A grant from Hilliard Development Corporation will add software consultancy to the list of services that can benefit technology companies as part of the Hilliard City Lab initiative.
Augustwenty, a Hilliard custom software developer, was awarded a $25,000 Innovation Grant from HDC to provide custom software support services to companies participating in the Hilliard City Lab initiative.
“Many tech companies have products ready for commercialization, but lack the software component required for the market,” said David Meadows, City of Hilliard Economic Development Director. “This grant will allow Augustwenty to work with those companies to develop the final element. It’s Hilliard companies helping Hilliard companies, and the entire community benefits.”
HDC is the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) of the City of Hilliard. As the City’s designated economic development agency, it has the authority to apply for and administer grants, buy and sell real property, and create programs for small business.
The HDC Innovation Grant Program is designed to promote research and development investment, workforce development solutions, and high-wage job creation within Hilliard. Grant funding must be used to acquire equipment associated with the development, demonstrate and/or commercialize emerging technologies, and help with tenant buildout, infrastructure improvements, or relocation expenses.
Hilliard City Lab is a unique public-private partnership between the City of Hilliard and commercial engineering and business advisory services firm Converge Technologies. Through City Lab, technology companies can leverage City resources to create, test, and launch solutions.
In return, the goal is that Hilliard will benefit from the attraction, retention, and expansion of technology businesses, along with the creation of associated high-paying jobs.
IC3D
IC3D, a full-service 3D printing manufacturer and City Lab partner, was also awarded a $25,000 Innovation Grant from HDC. The company will use the grant to help fund a $50,000 demonstration of a plastic pellet hopper feed system for 3D printing technology.
Founded in 2012, IC3D is a small business offering 3D printing service and consumables, as well as additive manufacturing engineering services. IC3D has a commitment to sustainability and using 100 percent recycled plastics in the production of printed goods. That plastic can then be shredded into plastic pellets and loaded into a hopper to print large items, such as park benches, without the disruption of changing spools.
IC3D’s main growth goal is to develop a fully automated “3D printer farm” that enables rapid fulfillment of custom orders.
DiCarlo’s Pizza
Finally, a $6,000 Old Hilliard Façade Improvement Grant was awarded to DiCarlo’s Pizza, 4142 Main St., to help construct new signage. Owners Mike and Sarah Carlson reopened the Downtown Hilliard business that specializes in “Ohio Valley-style” pizza last fall.
The Old Hilliard Façade Improvement Program is designed to stimulate private investment in high-quality building improvements that create and enhance community image and character in Old Hilliard. The program shares the costs of improving commercial building exteriors and publicly used amenities.
For more information about grant opportunities visit https://hilliardohio.gov/economic-development-business-support-hilliard-development-corporation/
