By Chara Fitch
Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ TechCelerator business boot camp is accepting applications for the fall cohort. The free 10-week program will help potential startup owners explore ideas, learn about business models and financial plans, discuss strategies with experts, engage with other entrepreneurs, develop a pitch deck for funding, and receive one-on-one coaching. TechCelerator culminates with a pitch competition to test presentation skills and give entrepreneurs the chance to win up to $15,000 for their startup.
TechCelerator is designed specifically for local entrepreneurs to assess their business potential and decide whether to take the next step in launching their startup. Entrepreneurs can explore the likelihood of business success with minimum risk, benefit from professional guidance, and walk away with a viable business model – and even funding toward their startup costs. The program has hosted dozens of classes in the last decade, providing millions of dollars in startup funding and leading to the formation of hundreds of companies.
For entrepreneurs, the TechCelerator resource is so much more than a mere educational program. Bob Dornich, Director of the Ben Franklin TechCelerator program, notes, “One of the best things about the TechCelerator is that once you are ‘in the family’ you are in for life and can come back anytime for advice, coaching and mentoring.”
The program involves weekly group sessions with experts and other entrepreneurs, and a weekly one-on-one session with your individual mentor to create a complete framework so you can decide if it’s the right time to move forward with your business idea. Apply today to be a part of the next cohort and receive extensive training in business structure, operating and startup costs, and other practical skills to jump-start your business.
