E Newsletter December 2007
First Class of RIT's Strategic
Growth through Innovation Program Program Concludes this Month
The Strategic
Growth through Innovation Program program targets high-growth potential businesses and provides them with tools to grow their companies.
The first class began in October 2007 with 41 company leaders from 22 small and medium- sized companies. The 10- week program, held at RIT, features four-hour sessions facilitated by faculty who have also grown companies.
"The program's objective is to assist high potential firms expand their revenue, profits, and employment through innovation, says Richard DeMartino, an Associate Professor of Management in the E. Philip Saunders College of Business and Director of the Albert J. Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Rochester Institute of Technology. "We don't do it for them, but we teach them how to plan and lead internal growth."
Two optics companies that have seen the value of the program include JML Optical Industries Inc. and Optimax Systems Inc. These companies, along with the others in the class, learn how to take their businesses to the next level.
Program participants develop strategies to jump start growth through new products, services or customers. Businesses are taught to analyze their external markets and environment as well as their internal capabilities. The program also explores strategic marketing, business financing and globalization.
The series completes in December with a certificate ceremony for all participants. Follow up with each company will take place in approximately six months to insure successful implementation.
December 2007
