Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contract with the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) for the continuation of the MindMarket Incubator Program. CCAD, founded in 1879 as the Columbus Art School, is one of the oldest and largest private art and design colleges in the United States. CCAD has been working diligently to build its presence in the business and arts community. The MindMarket Incubator Program was envisioned as a result of a need and desire to integrate the CCAD curriculum with the formation of a “business hub” to better prepare students for successful business and entrepreneurial lives after graduation. It serves as the institutional supporter of small and start-up creative businesses. Its mission is to support and foster the creation of new businesses in art & design industries, as well as to deliver entrepreneurship education to current students, alumni, and the Columbus creative community. The CCAD MindMarket Incubator assists emerging companies and entrepreneurs in gaining access to capital. The incubator creates a dynamic environment that supports the growth of artistic entrepreneurs in the creation, growth, and operation of their creative businesses. A range of general services can be accessed through membership in the CCAD MindMarket Incubator Program. Entrepreneurs receive tailored educational resources and access to strategic partners including investors, potential customers, vendors, legal counsel and capital partners.
As part of the formal structure of the CCAD MindMarket Incubator Program, a mentoring council serves as advisors and business mentors to the program. The CCAD MindMarket Incubator Mentoring Council’s involvement is to work with the CCAD MindMarket Director to provide expert advice to incubator tenants in their general operations. The Incubator Mentoring Council is comprised of seasoned professionals from the business, creative, legal and financia...
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