By Donna Foster, GTEC Communications Manager
The Grow Your Own Strategy—
The Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center (GTEC) mission is to grow technology-based companies in Gainesville and Alachua County to create high-skill/high-wage jobs and strengthen the local economy. As part of its mission, GTEC strives to build strong partnerships within the community including one with the University of Florida (UF) and throughout the sunshine state. Since its inception in May 2001, the program has done an exceptional job of helping grow technology-based companies in Gainesville and Alachua County. In the process, companies participating in the GTEC program have had significant, direct and indirect economic impacts on Gainesville and Alachua County.
GTEC Success Since Inception—
Since inception, GTEC companies have had a direct and indirect impact of $246 million on the local economy. Since inception, the program has successfully graduated six technology-based companies, four of which have remained in the Gainesville/Alachua County area. In the last three years, the GTEC companies, including recent graduates, have received more than $49 million in revenues and funding.
GTEC Success in 2008—
In 2008, the GTEC program continued to celebrate even greater successes and milestones. The GTEC program currently has nine participating technology-based companies, and the facility has a 93 percent occupancy rate. GTEC’s newest graduate, Sinmat, Inc. plans to remain in Gainesville/Alachua County, and is currently planning future expansions.
For more information, visit www.gtecflorida.com.