State & Local Tech-based ED Round Up

Alabama

The State Legislature recently approved income tax relief for small businesses who locate in 23 economically distressed counties and in areas previously known as Enterprise Zones, according to The Associated Press. The counties are said to have "high employment, low incomes and no growth," and the bill gives breaks to companies investing $500,000 and hiring at least five employees. The state reportedly will rank the counties according to their population change, per capita income and employment and will revise the list annually.



Arizona

Chairmen of the Governor's Strategic Partnership for Economic Development (GSPED) recently launched the Arizona Technology Industry Development Association (ATIDA) — a non-profit organization formed to unite organizations interested in developing technology industries in Central and Northern Arizona. ATIDA's membership is comprised of representatives from GSPED's five technology clusters and foundations, economic development organizations, and university and community colleges.



California

The Monterey Bay Education Science and Technology Center (MBEST), a research park on 1,100 acres at the University of California, was established September 17, the San Jose Mercury News reported. Part of the center, the Marina Small Business Incubator, will rent space and provide mentoring to young businesses whose tenancy will be held to two years. Comprised of two 5,700 sq. ft. buildings, the incubator sits on 500 acres of land not retaining natural habitat.



Virginia

Tech leaders and companies looking to give rise to incubating and mentoring high-tech businesses anticipate creating a seed fund in 2002 for technology start-ups, according to The Virginian Pilot. Funding would go to start-ups needing less than $1 million, the article reports. Plans for the seed fund are part of a greater effort to link Hampton Roads with Charlottesville, Roanoke and Richmond, bringing to the region the start-up success that Northern Virginia has had.