Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) employee Janet Schwabe has a new position with the Business and Industry Services (BIS) team. After nearly three years in a collaborative role with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, Schwabe is becoming Pioneer Tech’s Innovation and Incubator Manager.
As a full-time Pioneer Tech employee, she will focus on managing all aspects of the business incubator while engaging in innovative initiatives to benefit companies in the PTC district. This could include apprenticeships, Center of Workforce Excellence, special projects, etc.
Schwabe has been in Kay County for 30 years and worked with economic development, health care and government contracting before joining PTC in 2018. Having coordinated the certification and opening of the business incubator in Tonkawa and serving on their board, she brings previous experience and working knowledge of a business incubator. For more than three years, she also participated on the PTC Business Incubator Advisory Board.
Schwabe's other talents include grant writing. She penned grants awarded for multiple community development projects and recently collaborated with area industry, government and education partners to successfully apply for and become a Center of Workforce Excellence.
“We are excited to capitalize on ALL of Janet’s skills on a full-time basis. Her breadth and depth of knowledge and experience is a tremendous asset not only to Pioneer Tech but also to our incubator tenants and other BIS clients,” said Molly Kyler, Executive Director of Business and Industry Services.
Schwabe has served on various community boards and currently serves on the Northwest Oklahoma Alliance (NwOA ) board of directors. This council facilitates the efforts of regional leaders to promote economic and community development.
Pioneer Tech’s Business Incubator is a Certified Business Incubator facility designed to create and nurture the growth and development of a new or start-up business. Tenants are eligible to receive an Oklahoma Income Tax exemption. Space is available for new service, light manufacturing, food production and wholesale companies. For more information about the Pioneer Tech Business Incubator call 580-718-4222 or visit pioneertech.edu/business.