Accelerator program for Creative Startups will be hosted in the Triad

The Center for Creative Economy in Winston-Salem will host a business accelerator program for companies to compete for their share of $75,000.

This will be the second year of Creative Startups Winston-Salem. Creative Startups, based in New Mexico, offers programs that focus on teaching and mentoring entrepreneurs in creative industries. Businesses in the United States and overseas can enter the competition, but the Winston-Salem location is set up to make it easier for startups in the Southeast to participate.

The deadline for applications is June 11.

The eight-week online accelerator program will start Aug. 7. It will be followed by a “deep dive” on Sept. 24 at the Creative Community Lab in Winston-Salem and will allow the teams to showcase their projects to funding prospects and businesses.

Ten teams will be chosen to participate in the program. The teams will be able to pitch their business ideas to investors and mentors to be one of three teams to receive a share of $50,000.

An additional $25,000 in support and services will be offered for a creative business affiliated with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. For this funding, the creative enterprise must agree to operate in or relocate to Winston-Salem.

Original article: http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2017/05/03/accelerator-program-for-creative-startups-will-be.html