GOED combines programs

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has combined a pair of programs and created a resource center dubbed the Utah Industry and Innovation Center.

The initiative combines GOED’s focus on targeted industries with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. In announcing the action, GOED said the new name represents a closer alignment of its business services team resources and goals to develop key industries throughout Utah, supporting the state’s already diverse economy.

The state’s targeted industries include aerospace and defense, energy, financial services, life sciences, outdoor products and recreation, and software and IT.

The Utah Industry and Innovation Center will maintain a focus on supporting Utah-based startup businesses with a full range of free services, including training, workshops and seminars; consultations; editing and writing; proposal guidance and evaluation; and grant submission assistance.

“Combining our efforts to develop our targeted industries with the impressive work of the SBIR Center creates better efficiency, increased focus, and more synergy in growing Utah’s powerhouse economy,” said Ryan Starks, GOED’s managing director of business services.

The merger of two successful programs will unite the talents of Chanel Flores, GOED’s industry director of aerospace and defense, with the expertise of Mary Cardon, GOED’s SBIR Center director, in the newly formed Utah Industry and Innovation Center.

“The addition of Chanel Flores, with her background in aerospace and defense industries, will be the perfect complement to our talented team,” said Cardon. 

Small business technology companies interested in applying for grants or receiving assistance from the new center are encouraged to participate in free monthly workshops, access the center’s online video library, or contact the center to schedule a free consultation. Details are at business.utah.gov/industry-and-innovation-center.