The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation announced yesterday the EDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Initiative (SBEI) is preparing for the second cohort of the Growth Ventures business accelerator program, which will begin Jan. 12, 2015.

The SBEI Growth Ventures business accelerator program launched in spring 2014 with its initial cohort of four business owners. Participants receive 12 weeks of coaching and mentoring, and access to funding opportunities. The program is based on the Lean Startup model and is designed for both startup and existing businesses with high growth potential, which can include opening a new business site or expanding a product line.

“We are focusing on agribusiness, specialty foods, medical technology and women owned ventures for the winter 2015 cohort,” said Steve Franks, SBEI program coach and SBEI Growth Ventures program manager. “However, we encourage anyone with an interest in starting or expanding a business in Whitley County to contact us about this and other SBEI programming.”

Applicants are not required to complete other SBEI programming before participating in the SBEI Growth Ventures business accelerator. However, business owners must be a resident of Whitley County or willing to locate their business venture to Whitley County. The winter 2015 cohort will again be limited to four participating businesses.

“The business accelerator program is an important component of our efforts to encourage clients to plan, build, and equip businesses in Whitley County,” said EDC president Alan Tio. “We look forward to working with small business owners and entrepreneurs to support the launch of new business ventures in 2015!”

The EDC will accept applications through Dec. 19, 2014. To receive an application, or for more information contact Steve Franks at [email protected] or (260) 244-5506.

Source: Whitley County Economic Development Corporation