New director chosen to lead incubator

Clay Hickson started as director of Towson's Business Globalization Center, the University's new incubator, March 12 following a six-month search.

As part of the Division of Economic and Community Outreach, the aim of the incubator is to bring international business to Baltimore County. The center was announced in the summer of 2006.

Dyan Brasington, director of economic and workforce development, said she and vice president for economic and community outreach James Clements developed the criteria for the job, which attracted many applicants.

"I think people are interested in entrepreneurship and helping new businesses and the international aspects of globalization, and I think there are a lot of people who feel they have the ability to be the incubator director," Brasington said.

Hickson is preparing for the incubator's official opening April 1. Brasington said the role of incubator director is multi-faceted.

"He will be in charge of the facility itself, he will be responsible for reviewing business plans, helping businesses with referrals and information, and getting them connected with people they might need," she said.

Hickson has a degree in international business and Chinese relations. He also speaks Mandarin and has been the president of the Maryland China Business Council. In addition, Brasington said he has his own consulting company where he has developed relationships that will help in his new role.

"He will be responsible for making relationships with other universities and business organizations, and incubators internationally and domestically that will work with surrounding support for both the domestic and international companies that we expect to have in the incubator," she said.

Brasington said that Hickson is familiar with resources both within the state and at the University and was "made for the part."

She said the incubator's goal is to be a location for young businesses in this country to expand their horizons abroad and for international companies to bring their operations to the Mid Atlantic region.

Hickson said the incubator will provide guidance, mentoring and counseling to businesses.

The incubator's space at the Terrace Dale complex across from campus is finished and the Center is about to receive their first resident members.

While Hickson is preparing for the incubator's opening day, there are also long-term goals to consider.

"Right now we're in 5,100 square feet and have space for a maximum of 12 companies. The goal in three years or so is to expand that space significantly to 30,000 square feet," he said.

Also, he wants to attract more international organizations since most of the companies the incubator is working with are currently based in the United States.

Hickson said he has been involved with a lot of business associations from his work at his consulting firm and he plans to "continue to maintain and grow those relationships."

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