Diversity Goals Exceeded at HCEDA's NeoTech Incubator

When it was founded in 2000, the Howard County Economic Development Authority's (HCEDA) NeoTech Incubator set goals to encourage minority entrepreneurs to join the program. So, it's noteworthy that four women-owned businesses have been added to the ranks, reinforcing that commitment.

"More than 60% of the NeoTech Incubator companies are owned by minorities," said Anne Stuart, chair of the HCEDA board of directors. "The recent women-owned companies that have joined the program further establish the NeoTech Incubator as a leader in innovation."

All of the new companies have become residents at the NeoTech Incubator within the past nine months or are expected to do so by summer. The NeoTech Incubator nurtures high-technology startup firms in the areas of computer hardware and software development, telecommunications hardware development, and Internet and Web development. They now include:



CenGen, Inc.,

Lily Bengfort, president

CenGen located in the NeoTech Incubator in March 2004. Founded in January 2000, CenGen has established itself in systems integration and engineering markets, focusing on secure tactical, mobile wireless and wired networking. The company's 25 employees design and implement end-to-end networks, using a mix of technologies including mobile wireless, microwave, cellular, and satellite and fiber optic communications to provide voice, data and video capabilities. CenGen is a Maryland Department of Transportation Certified and Howard County Maryland Minority Business Enterprise firm and operates another office near San Diego.

CenGen specializes in national defense, research and development and intelligent transportation systems. Clients include the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the Boeing Company and the state of Maryland.



Jireh Consulting, Inc., Victoria Powell-Etienee, president and CEO

Jireh Consulting, Inc., the second woman-owned company to enter the NeoTech Incubator, arriving in March 2004, specializes in information technology (IT) services. Founded in January 2002, it delivers a suite of technology services that enable its clients to increase efficiency, quality, cost savings and overall effectiveness across their enterprises. Services offered include enterprise management, life cycle software development and management consulting services.

Victoria Powell-Etienee is president and CEO of the company, which is a certified Minority Business Enterprise in the state. Focused on growth, Jireh, along with its business partners, has submitted several proposals and is expecting favorable outcomes. It is expected to hire its first employee within three months. Past clients include the United States Patent & Trademark Office and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.



Genesis Technologies, Inc. (GTI), Cheryl

Thomas, president

Genesis Technologies, Inc. (GTI) was formed in December 2002 and entered the NeoTech Incubator in August 2003. GTI currently has 30 employees and offers complete solutions related to voice, Community Antenna Television (CATV) and high speed Internet access. Copper and fiber optic cabling systems are areas of specialty. The company provides services ranging from design/build projects to ongoing maintenance in commercial office, retail or high tech settings. Centralized project management provides 24/7, single point of contact coverage and streamlined communication.

GTI is an 8a Small Disadvantaged, Maryland Department of Transportation Certified (MDOT), Howard County Maryland Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) firm. One of its major clients is the Department of Defense, with contracts in operation at The Pentagon and Fort Belvoir.



McInerney Holdings, Inc. (dba Geeks on Call), Laura McInerney, president and CEO

Due to enter the NeoTech Incubator this summer, McInerney Holdings is currently based in Columbia, Md. The holding company operates Geeks on Call franchises. The company has 14 employees and covers areas from Bel Air to Bowie and Sykesville to Annapolis. A Microsoft Certified Partner, bonded and insured, the company provides quality computer and network design, custom-built desktops and servers, firewalls, network security, disaster recovery and avoidance, virus scanners, spyware and anti-spam solutions.

Clients include Wilhide's Florist, Reese & Carney, Stone Care International, Ethan Allan, PCA Group and The Business Monthly. The company is taking advantage of the many NeoTech programs, including NeoTech Prep, which helps startup companies develop their business plans and presentations to be made to the NeoTech Advisory Committee for admittance into the incubator. In addition, McInerney received the Committee for Business and Economic Diversity 2004 "Business Achievement Star" award and was named to the Howard County Chamber Board of Directors for 2004.



Michael Haines, senior vice president of HCEDA, said one interesting thing he has found since the incubator was founded is that, "many women have inquired about entrepreneurship in general, for hair salons and day care centers, for instance, since we started. They have accounted for more than 50% of our inquiries.

"But now," Haines continued, "we are seeing an upsurge of women entering the tech market. That's very satisfying, because that has typically been a male-dominated industry. We think our four new woman entrepreneurs will become role models and will encourage other women to follow suit."