regional incubation industry. The collaboration has already resulted in the creation of the region’s largest business directory, featuring over 8,000 businesses. The official announcement of Innovate Hampton Roads will take place at the HR BIZWHEEL Quarterly Expo on May 18th.
Introduction
Hampton Roads, VA – StartWheel Corporation and Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (HRIC), two of the region’s most influential players in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, are merging their education programs. The initiative, named “Innovate Hampton Roads,” aims to enhance education, support, and growth within the local innovation ecosystem.
Background
StartWheel Corporation has been a driving force in the region’s entrepreneurial community, providing resources and information to startups and established businesses alike. Its range of services, which includes a website, a weekly newsletter, job posting service, and podcast, has reached and connected tens of thousands of individuals focused on entrepreneurship, both locally and nationwide.
HRIC, also known as Technology Hampton Roads, has been a key player in the regional incubation industry. The organization has consistently produced valuable educational programming, networking events, and has served as the region’s technology council.
Merging Education Programs
Over the past few months, StartWheel and HRIC have been working towards merging their educational programs to unify the entrepreneurial and business landscape across the region. Their collaboration created the region’s largest business directory, featuring more than 8,000 businesses.
Official Announcement
The partnership will be officially announced at the HR BIZWHEEL Quarterly Expo on May 18th at the Slover Library in Norfolk, Virginia. While both organizations will maintain their current brands in the initial phase, any future changes will be at the discretion of the StartWheel Board.
Leadership and Vision
Tim Ryan, Executive Director of StartWheel, will helm Innovate Hampton Roads. Paul Hirschbiel, the current Chairman of StartWheel, will become Chairman, and Dan Bell, the current Chairman of HRIC, will serve as Vice Chairman.
Ryan expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the need for collaboration to grow and compete with other regions. Bell highlighted the potential for increased regional visibility, while Hirschbiel acknowledged the progress made in the region and the potential for further growth.
Conclusion
With the formation of Innovate Hampton Roads, the region is poised to make significant strides in fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening the local economy.
Here is a link to the official Press Release.
Question & Answer
What is Innovate Hampton Roads?
Innovate Hampton Roads is an initiative formed through the merger of educational programs from StartWheel Corporation and Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (HRIC). It aims to enhance education, support, and growth within the local innovation ecosystem.
What resources do StartWheel and HRIC bring to the collaboration?
StartWheel Corporation provides resources such as a website, a weekly newsletter, job posting service, and podcast to support startups and established businesses in the entrepreneurial community. HRIC, on the other hand, has been a key player in the regional incubation industry, offering valuable educational programming and networking events.
What is the significance of the region’s largest business directory created through this collaboration?
The collaboration between StartWheel and HRIC resulted in the creation of the region’s largest business directory, featuring over 8,000 businesses. This directory will serve as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and businesses in the region.
When will the official announcement of Innovate Hampton Roads take place?
The official announcement of Innovate Hampton Roads will take place at the HR BIZWHEEL Quarterly Expo on May 18th at the Slover Library in Norfolk, Virginia.
