Title
Resolution Supporting the Greensboro Partnership's Development of an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Including a Business Accelerator Program
Body
Department: Executive
Council District: All
Public Hearing: n/a
Advertising Date/By: n/a
Contact 1 and Phone: City Manager Westmoreland, Ext. 2002
Contact 2 and Phone:
PURPOSE:
The City of Greensboro has been asked by the Greensboro Partnership, to consider a three year request of $100,000 per year to support the development of an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem that would include a business accelerator that would connect entrepreneurs with the right resources and relationships needed to grow and create jobs.
BACKGROUND:
The Greensboro Partnership was formed in 2005 from the merger of Greensboro Economic Development Alliance, Action Greensboro, and the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. The mission of the Partnership is to serve as the principal economic and community development organization in Greensboro and to strategically develop a vibrant community that creates, expands and attracts business while advancing the quality of life for all.
The Greensboro Partnership is deploying a multi-pronged business acceleration program to increase success at all levels of Greensboro's entrepreneurial sector - from high potential start-ups to established, growth focused companies. In addition to the Accelerator, other components include the Greensboro Partnership HUG (Help Us Grow) initiative, the Nussbaum Center business incubator, and Triad Growth Partners forming at the Gateway University Research Park that will drive entrepreneurial activities related to technology transfer and commercialization.
Based on research and a successful 10 week pilot in the summer of 2013, the Greensboro Partnership seeks City support to launch a new Accelerator program that will groom high potential entrepreneurs to be investor/customer ready companies. The Accelerator combines weekly meetings with advisors, interactive group sessions with startup experts and serial entrepreneurs, one-on-one office hours, pitch training, intensive feedback sessions, peer support and co-working opportunities. The Accelerator will complement HUG's capital access activities with dedicated demo events as well as increased exposure and introductions, and draw from the Greensboro Partnership's entrepreneurial roundtables and assets for a vital pool of mentors and advisors.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The request is for $100,000 for three years. Funds for this request have been identified in the Economic Development Fund budget for FY 14-15.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
City Council is requested to consider supporting the Partnerships development of an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem that includes the development of a business accelerator program.