Startups Get Help From A City

Take Your Startup to an Area that Grows New Businesses

By Dan Charobee, MBA

Publisher/Editor Innov8Med

How long does it take a startup to succeed? How does a geo-center benefit from new business development? Where can an inventor or entrepreneur get their idea and business off the ground?

Santa Ana CA, through the Rancho Santiago College district appears to have the answers. Under the roof of the 28,000 square foot ultra contemporary facility beats the energy of fresh ideas, business strategies, and young minds developing business solutions through innovative digital technology. Meet the Digital Media Center.

Nestled in Orange County, located just below Los Angeles – once thought of as a playground for the rich, agriculture products, scenic beach towns and Surf City has one of the most robust medical technology economies in the country. It makes sense that the Center, opened in 2006, has become a place where a business incubator, community college educational program, and cutting-edge technology foster innovation.

The Incubator shouts “Innovate Here” as you enter the 10,000 sq ft upper realm; giving essentials to help you move from the garage to the market place: facilities, culture, and resources. Like most incubators, they provide offices, conference rooms, and communications areas combined with access to business, finance, and marketing consultants.

The Center was developed through a $1.6 million U.S. Department of Commerce grant facilitated by the WRJ Group, land donated by the City of Santa Ana, and Measure E bond funds. Focusing on attracting and retaining businesses in the County, the Center is unlike traditional schools or business centers. Students in the educational program are learning to be producers, directors, news reporters, and digital graphic experts. Their equipment is state of the art and the production facilities are first rate. Startups enrolled in the incubator can work with students learning on professional media equipment.

Why do I think this combination makes a great concept?

Technology innovation in communication, prevalent in business is having a major impact in healthcare and nutrition. The desire for more information and control over our health and fitness has driven consumers and providers to access individual and mass communications like never before. While the student areas provide expertise in developing digital communications, the incubator process (3 years at the Center) provides a rich developmental ground for innovators.

Companies like MelRoK are part of the Center’s success story. MelRok started out with a couple of co-founders and one additional staffer have grown to over 30 employees and count the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at the University of California, Irvine as one of their best customers. MelRok introduced the “world’s first” Energy M&V Demand Management Platform, saving 20% of peak energy costs enabling more financial resources for the Research Center’s mission.

How long does it take for a business to succeed?

Resident companies at the Center are there for 3 years with periodic reviews to determine how they are progressing in their business plan (the plan is required for acceptance). To date, about 45 companies have gone through the program.

Compliance Management Systems, Inc. is an innovative technology start-up that provides services and cloud based software solutions producing cost savings to medical device developers. Marc Monette, CEO says that medical device manufacturers, FDA compliance seekers, and FDA compliance issues are a focus of their fully integrated QMS framework. Launched last year, Compliance is poised to introduce their new product in early 2015.

How does a geo-center benefit from new business development?

A requirement for acceptance includes plans for the startup to locate in the surrounding area and stay for three years. New business directly includes adding jobs. Innovative technology new businesses means higher educated and paid workforce development.

How can an inventor or entrepreneur use this incubator to get off the ground?

While I toured the facility, I noticed the work ethics and energy of each company I observed. I also noticed the energy of the students producing television and digital programs. They provide a communications resource to the innovators and young ideas on how information is disseminated. With 400 students per semester, access to over 6,000 students over the program’s history can be a valuable asset to any startup. The consulting program provides access to accountants, intellectual property experts, social media strategists, IT developers, management practitioners, and marketing specialists – as a pro-bono (no cost) service.

The Digital Center

Santa Ana, CA

Director: Gustavo Chamorro, Ed.D.

Contact: Marbella Gonzalez, Business Services Coordinator

Web: DMC-Works.com

Email: Gonzalez_marbella@rsccd.edu

 

 

 

In the future, look for Innov8Med to provide a spotlight on other innovative programs including incubators, accelerators, sponsors, on line collaborative, and government and community agencies that foster new business. Subscribe to Innov8Med to read the full feature on healthcare geo-centers.