Illinois Institute of Technology Introduces TechAdvantage for Underrepresented & Woman Owned Businesses

PPhoto: Leila Khaled

Leroy Kennedy, IIT Vice President Community Affairs & Outreach Programs

On February 18th, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) announced TechAdvantage.

IIT is providing assistance to businesses who need to commercialize technology and integrate technology into their everyday operations.

Businesses that could use technological upgrades should apply for TechAdvantage but the program is especially seeking underrepresented and woman-owned businesses whose focus is clean energy, green technologies, alternative energy, software and information technology, biomedical technology, and food technology.

Leroy Kennedy, Vice President of Community Affairs and Outreach Programs says, “We have built a unique program that supports and encourages successful partnerships that will aid in growing and sustaining mutually beneficial business opportunities for the community.”

The boundaries of IIT’s TechAdvantage service area are 18th Street on the north, 95th Street on the south, the lakefront on the east, and Ashland Avenue on the west. Businesses must occupy a commercial or home-based location within the TechAdvantage service area.

During one to three hour sessions, businesses will receive a technology assessment where their current technology uses are reviewed, new-product development and commercialization strategies, business startup and expansion planning, marketing strategy, pricing schemes, education and training on operations-improving technology systems, and customized recommendations.

Applications are available online and selection will be businesses that have a viable and feasible business plan and implementation strategy, potential to increase revenue, potential to create jobs for community residents, and who have the potential to impact commerce within the service area.

Interested business owners should visit http://techadvantage.iit.edu and email their contact information to techadvantage@iit.edu. For more information, call 312-567-5270.

Comments (0)