BUSINESS CENTER EXPANDS ACCESS.

Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer

The Business Technology Center will open its affiliate program Thursday, enabling young companies to partake in educational and networking opportunities previously offered to a select few.

Affiliates will gain access to mentor programs and coaching seminars to help ensure financial success via the BTC's headquarters in Altadena. Mark Lieberman, the BTC's administrator, said the affiliate program is a natural extension of the services that have been offered at the center since 1998.

``Our ultimate mission is about job creation, which leads to wealth creation and then more job creation,'' he said. ``So far, we've been doing quite well, and there is certainly no lack of entrepreneurial spirit.''

To harness that spirit, the nonprofit BTC functions as a business incubator - nurturing companies in need of guidance. Previously, the BTC offered programs only to those companies that occupied its 63 offices.

``We realized that we shouldn't be constrained by our 40,000-square-foot facility. And now we're taking the next step to increase our entrepreneurial services,'' said Corde Carrillo, director of economic development and redevelopment for the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission. The CDC is responsible for running the BTC.

Though affiliates will be located off-site, they will have access to conference rooms that seat up to 80 people, receptionist services and kitchens for catering needs. Carl Kukkonen, founder of a business that resides at the BTC, said the affiliate program will propel those with little business expertise.

``Many companies are started by scientists who do not know how to raise capital,'' said Kukkonen, a former research director at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory who started his business, ViaSpace, at the BTC. ``And it's useful to have an environment that helps such people.''

The only stipulation: Affiliate membership is limited to individuals who exhibit a professional commitment to developing technologies, according to BTC's Web site.

Evan Pondel, [phone]

evan.pondel(at)dailynews.com

YOU NEED TO KNOW

Business Technology Center Affiliate Program

--Provides educational and networking opportunities to individuals and organizations that are developing technologies.

--Affiliates are eligible for special seed capital through the Los Angeles County Technology Loan Program.

--Annual membership fee: $250; semiannual: $150.

The center can be reached at [phone] or online at www.labtc.org.

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