Overview

The ETC, a venture of Baltimore Development Corporation, is a non-profit business incubator program with two separate incubator facilities, focused on growing early-stage technology and biotechnology companies in Baltimore City.

The ETC incubators offer fully wired office and space for participating companies at below market rates. ETC companies enjoy flexible leases, shared basic services and equipment, tech support, and on-site management.

The ETC also offers companies access to customized business and technical assistance – all geared to the specialized needs of each company.

The ETC offers affiliate arrangements for start-ups, which already have office or industrial space, but need the ETC’s support services, management advice, and networking contacts.

More than an opportunity for growth of individual companies, the ETC provides an environment in which like-minded companies can accelerate their potential through partnerships, joint ventures, and other collaborations.

Mission

Simply put, the ETC’s mission is to help early-stage companies grow and prosper.
As part of the Baltimore Development Corporation, the ETC also promotes economic development, providing start-ups with business, technical, and networking connections that will help them to become profitable – adding to both the job and tax base of Baltimore City.

• Board of Directors
• Meet the Key Staff
• Meet the Entrepreneur in Residence

Companies

ETC companies cover a wide range of technology and biotech sub sectors, including software development, e-commerce, Web development, network integration, telemedicine, and pharmaceuticals. Although diverse in their products and services, these companies share a common goal: to transform ideas into market successes.

• Current ETC companies
• Graduates of the ETC

Criteria

To be admitted to the ETC, companies must be for-profit, privately held, and technology-related, with plans to commercialize innovative products or services.

Companies also must be less than five years old. Entrepreneurs must be open to accepting advice from the ETC’s business and technical advisors.

Application Process

ETC applicants must submit a standard application form, along with a business plan describing:

Product Feasibility – Company must build product/service within a reasonable time and at a price the market will bear.

Market Opportunity – There must be strong market demand with limited competition and accessible target customers.

Management Capabilities – The management team must demonstrate sufficient business and technical expertise to achieve profitability.

Financial Potential – Company must have potential for profitability within 3-5 years. It also must have sufficient financial resources to cover financial obligations.

Relationship Promise – Company cannot compete directly with other ETC companies, and should contribute to overall collaboration and networking within the ETC.

Promising applicants will be invited to make a formal presentation to a review panel comprised of ETC management, Board members, and industry specialists.

BDC

The ETC’s parent organization is the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), a nonprofit corporation chartered by the City of Baltimore to handle economic development. The BDC focuses on meeting the needs of existing employers and attracting new businesses to the City.

With an extensive economic development program, the BDC offers a variety of buildings, sites and business parks equipped with competitive infrastructure and backed by strong business incentives. The BDC also works to spur private investment by assuring that the necessary public infrastructure is in place. This private investment creates additional job opportunities, while expanding Baltimore's tax base.