The South Side Innovation Center (SSIC), a program of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, received an award at the New York State Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) Annual Conference. On Aug. 20, the SSIC was presented with the 2015 Award of Excellence for Outstanding Program Performance and Achievement and Dedication to the Entrepreneurs of New York State. There are roughly 30 EAP Centers across the state that are funded by the New York State Division of Empire State Development (ESD). This year, SSIC was one of three Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Centers that were recognized for performance in the 2014-15 funding year.
As an active partner with the New York State Entrepreneurial Assistance Program, we are honored to be recognized with this award,” says El-Java Abdul-Qadir, director of the EAP program at SSIC. “The South Side Innovation Center is looking forward to continue its work to provide quality assistance and programming to aspiring and growing entrepreneurs in our region while providing an avenue for Syracuse University students to gain practical experience working with local entrepreneurs.”
The South Side Innovation Center’s mission is to increase the vitality of the local and area economy by recruiting, nurturing and training a diverse group of emerging and mature businesses, providing them with business incubation, development, education, market access and credit assistance, using highly skilled, trained professional counselors. The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) at SSIC provides instruction, training, technical assistance and support services to individuals who have recently started their own business or are interested in starting a business.
