NAPLES, FLORIDA (April 21, 2010) - The Economic Development Council of Collier County (EDC) proudly sponsored the BioFlorida Southwest Florida chapter event, "Entrepreneurial and Start-Up Support in Southwest Florida", held on April 20, 2010. The event featured updates on several regional initiatives and insight into issues that affect early-stage companies such as financing and intellectual property. Didrick Medical, Healthcare News Network and Lakewood Amedex, three local innovative, entrepreneurial companies, also presented.
 
Business expansion and attraction of the Health & Life Sciences industry cluster is a key component of the EDC's strategic plan for economic development in Collier County. The EDC's partnership with BioFlorida is an important part of these efforts as it helps to create a solid infrastructure for the successful growth of research, development and manufacturing institutes and businesses on a local and regional basis.
 
One highlight of the program was local inventor Dan Didrick of Didrick Medical. Didrick Medical designs and manufactures prosthetic fingers and fingertips. The EDC recognized Didrick in 2007 with the Excellence in Industry Award for Entrepreneurship. Didrick showcased the X-Finger System, a body-powered artificial finger device. The product is featured in several YouTube videos; click here to watch. It is also a recipient of the Perfect Pitch Award, sponsored by Sir Richard Branson. This inspired Didrick to found the World Hand Foundation with Scott Zajaczkowski to raise money to help rehabilitate amputees in developing nations.
 
Tim Cartwright, EDC Vice President for Economic Gardening and President of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum and Tamiami Angel Fund, expressed optimism in regard to start-up and entrepreneurial support in Florida during his presentation.
 
"Florida is tenth in the nation for venture capital investment, up from 17th last year. We are making progress, but need to support entrepreneurs to get them out of the 'Capital Chasm' and into the VC pipeline in order to bring talent to the region and diversify the economy. It also prepares companies for growth into the second -stage and candidacy for economic gardening."
 
Other presenters included Dr. David Kakurri, Director of the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Economic Development Office; Dr. Gary Jackson, Director of the FGCU Regional Economic Research Institute; and Sara Vinarov, Ph.D and Intellectual Property Attorney for Quarles and Brady.
 
For more information about the Economic Development Council of Collier County and the many advantages to locating or expanding a business in Collier County, contact the EDC at (239) 263-8989, or find us on-line at www.eNaplesFlorida.com.
 
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About the Economic Development Council of Collier County
Founded in 1976, the Economic Development Council of Collier County (EDC) is a private, not-for-profit corporation with a mission to diversify the economy and create high wage jobs. The EDC, through a Public/Private Partnership for Economic Diversification, created in 1997 with the Collier County Board of Commissioners has developed a 5-year strategic plan focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. The 2010-2015 Economy by Design plan includes five key strategic elements: Business Expansion & Attraction; Economic Gardening; Project Innovation; Regional Branding & Marketing; and Investor Relations. All of these elements combine to create a business-friendly environment that focuses on a strong entrepreneurial support system that will grow a world class vibrant economy. Contact the EDC at 239-263-8989 or on the web at www.eNaplesFlorida.com
 
Tammie Nemecek serves as President of the Economic Development Council of Collier County.