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Startup Worcester now accepting applications for next cohort

  • Posted by Business (Sponsor: North Pointe Wealth Management) May 17, 2022 - Filed in Business - #Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce  #Startup Worcester  #Venture Forum  #Tim Murray  - 2,579 views

    12 companies will be selected for the eighth year of this collaborative program

    StartUp Worcester is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 cohort.

    StartUp Worcester is a joint initiative of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Venture Forum, and WorcLab, designed to help launch new businesses as well as to provide support and workspace for the region’s entrepreneurs. The program encourages these entrepreneurs to grow their businesses here in Central Mass., where they have access to everything they need to succeed.

    Though initially geared toward college-age entrepreneurs, StartUp Worcester now accepts applicants of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds, talents, and industries.

    “By working to accelerate the region’s entrepreneurs and encouraging them to stay in the area, StartUp Worcester is a key component to the Chamber’s ‘Recruit, Retain, Incubate’ mission,” said Worcester Chamber President and CEO Timothy P. Murray. “In the past, the StartUp Worcester program has assisted in launching the innovative ideas of several companies—many of which have gone on to achieve great success. In collaboration with our partners, we’re pleased to continue offering this program aimed at growing and developing the start-up ecosystem in Central Massachusetts.”

    Previous companies to participate in StartUp Worcester include Petricore, Inc. (’16), which designs app-based games with over 750,000 downloads and contracts with museums, companies, and other institutions; Slydde (’16), which was acquired by NY company Hooch; Solvus Global (’16), which just opened a 32,000 SF manufacturing facility; and HydroGlyde Coatings (’18), which has received over $1.4 million in funding from the government and the Gates Foundation.

    Applications for the program can be found online and are due by July 1, 2022. There is no charge to apply or to participate if selected as a winner.

    The 12 companies selected will receive full-year memberships to all three organizations (Worcester Chamber, Venture Forum, and WorcLab) effective September 2022 through August 2023. Participants also have access to mentors from SCORE, a service of the Small Business Administration (SBA), through which they’ll receive entrepreneurial support, guidance, and mentorship.

    Each StartUp Worcester membership awarded is valued at $14,000 (the value of Chamber, WorcLab, and Venture Forum memberships). This year-long program is generously supported by presenting sponsor Berkshire Bank and supporting sponsor Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central Mass. 

    Winners will be announced in August, and an introductory reception will be held in September to welcome the next cohort. Additional information about each winning company will be available at this free event which media are welcome to attend—event details are forthcoming.

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