TECHFARMS, LLC
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA

For the next 6 years, Steve served on various advisory boards at the college that focused on the development of the new technology center and on launching various entrepreneurial programs. Finally in late 2013, GCSC’s new $35M Advanced Technology Center (pictured above) held its grand opening, and in doing so, ushered in a new era where students could now receive training on advanced technologies, design and build prototypes, and receive entrepreneurial training. However, what was still missing in the community was a technology incubator where both students and residents of the community could take their ideas from concept to prototype and receive advice and mentoring while they start their new businesses. To address this need, Steve founded TechFarms in early 2015. OUR MISSION: TechFarms’ mission is to help create more private sector technology companies for Northwest Florida. In the process, we’ll be creating more jobs, growing our workforce, and making our communities more attractive to larger tech companies that will bring even more jobs. Take a look at any US city that has an abundance of high-paying technology jobs, and you will find a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. As this ecosystem grows it attracts more skilled talent which in turn attracts more established firms. TechFarms is partnering with organizations all across NW Florida to grow the ecosystem by sharing knowledge, ideas, expertise, and resources. To connect entrepreneurs to resources, mentors, and each other, so they can launch new products & services. An entrepreneurial culture forms through the connections between talented people and trusted mentors. People supporting their peers and working around like-minded individuals transform ideas into viable products and companies. TechFarms serves as a trusted space for individuals to become teams, and for teams to become successful businesses. Provide resources for entrepreneurs and startup companies, including capital investments, market analysis, mentors, networking events, tools for product development and shared work space. Startups must have these assets to grow. Providing all of these benefits under one roof makes it possible for entrepreneurs to focus on their goals and accelerate the execution at their business plans. OUR MISSION: TechFarms’ mission is to help create more private sector technology companies for Northwest Florida. In the process, we’ll be creating more jobs, growing our workforce, and making our communities more attractive to larger tech companies that will bring even more jobs. To connect entrepreneurs to resources, mentors, and each other, so they can launch new products & services. A tech culture forms through the connections between talented people and trusted mentors. People supporting their peers and working around like-minded individuals transform ideas into viable products and companies. TechFarms serves as a trusted space for individuals to become teams and for teams to become successful businesses. Provide resources for entrepreneurs and startup companies, including capital investments, market analysis, mentors, networking events, tools for product development, and shared work space. Panama City Beach is a great place for many things with possibilities of growth. Technology is one of the aspects that TechFarms sees for a bigger future here in the world’s most beautiful beaches – Panama City Beach. TechFarms’ tenants, partners and mentors know we’re much more than just an incubator. We’re a group of like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders who belong to and contribute to a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Before TechFarms was established in early 2015, local organizations that provided business resources didn’t have many common places to collaborate. Similarly, local entrepreneurs had to hunt for the right resources from many different organizations. Once TechFarms built its facility, outfitted it with prototyping equipment, and staffed it with experience mentors and partners, members of the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem began to converge To accomplish TechFarms’ mission we are working together with all of our friends, partners, institutions, and other entities in our expanding ecosystem. We’re sharing ideas, connections, strategy and resources to help each community accomplish their own mission and goals. Building a tech ecosystem is a team effort. We need STEM educational curriculums in our schools, colleges, universities and tech schools. We need our Military institutions and universities to provide a path for technology transfer so entrepreneurs can help commercialize some of the the vast quantities of ideas and intellectual property they generate. We need existing tech companies to provide more internship opportunities for students. And finally, we need more funding for promising startups. Our members benefit from the network of successful business leaders and investors who comprise our regional ecosystem. Starting a new business is always difficult. Come join us and we’ll become your strategic partner and help your startup grow. Entrepreneurship encompasses more than starting a business. Entrepreneurship is a mindset, and the ability to achieve and progress beyond your pitfalls. But the path from your first idea to your first customer is a long endeavor. Hundreds of choices must be made and mistakes can be costly. That’s why we opened TechFarms in early 2015. Business incubators give entrepreneurs much higher success rates because they provide a majority of the necessary resources for a startup to survive. We help tech startups navigate the chaos that often prevents others from realizing their dreams. HOW CAN TECHFARMS HELP YOU GROW YOUR STARTUP? When you join TechFarms, you’ll have access to our team of mentors, strategic partners, and product development resources and equipment. You will meet others in the technology industry and will be able to collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs. If you think you’re ready to make the transition into our incubator, please