How to Start Your Business

Title: Next generation liquid crystal and reactive mesogen materials for optical components in head-mounted AR/VR devices.Abstract: Liquid crystal (LC) technology plays a pivotal role in advancing AR/VR devices. LCoS light engines with high-resolution and fast-switching capabilities provide exceptional visual quality and seamless transitions, enhancing the immersive experience. Reactive Mesogen-enabled Pancharatnam-Berry Grating (PBG) waveguides improve AR image performance, while LC-based varifocal lens technology addresses the vergence accommodation conflict. Additionally, guest host systems offer solutions for improved occlusion and privacy. This talk explores the remarkable applications of the latest LC material technology in lens components, showcasing its potential and challenges for the next-generation AR/VR devices. Discover how LC technology is driving the evolution of AR/VR experiences.Speaker: Dr. Michael Wittek is an accomplished scientist and business development leader currently serving as the global lead for AR/VR business development in display solutions at Merck KGaA, Germany. With a distinguished academic background, holding a Dr. rer. nat in Physical Chemistry and a diploma in physics from prestigious institutions, including the University of Gottingen, UCSD, UC Berkeley, and the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry. Dr. Wittek brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. His career at Merck KGaA, Germany, began in 2003, and since then he has significantly contributed to advancements in liquid crystals (LC) technology, leading projects such as LC beyond displays and LC Blue Phase, focused on innovative applications in AR/VR and LC based smart antennas. Dr. Wittek is also dedicated to fostering industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, by his active membership in technical committees for SID, SPIE Photonics West, and IDW. His expertise in customer relations, lead generation, sales, and social media marketing promoting Merck's ongoing success in the electronics sector.

Capability Statement Boot Camp Webinar powered by the APEX Accelerator at UCF.A capability statement is a popular piece of marketing collateral in government contracting. It a one-page summary of the business much like a "company resume" and can be a great tool to introduce your business. A capability statement will not be the only piece of marketing collateral that you use in government contracting, but it can be a great first step.Kara Vernon and Steve South of the APEX Accelerator at UCF will present a detailed introduction to the capability statement and how it can be used in government contracting. Highlights will include:* An overview of the capability statement * A review of key components of a capability statement: core competencies, differentiators, past performance * The importance of customizing your capability statementKara and Steve will also review some example capability statements as part of their discussion, and the hope is that there will be at least one or two clients that are willing to have their capability statements reviewed in front of the audience as well.Join us for this training session focused on the cornerstone of your government contracting marketing effort!Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1e6g4Trx6/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1e6g4Trx1/overview

We look forward to seeing you in-person at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando.Live Workshop: The U.S. Small Business Administration expanded its business development SBA Mentor-Protege program. By pairing your small business with a mentor enterprise, small business owners should benefit from the expertise of their mentor and better compete for government contracts -- both of which can drive up the value of their business when it's time to sell.Most small businesses could use the added capacity to be gained from a mentor-protege relationship. The SBA Mentor Protege program can help them do that.This seminar is held at the National Entrepreneur Center located in the Orlando Fashion Square Mall. [Click here for a map and directions.](https://flsbdc.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/6g000003Q8Wa/a/6g000000BKI2/mWcdMGDC73f_QG5_.lI1Dx0TrWLpYVtksHwsNQOc9qs) Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/sba-mentor-protege-program-a-tool-to-building-capacity-for-your-small-business-5a1e6g4Trxa/overview

Your business needs a roadmap for every stage of its growth. We'll remove the mystery of how to create a business plan, the information that should be included and how to use it as a tool to keep your company on track for long term growth.Please note: Certain device's operating systems (e.g. Windows S mode), browsers, programs/features, applications, firewalls, etc. may exist that restrict you from accessing this GoToWebinar session and its features. If you run into such technical difficulties please do any of the following:* Use Microsoft Edge * Restart your device * Disable Microsoft S Mode * Configure your device's firewallVirtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/business-plan-writing-made-easier-webinar-5a1e6g4TrxQ/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/business-plan-writing-made-easier-webinar-5a1e6g4TrxQ/overview

Federal, state and local government procurement is the largest target market in the world.The question is usually not "Does the government buy what you are selling?" It is more, "Can you be competitive enough and relentless enough to position your business to win government contracts?" If you think you can be competitive, then government contracting may be a good growth opportunity for your business.The Government Contracting Overview seminar, presented by the APEX Accelerators at UCF in partnership with the Florida SBDC at UCF, is designed for established small business owners with some commercial momentum that are curious about government contracting, as well as business owners that may already be involved in government contracting. This workshop will present government contracting in three components: positioning for government contracting, developing reactive business development strategies and developing proactive business development strategies. Specifically, we will discuss registration requirements, social-economic certification opportunities, market research tools, Florida PTAC's "Bid-Match" system and what we refer to as the initial "marketing tool kit" for government contractors.Join us for this great learning opportunity!Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/government-contracting-overview-5a1e6g4Trww/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/government-contracting-overview-5a1e6g4Trwr/overview

We look forward to seeing you in-person at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando.If you're thinking of starting a business, it's important to take the right steps. This three-hour in-person seminar will give you an overview of what to know, actions to take and how to avoid common missteps to give your company its greatest chance of success.Learn about the journey from pre-venture to startup to opening your business. We'll cover:* Business legal entity selection, * Registration and licensing, * Marketing and branding, * Sources of financing and capital, * Business plan building, * and more…This seminar is held on the first Thursday of each month at the National Entrepreneur Center located in the Orlando Fashion Square Mall. [Click here for a map and directions](https://flsbdc.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/6g000003Q8Wa/a/6g000000BKI2/mWcdMGDC73f_QG5_.lI1Dx0TrWLpYVtksHwsNQOc9qs). Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1e6g4TrxH/overview