Speculating when the economy might rebound does little to change the existing conditions of this global financial crisis. More valuable is recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities which arise. As severe and stressful as these economic times are to individuals, businesses and communities, we have discovered a silver lining.

Over the past year, more and more people have expressed a desire and taken direct action in starting entrepreneurial ventures, both locally and nationwide. Since 2008, Rocket Ventures has already helped start and commercialize more than 50 technology-based companies in Northwest Ohio.

This is not surprising, as more people are forced to seek out new avenues for money due to corporate layoffs and cutbacks. We encourage anyone considering a new technology-oriented business to call Rocket Ventures or Launch to get answers and information on the viability of their idea. Now is the time!

The Regional Growth Partnership’s Launch and Rocket Ventures programs, supported in large part by the State of Ohio’s Third Frontier program, provide the resources, support and opportunities to startups, particularly those forced to look for nontraditional sources of funding.

The development of such a knowledge-based economy will ultimately accelerate the growth and creation of new business, helping carry our region to new heights.

Steve Weathers,
President and CEO, Regional Growth Partnership and Rocket Ventures
weathers@rgp.org