5 questions for ... Clay Hickson

Photo by Kanji Takeno

Local resources, global outlook

Clay Hickson, recently appointed director of TU’s new Business Globalization Center, explains why businesses need to think globally for long-term success.

What does a business incubator do?

Business incubators help new entrepreneurial ventures develop into successful, mature businesses by providing resources, guidance, counseling, mentoring, training and opportunities for networking.

We provide members with office space and office facilities, look at their business plans and give them guidance and counseling. Then we review their business plans with them regularly to see how well they’re developing. Once they’re successful they’ll graduate, and new businesses will join the incubator.

Who established the Business Globalization Center?

TU established the center in partnership with the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. By helping new companies learn how to be successful, we’re hoping they’ll grow and create more jobs in the region.

How many members can you accommodate?

With 5,100 square feet at Terrace Dale, we have room for up to 12 partners. Our first member moved in earlier this week from Owings Mills. It produces specialty cosmetics with global implications—their palette can match virtually any skin tone. Although they have some global sales, they want to look further at the international market while developing domestic sales. Two other members should be coming in over the next few weeks, and we’re in talks with several other serious prospects.

Will the incubator focus on bringing global business to Maryland, or marketing Maryland businesses globally?

Both, although they require different types of assistance. Foreign companies, for example, may need help with human resources, cross-cultural management and access to domestic businesses and government services.

Why should Maryland businesses think globally?

We live in a global economy. No matter what the industry, most businesses will probably need to source something or try to sell something overseas. Companies that don’t think how to access foreign markets and tap into the international business network are not truly thinking about their long-term success.

To learn more about the Business Globalization Center, contact Clay Hickson at chickson@towsonglobal.com or 410-769-6448.

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