Global Ventures at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is an entrepreneurial support initiative for tech companies that have established themselves in their industry and are ready to scale up to the next level of growth. Global Ventures at FAU seeks to assist technology-based companies with an interest in developing links to FAU that have achieved approximately $1 million in annual sales and employ at least six people, as well as graduates of FAU Tech Runway®.

Ryan is a passionate speaker and author in the field of personal development.

Promoted to overseeing all Business Creation initiatives of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP).

Serving as a catalyst for the creation, attraction, and growth of startup companies both in the Ocala Power Plant incubator and throughout Marion county.

The center is driven by the city’s Economic Development Department and based within the Sustainable Business Center, an 88,000 sq. ft. incubator for environmentally and socially-focused startups. In addition to manufacturing, distribution and office space, the facility also includes a commercial kitchen. Began in January 2011, staff serves a four county region. The initiative is funded through several community partnerships and a $1.2 million grant from EDA (expiring in 2013). ●… Show more The center is driven by the city’s Economic Development Department and based within the Sustainable Business Center, an 88,000 sq. ft. incubator for environmentally and socially-focused startups. In addition to manufacturing, distribution and office space, the facility also includes a commercial kitchen. Began in January 2011, staff serves a four county region. The initiative is funded through several community partnerships and a $1.2 million grant from EDA (expiring in 2013). ● Created a responsive, proactive and sustainable support system to educate, engage and empower entrepreneurs at all levels – ensuring them a better chance at success.● Counseled 200+ entrepreneurs throughout an array of industries and growth stages.● Engaged students and faculty from 4 colleges and 3 K-12 schools.● Produced industry analyses for Entrepreneurship Center clients and to generate leads for incubator tenant recruitment. Admin-level use of Hoovers & First Research databases.● Pioneered outreach efforts to serve female (~40%) and minority (~20%) clients.● Taught and/or coordinated classes, workshops and speaker series to address specific, recurring needs in the entrepreneurial community.● Delivered 75+ incubator tours and 50+ community presentations on entrepreneurship to social organizations, political leaders, schools and prospective companies.● Assisted and evaluated Business Innovation Grant and Revolving Loan Fund applicants.● Composed RFPs and managed crowd-sourced website & logo development projects.● Published The Entrepreneurial Mindset blog and e-newsletter (952 subscribers)● Administrative-level experience with Salesforce CRM. Updated client metrics & produced reports for EDA, city council and internal monitoring purposes.● Led the Entrepreneurial Support Network (10 member organizations) Show less

Under the supervision of the incubator director, researched entrepreneurship globally, focusing on trends in venture capital investment. Presented research at and helped to promote and organize Virginia Tech's 2nd Annual Entrepreneurship Summit.