LARGO, Fla. – (March 9, 2009) – STAR Technology Enterprise Center (STAR TEC) (http://www.startecflorida.com), a technology and manufacturing business accelerator, has launched its Affiliate Program, designed to support the growth of businesses that are not onsite STAR TEC tenants.
“The STAR TEC Affiliate Program, unique to this region, allows us to extend our reach well beyond companies that choose to be located in our facility,” says Tonya Elmore, STAR TEC executive director. “Technology and light manufacturing businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area that join the program will benefit from mentoring, consultation, networking and limited use of professional conference facilities and office space.”
Prior to joining the program, applicant companies will go through STAR TEC’s vetting process to assess their growth needs. Once accepted, they will be assigned a mentor and have access to STAR TEC staff consultation, peer and service provider networking, 10 hours per month of professional office space (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), shared conference room space, wireless Internet service and other components of the STAR TEC family of services, including the new TEC Launch program.
Eligibility criteria include:
· Technology/light manufacturing business with a product or service (not consulting)
· Location in the Tampa Bay region
· Interest in growing the business
Applicants should apply online at www.startecflorida.com, using STAR TEC’s business plan template. A $150 application fee is applied to the security deposit if the business is admitted. If not, the deposit is returned. Affiliates pay $300 per month, billed quarterly to a credit card.
“This program offers the benefits of STAR TEC’s successful processes to businesses that cannot or choose not to become onsite tenants,” adds Elmore. “We believe this will be a great opportunity for other organizations whose members are looking for a full range of resources supported by a proven methodology.”