Supporting entrepreneurs by strengthening resources and services
Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDi2)
Hillsborough County is growing, and the Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDi2) facilitates that growth by strengthening the services and resources that directly support innovation startups, private investment, and jobs.
EDi2's program-oriented framework provides grant funding and support for large-in-scale events and opportunities that enable entrepreneurs to achieve success. The program aligns with other Hillsborough County initiatives such as the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, Innovation District Initiative, and the Battelle Biosciences Action Plan, and success is measured through strong outcome metrics.
Growing great ideas
Hillsborough County's EDi2 program strengthens services that directly impact entrepreneurs. Supporting resources such as mentorship programs, access to capital, the collaboration of stakeholders, commercialization of research, and advocacy are the foundation of the program.
Program goals and objectives
- Increase connections to high quality mentors and support
- Enhance access to capital for technology and innovation startup entrepreneurs
- Facilitate collaboration among existing resources and be a clearinghouse for entrepreneurs
- Support the commercialization of institutional research
- Align County resources to be an “advocate-in-chief,” participating in ecosystem organizations, and supporting research, educational and business development efforts
Join the conversation
Homebrew Hillsborough is Hillsborough County’s free monthly collaborative coffee networking for techies and entrepreneurs. Conversations are hosted at local community business resources and provide real-time relevant tech talks and tours. This is a great opportunity for businesses, local innovators and entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in helping strengthen and grow the local economy to come together to network, share ideas, collaborate, ask for help and offer it.
EDi2 grants
The EDi2 program provides up to $500,000 annually in competitive grants, with an emphasis on developing high-quality mentorship and support, and access to capital.
Pre-application meetings with staff are required.
More information and applications for funding
For more information or to schedule a pre-application meeting email WhelihanJ@HCFL.gov or call (813) 272-6217.