(Tucson, Arizona) The Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI) is hosting an event to introduce a free online resource for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The IBM SME Toolkit was developed by the International Finance Corporation in partnership with IBM. This event includes three workshops focused on key business areas: market research, human resources and financing.
 

Presenters include:

• Deborah Brown, Pima County Public Libraries
• Alex Cooper, Small Business Development Center
• Leslie Galloway, CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services
• Chris Gordon, CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services
• Lola Kakes, EffortlessHR, Inc.
• Ellen Kirton, EffortlessHR, Inc.
• Jan Knight, Bancroft Information Services, LLC
• Joann MacMaster, Arizona Center for Innovation
• Tom Shambo, Small Business Development Center
• Corey Smith, bioVidria

An entrepreneur's resource fair follows the workshops to provide attendees an opportunity to network with key service providers in the community.

The event will take place on September 15, 2011 from 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites on Grant Road. There is no fee to attend the workshop, but seating is limited so interested parties should register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and indicate "SME toolkit" in your registration. For more information contact Lori Kavanaugh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (520) 382-3260.

The Arizona Center for Innovation (AzCI) provides structured business development for technology companies. It works with University of Arizona students, faculty and staff as well as entrepreneurs in the community in moving technology through the commercialization process to create new companies in Southern Arizona. Founded in 2003, AzCI assists technology companies in the region. Interested companies should visit www.azinnovation.com.

Media Release
September 12, 2011

Media Inquiries
Office of University Research Parks ● Jessa B. Turner ● (520) 382-2485 ● This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.