We provide a nice fit. But Conway is quick to add that the chamber can't claim credit for planning out this mutually beneficial partnership in advance. But dialog and communication has certainly helped as well as being co-located. Heim said the University has a stake in the chamber . Likewise, the University is a valuable asset to the chamber's programs as well.
People are close by to provide or locate financial, technical and business support.
We also bring in people from the colleges of Business Administration and Engineering who have knowledge and contacts that could be helpful to our incubator tenants. Students from The Smeal College of Business Administration on internships have helped to do marketing plans and business plans. It's good experience for the students and valuable advice for our incubator companies. Heim noted that the University's research and technology transfer organizations in the Technology Center building often look for additional activities and support programs that can further reinforce the chamber's incubator program. For example, it was noticed that the region's Small Business Development Center was not able to handle very many cases in Centre County.