History

In 2001, the Lorain County Commissioners seeded a bold vision to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation in Lorain County. In an unprecedented partnership between government, the private sector, and higher education, the Lorain County Commissioners, the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce and Lorain County Community College came together to launch GLIDE. Its mission was clear: stimulate economic and job growth in Lorain County to make our community competitive in the fast developing global, technological economy.

Here is a snapshot of our and our partners’ history in supporting Northeast Ohio’s entrepreneurs.

2001 GLIDE is created, opening its doors with 4,000 square feet of incubation space inside the P.C. Campana Engineering and Development Center

2004 Lorain County Growth Partnership is launched to strategically work with Lorain County organizations and businesses to compete more effectively in regional marketplace

2005 Team Lorain County is formed, attracting companies to locate in Lorain County

2006 GLIDE recognized by state of Ohio as Edison Technology Incubator

2007 GLIDE outgrows space in Campana Center and expands to >20,000 square feet of incubation space in the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center. The Innovation Fund launches its first quarterly application

2008 REAL Teams is formed to assess needs and provide proactive systemic approach to countywide retention and expansion of businesses in Lorain County

2010 The Richard Desich SMART Commercialization Center for Microsystems at Lorain County Community College is formed with $5.5 million in funding from Ohio Third Frontier to accelerate commercialization of sensor technologies

2011 GLIDE is recognized as national model by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges. Innovation Fund America is announced alongside the Startup America Partnership

2012 The Kauffman Foundation partners with the Lorain County Community College Foundation, awarding a $1 million grant to pilot Innovation Fund America at three community colleges across the nation

Latest Blog Posts

Leigh Keeton

Starting a Blog in Seven Easy Steps

starting a blog

In recent years, blogging has become one of the most popular ways of communicating and spreading information. Even if you are a beginner, starting a blog doesn’t have to be difficult. With these steps, you can have your blog up and running in under 30 minutes.

Choose a Topic for your Blog

The most considerable decision you will need to make when starting your blog is what you’re going to write about. Why choose a topic at all? If you want to build an audience, you will build it a lot faster if you concentrate on a specific category. It takes time to get steady readers so it is important to choose a topic you can write about on a consistent and long-term basis. Focusing on one topic will help with recognition and make sure people know what they are getting when they visit your blog.

Choose A Blog/Domain Name

Your domain name will be the name by which you will be known online. It’s your exclusive address on the Internet. Choosing the right name is a crucial step in the set up process. Your name should be unique, but also easy enough to brand. The name of your blog should help readers understand its purpose.

Choose A Blog Host

Every site needs a web hosting provider. This is the company that stores your site on its servers and makes it available for anyone who visits your site. For your first blog, you want a host that is easy to use, reliable, and reasonably priced. There is no need for anything elaborate when you are just starting out. Some options include Bluehost, DreamHost, or GoDaddy. It is important to do your research and figure out what you need before making a commitment.

Install WordPress

You’ll need a content management system (CMS) to build your site and manage your blog posts. The best option for this is WordPress. WordPress is easy to use and offers a lot of opportunity for customization. Because of its popularity, most web hosts offer a one-click installation. Log into your web host, find the install WordPress opton, click it, then follow the instructions.

Customize Your Blog

Now that your blog is created, it’s time to customize. This all begins by choosing a theme. You should choose a theme that looks great, but that also works for your unique content needs. You want to create an environment that is attention-grabbing but also practical. In the long run, you want your visitors to easily find information on your site. You don’t want them to be discouraged by the colors you choose or the impractical way your information is displayed. Your design can cause instant distrust of your blog or immediate acceptance.

Create A Posting Schedule

While it’s not necessary to post every day, it’s a good idea to blog regularly. People who are interested in your topic and find your blog will want to see new content on a fairly regular basis. You will build your following faster if you post more frequently and on a consistent basis.

Promote Your Blog

You can have the best blog in the world, but if you don’t promote it, it won’t matter. The success of your blog will depend on your ability to engage in your niche. Promotion strategies could include informing everyone you know about upcoming posts, posting your blog to your social media profiles, and using every opportunity to get the word out.

Leigh Keeton

What is a Startup Incubator?

startup incubator

The aim of a startup incubator is to help entrepreneurs set up and launch their businesses. Thinking about joining one? Here’s everything you need to know.

It is important to keep in mind that no two incubators are the same. Startup incubators can be for-profit or not-for-profit. For-profit incubators seek to monetize their equity in your company. Not-for-profit incubators seek to grow your business to improve the local economy. These incubators are often associated with universities or business schools.

Incubators are involved in all stages of the company’s development, including the idea stage as well as the later, revenue-generating stage. Most incubators, however, tend to put focus on the early stage since this is where startups need the most help.

Most startup incubators admit companies in batches several times each year and generally run an application and screening process. Every incubator is different, however, some focus on a specific industry, market, technology, or stage.

If you have constructed your business plan but are still having trouble launching your startup, joining an incubator could be the right move for you. This will allow you to hit the ground running and help your startup be successful in its early stages.

There are several benefits of joining a startup incubator:

Resources

One advantage of a startup incubator is the access to resources. Incubators provide companies with resources to help them be successful. These resources could be things such as office space, equipment, utilities, and discounted or free professional services, like accounting or legal help. Having access to these resources can help accelerate your company’s growth.

Mentorship

Joining a startup incubator puts you in contact with successful mentors in your industry. These mentors have been through similar experiences and can offer some direction. Mistakes are bound to happen to anyone going through the startup process, however, these mentors will be there to help you avoid some of these mistakes by offering their guidance.

Networking

Another advantage of an incubator is the networking opportunities it provides. Most incubators have access to a network of successful business partners, providing ample opportunity to secure funding. Most startups are going to have few connections and limited budgets for marketing. The exposure these networks provide is very beneficial for anyone in the beginning stages.

There are a lot of things to consider when determining whether to join an incubator. Incubators can provide some great opportunities for startups looking to succeed, especially if they are in the early stages. It is important to be diligent and do the necessary research to ensure you are choosing the best match for your startup.

Leigh Keeton

5 Pitfalls to Avoid If You Are Starting a Business for the First Time

Starting a business isn’t easy. It is a sizeable task and can be quite difficult if you aren’t sure what to expect. If you have decided to take the leap and start your own business, there are a few pitfalls you should try to avoid. Any of the following have the possibility to sabotage your new business and quickly take your success and turn it into a failure. Here are five mistakes you should avoid if you are starting a business for the first time.

Not doing your Market Research

A big mistake many new business owners make is forgetting to do their market research. You may think you have the best, most innovative product in the world. The question is, will anyone else? Doing ample market research is the first step in deciding if you have a demographic who is interested and will actually buy what you are selling.

Not Constructing a Business Plan

A business plan lays out your mission and vision and details everything you wish to accomplish. Without having a structured business plan for your new business, you will be flying blind. Disorganization is one of the largest causes of business failure.

Setting Unrealistic Goals

If your new business is going to last, you need to be honest about your goals. Setting goals should motivate you, but it should also keep you on track. Constantly setting unattainable goals sets you up for failure and disappointment in the long run.

Not Investing in Marketing

You may have a good product, but without marketing no one will know your business even exists. A good tip is to begin marketing your business before it even opens. A mediocre product with excellent marketing will go farther than a good product that has no marketing.

Doing it all by Yourself

Running a business, no matter how small, involves so many different aspects that it’s difficult for one person to do everything well. Going in thinking you can handle every job is a big mistake. You need to hire employees so that you can focus on your strengths and delegate the tasks you are unable to do.

Most founders are bound to make mistakes when starting out. However, identifying these common pitfalls is the first step in avoiding them. Utilizing these tips can help prevent some of the biggest mistakes that come with starting your own business.

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