Finding the steps to  a successful start-up

SANDPOINT — John Overby has a passion for helping high tech entrepreneurs build their companies rapidly in the Inland Northwest.

Next Wednesday, the senior business consultant at the Ignite Northwest Accelerator, will bring his passion and expertise to the Inventors Association of Idaho's monthly meeting where he will discuss the steps required to build a successful start-up business

At INWA, Overby helps prepare the curriculum, instructors and advisors to help the 10 CEOs who go through 13 classes each semester. equips entrepreneurs withresources and prepares them for the next stages of business growth in 11 functional areas:

The curriculum focuses on both strategic and tactical skills. Throughout the course, company CEOs gain knowledge and tools on how to improve each functional area in their company and communicate the value of their company to customers and investors.

Overby is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and former regional director of the North Idaho Small Business Development Center. He was a co-founder of Spokane-based World Wide Packets, a subsidiary of Ciena Corpor-ation. Overby was also co-founder and CEO of Com-tech's Moscow-based Advanced Hardware Architecture, and founder and president of Esterline's Advanced Input Systems in Coeur d’Alene. He has served on many university and company boards over the years.

Overby was the first entrepreneur to start two back to back INC 500 companies — number 13 followed by number 104. In 2007, Overby was the recipient of the Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Catalyst Award for Mentorship, and in 2008, he received the Clean Tech Open Pacific Northwest Mentor of the Year Award.

The IAoI meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. June 7 in the second-floor conference room of the Columbia Bank building, 414 Church St.

Inventors Association of Idaho members will hold its regular mixer after the progam to give members and guests a chance to mingle and learn from experts.