There is a growing trend among seasoned and serial entrepreneurs to give back. Around the country there are incubator programs that aid new, stuck, financially challenged and just about every other type of entrepreneur. Some programs offer low or no cost mentoring and training, others offer work space and collaboration tools. Incubation programs are to entrepreneurs what financial aid and other services are to college students.

The Chamber of Commerce, Local entrepreneur organizations, Women in Business, and industry specific organizations generally have information about such programs and often can help you contact and even qualify for such offerings.

Philadelphia is no exception.  This upcoming event for designers is exactly the type of springboard that leads to opportunity.

Innovation Philadelphia to Host Creative Entrepreneur Expo ’08 at DesignPhiladelphia 2008

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Innovation Philadelphia will host Creative Entrepreneur Expo ’08 at the closing reception of DesignPhiladelphia 2008, the largest annual celebration of design in the U.S. Twenty-five of the region’s top entrepreneurs in the fields of industrial, web, graphic and interior design will showcase their talent and portfolios. The event will be held October 22, 2008 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Architecture.

Creative Entrepreneur Expo ’08 is part of Innovation Philadelphia’s mission to grow the for-profit creative economy in the Philadelphia region by linking local talent to potential business opportunities in the area.

“We hand picked a small, diverse group of design entrepreneurs and are giving them the opportunity to show off their work,” said Kelly Lee, Executive Vice President of Innovation Philadelphia. “Too often, local entrepreneurs and freelancers are finding work outside of the region. Our goal is to connect creative talent to creative opportunities here in the Delaware Valley.”

The AIA Center for Architecture is located at 1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Individuals interested in attending must pre-register at www.innovationphiladelphia.com.

“There is a growing, vibrant design community here,” Lee added. “We are going back to basics, helping these designers make personal contacts to grow their businesses.”

About Innovation Philadelphia

Innovation Philadelphia is committed to supporting technology-driven economic growth in the Philadelphia region through growing the region’s for-profit creative industries, attracting and retaining young professionals vital to economic growth, and fostering entrepreneurism and new ideas. For more information about Innovation Philadelphia and its initiatives, please visit www.innovationphiladelphia.com."

Do not let geography stop your growth or creativity. COntact organizations in your area or industry and discover the opportunities that await you.