Bloomington pre-accelerator seeking applications
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Bloomington-based pre-accelerator program B-Start says applications are open for the 2020-2021 cohort for entrepreneurs. The program aims to help entrepreneurs take their business ideas and launch for-profit, innovation-driven businesses in Monroe County.
The Bloomington Economic Development Corp. says it will accept applications through September 30 for Monroe County residents. The four-month program includes mentorship, consultations with local experts, business development workshops, and a virtual pitch competition.
“COVID-19 forced everyone to rethink their business models. Businesses are adapting to new safety measures through innovation, creativity, and perseverance, while maintaining their production and services,” said Ellyn Sallee, director of B-Start and BEDC project and development manager. “B-Start encourages such innovation among entrepreneurs that are looking to start a new business, perhaps with new ideas coming from life changes and uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. B-Start will continue supporting this entrepreneurial spirit and our local talent base, which will in turn create more jobs in Monroe County.”
At the end of the cohort, the startups will participate in a pitch competition to win cash prizes to launch their businesses.
B-Start says it has graduated more than 40 companies since its launch in 2015. The program is supported by organizations including Cook Group, IU Ventures, and Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship – Ivy Tech Bloomington, among others.
You can connect to the application by clicking here.