LaunchVT adds new programs, scales impact
LaunchVT has opened the application period for its annual accelerator program and will once again provide eight of Vermont’s best startups with the training, mentorship, and connections they need to build successful businesses. In addition to eight weeks of workshops, peer collaboration and coaching sessions, cohort members will pitch their businesses to a packed house at Demo Day and receive over $150,000 in cash and services.
LaunchVT’s Collegiate pitch event takes place this Friday the 22nd from 4-7pm at Saint Michael’s College. $5,000 is up for grabs as the top startups from Vermont’s colleges pitch at the 4th annual competition. You can register to attend here.
Building on the success and impact of its core programs, and with the support of its community partners, LaunchVT is adding several new programs in 2019.
The REACT (Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Curriculum & Training) program provides world class business development curriculum to regional partners throughout Vermont. Through a partnership with Co.Starters, LaunchVT will work with its network of entrepreneurship support organizations to launch nine week comprehensive business support programs in several locations in 2019. The REACT program was modeled after a highly successful pilot collaboration with Generator called JUMP/START. JUMP/START is in the middle of its second cohort and is providing support to eight local makers with product based businesses.
The LaunchVT Peer Network will roll out later this year and will provide mid and growth stage startups with access to a professional and curated statewide collaboration tool. The Peer Network will bring LaunchVT Alumni and qualified entrepreneurs together through in person events, a digital forum, and shared access to the LaunchVT network of advisors. The Peer Network is designed to give proven entrepreneurs access to the collective networks of their fellow entrepreneurs to solve pain points quickly and gain traction in their markets.
LaunchVT was founded and is funded by the Lake Champlain Chamber to develop the next generation of Vermont business and support a vibrant business community.