Recently Texas was ranked the number one most business-friendly state by a Chief Executive Magazine survey of over 500 CEOs for the sixth year in a row. Texas was also listed as number four in the rankings for venture capital investment. It is the only contender in the top four (California, Massachusetts, and New York as the top three) where job growth has not plateaued. In 2010, the Lone Star State created more jobs than any other, and boasted the highest net inward population migration rate. Texas is a great place to start and grow a business.
As Texas is truly a lone star in the United States during a hard economic time, Houston is the shining star of entrepreneurship in Texas. Named as Fast Company’s City of the Year, Houston is as robust a city as they come with the energy industry leaders, Medical Center, Johnson Space Center, universities, museums, and diverse spread of the business community. Let’s also not forget the numerous options for leisure activities. Smarter Travel has listed Houston as one of the Top Five Bargain Destinations. The Continental-United airline hub, inexpensive hotels, a variety of restaurants and affordable sightseeing open an incredible vacation opportunity for those on a budget. The economic success of Houston has flourished because of this assortment of commerce and the enterprise of emerging entrepreneurs who build their businesses in this great city.
The Houston Technology Center is a catalyst in the endeavor to further facilitate business growth. We provide education, insight, and access to capital that entrepreneurs need to move towards the path to commercialization. Our clients have a team of seasoned entrepreneurs, executive coaches and business advisors working to help them obtain sustainable revenues, credible team, validated product and a compelling story. Introductions to funders, investors and potential customers have lead to vibrant successes. HTC also serves as the as the Gulf Coast Regional Center of Innovation and Commercialization (Gulf Coast RCIC) for the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, assisting small to mid-size technology firms expediting the commercialization of new life-changing inventions and improving research at Texas universities. To date, the Gulf Coast RCIC has awarded 40 Gulf Coast region companies over $48 million in funding from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund.
Thriving in this struggling economy is no easy task, but if entrepreneurs join the Entrepreneurial Capital of HTC, in the acclaimed City of the Year, in the number one most business-friendly state in America, they are well on their way.
Appointed by Governor Rick Perry, Walter Ulrich served a two year term as one of 17 founding members of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund Committee that was responsible for awarding $200 million to foster the commercialization of innovative emerging technology within the State of Texas. In addition to his leadership of the HTC, he now serves as Chairman of the Gulf Coast Center for Innovation and Commercialization. Prior to joining the Houston Technology Center, he was CEO of several technology companies and an executive with two major global management consulting firms. He serves on several Boards and is active in major community organizations. Early in his career, he was responsible for the development of the first successful email service and he founded a major regional IT leader. He has a master and bachelors degree from Stevens Institute of Technology and served proudly in the US Marine Corps.
The Greater Houston region is an amazing place. How do we become the number one ‘highest quality of life’ state/region? It will undoubtedly ensure ‘growth’!
We can do so much better in terms of quality of education, access to healthcare & wellness programs, basic infrastructure, etc.
Mr. Paul Frison is truly an inspiration. How may I be of any assistance to the HTC.
Thank you so very much.
Bhaskar… thanks for your comment and for your offer of help.
The HTC can use all the qualified volunteers who can add value by supporting our work with HTC client entrepreneurs and technologists. The best way is to attend one of the free orientations (see calendar) and by attending our events to become acquainted with our programs.
You might also consider joining our Technology Champions(R) volunteer group.
Thanks again… Walter.