Creative Startups accepting applications to compete for $50,000 in funding
From the Center for Creative Economy
A Partner of the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts
Creative Startups, the world-class program that helps creative entrepreneurs develop their business models and identify venture capital funding, has launched its newest business accelerator program for the Southeastern United States. Hosted by the Center for Creative Economy in Winston-Salem, NC, with support from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, the program announced that it is now accepting applications from creatively-driven companies that want to compete for $50,000 in angel or venture capital funding.
Companies from throughout the United States can apply, however this location makes it easy for companies in the Southeast to participate (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida). Deadline for applications is July 1, 2016.
Creative Startups is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM. Their programs are run in regions throughout the world. The goal of Creative Startups is to get creative business ventures beyond the launch stage to customer acquisition and profitability.
Companies in the creative enterprises compete to participate in the program, with 10-12 teams chosen to participate in an intensive eight-week session that includes a six-week online course using Stanford University’s entrepreneurship curriculum, and a five-day “Deep Dive” in which the teams work one-on-one with global visionary and creative leaders. The Southeastern Accelerator will be spearheaded by the Center for Creative Economy, with the online program starting on August 8 and the “Deep Dive” taking place from September 26-30 in Winston-Salem.
During September, Deep Dive week highlights will include DEMO DAY at the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem. The 10-12 competing teams will showcase their innovations to funding prospects, business and community leaders, and the media.
At the end of Deep Dive week, the 10-12 competing teams will “pitch” their business concepts to angel and venture capital funding leaders and compete to be one of three teams chosen to receive a share of $50,000 in investment funding.
Major partners and sponsors for the Creative Startups-Winston Salem project include the Kenan Institute for the Arts, and the Arts Council of Winston-Salem. Entrepreneurs interested in applying can visit The Southeastern Accelerator for more information.
May 31, 2016