VentureBox, a new Central Oregon startup accelerator that will apply mentorships, infrastructure and a milestone-based program to help startups get investment ready, is seeking applications from entrepreneurs for the first VentureLaunch program, beginning in January 2012. The deadline to submit materials is November 18, 2011.
At the core of the program is the VentureLaunch bootcamp. An intensive 12-week curriculum, this process will help startups effectively structure, plan, develop and prepare to launch their businesses.
The final component will be an Investor’s Day event where companies will engage with members of a partnering investment fund for the purpose of obtaining seed level funding to launch their businesses.
A link to the program application, as well as criteria and key dates, can be found on the VentureBox website (www.venturebox.org). All applicants will be asked to submit basic data that will allow the team to qualify programs before participating in the selection process. Based on the number and quality of applications, VentureBox will select three to five companies to participate in the program.
“We’re excited to hear from concept stage companies with innovative solutions that will build sustainable businesses and bring jobs to Central Oregon,” said Jim Boeddeker, VentureBox executive director. “Since our launch announcement, we’ve been very impressed with the response from business leaders who have stepped forward to serve as mentors for our programs, and we’re very enthusiastic about facilitating a very high level of collaboration.”
The key resources contributing to the program’s success are the high quality of mentors who will be available through EDCO’s Stable of Experts and the integration of established events like the monthly PubTalks and the annual Bend Venture Conference. Some mentors who will be participating in the VentureLaunch program include Dan Hobin, G5 CEO, Chris Capdevila, former CEO and Founder of LogicalApps, and Michael Taus, CEO and Co-Founder of CodeBenders.
VentureBox is a key element of the entrepreneurial ecosystem initiative developed by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) in partnership with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) and other statewide resources in an effort that will integrate and sustain programs to provide local and regional support to businesses.
Info: James Boeddeker, jimb@venturebox.org, 541-409-6560
visit www.venturebox.org.
