Startup Tucson
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About this Program:
Startup Tucson's Pre-Accelerator Program is designed to support early stage entrepreneurs as you work to build your company, covering topics like business planning, financials, marketing and more. If selected, you will join a cohort including up to 30 other founders from Southern Arizona that share your goal of building a thriving venture. By joining this program, you will not only learn how to develop and/or grow your business but also gain full access to the extensive benefits of Startup Tucson's membership program.
Whether you're just getting started in your business or ready to refine your model and accelerate your growth, the Pre-Accelerator Program is here to guide you through the challenges of starting and growing your business. With a focus on building strong business foundations, fostering a supportive community, and connecting you with qualified experts and valuable resources, our Pre-Accelerator can help you start and grow your business.
Throughout the program, you will:
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Step 1 - Fundamentals: Start by refining your business model and learning to effectively communicate the value of your product or service and brand in a full-day session of our Fundamentals class
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Step 2 - Cohort Classes: Continue to refine your business strategy and identify and target your ideal customers while highlighting the unique qualities that set you apart through 4 weekly cohort classes
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Step 3 - Mentor Swarm: Benefit from access to a diverse group of industry mentors, providing valuable input and guidance tailored to your specific needs at the Mentor Swarm
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Step 4: Graduation: Celebrate your accomplishments with the startup community at a special cohort graduation
Optional Step 5 - Additional Industry Specific Support & Showcase: Product-based businesses will also have the opportunity to apply to showcase their company at the cohort graduation and receive additional industry specific sessions/guidance. Held twice annually, the Startup Tucson Showcase provides a platform to share your product with the larger startup community, as well as with your family and friends. This well-attended event offers an amazing opportunity to get instant feedback from attendees and a panel of judges. Participants must apply to qualify.
Valued at over $5,000, thanks to Startup Tucson's supporters, this program is available for a low program fee of $150 and will equip you with the essential tools you need to take your business to the next level.
FALL COHORT STARTS SEPTEMBER 14!
"This class truly changed my life and the direction my business was going in!!! I can never truly repay you guys for what I learned. I loved it so much my best friend is now taking it!" - Erisha G.
FALL 2024 COURSE INFORMATION & Application
Startup Tucson's Pre-Accelerator is designed to provide you the flexibility you need in seeking support as you build your business. We offer two options for cohort participation. Cohort fees are $150 for the first participant and $50 for each additional founder.
GENERAL COHORT - ALL PARTICIPANTS
Startup Fundamentals:
Saturday, September 14: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Four Weekly Cohort Classes:
Tuesdays, September 24, Oct 1, Oct 8, Oct 15: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mentor Swarm:
Tuesday, October 22: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Cohort Graduation
Thursday, November 14: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Option 1
COHORT + INDUSTRY SPECIFIC SUPPORT & SHOWCASE
Option 2
In addition to the general cohort classes above, businesses that believe they would benefit from the opportunity to showcase their product may apply to participate in additional sessions and to have a booth at the Startup Tucson Showcase at the Cohort Graduation (previously Food Forward and Canvas). Showcase spots are limited, and if selected, included in the course fee.
Cohort members selected to participate in the Startup Tucson Showcase will receive the following additional support:
Industry-Specific Class
Tuesday, October 29: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
One-to-One Coaching Session & Showcase Prep
Scheduled directly with Startup Tucson team the week of November 4
Startup Tucson Showcase at Cohort Graduation
Thursday, November 14: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Additional Course Info
COURSE COMMITMENT:
Upon acceptance, the following participation requirements will apply:
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Participants are only allowed to miss one class to be eligible for graduation.
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You must commit to all onboarding and post-graduation surveys to ensure Startup Tucson can meet all reporting requirements.
COURSE FEES: $150 for 1st participant, $50 each additional founder
A course fee of $150 for the first or solo company member is required, with additional seats for multi-founder companies available at $50 each. This course fee includes participation in Accelerated Fundamentals ($60 normally), as well a year of follow-up business planning with Startup Tucson. In total, these components and this cohort are valued at over $5,000 but thanks to Startup Tucson's many supporters and sponsors, we can bring these programs to the community at a subsidized rate.
Startup Tucson occasionally offers scholarships for course fees. If you'd like to inquire about requirements to receive a course scholarship, send an email to info@startuptucson.com.
OPTION 2: COHORT + INDUSTRY SUPPORT + SHOWCASE:
Product-based businesses may also apply to receive additional support to prepare them to showcase their products at the Startup Tucson Showcase. The Showcase is beneficial for those ready to share their products with attendees and receive feedback on design, taste, etc. All showcase participants are also eligible for over $1,000 in prizes during the showcase, selected by our expert judges. Only 20 cohort participants will be selected to showcase.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Once we receive your application, we will schedule a brief interview to ensure the program is a good fit for your business. In order to facilitate interactive sessions, one-on-one coaching, and an enriching Startup Tucson Showcase, the course is limited to 30 companies and offered in-person only and is highly competitive. The application also includes a section to indicate your interest in participating in the Showcase and industry specific classes.
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY:
To be considered for the pre-accelerator you must:
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Have a business located in Southern Arizona
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Be prepared to attend at least 90% classes in person at the Startup Tucson offices
Please note: Due to the limited number of seats available, we encourage you to fill out the application thoughtfully and completely. We look forward to welcoming you to our in-person sessions held at the Startup Tucson office in Downtown Tucson.
Still have questions? For more information email info@startuptucson.com.
Applications for the Fall 2024 cohort are now closed. Looking forward to applying for Spring 2025? Fill out our interest form to be among the first to know when applications open!
"The program was incredible and I believe that it provided me with everything I needed to my start-up off the ground." - Mikey B.
Detailed Agenda
OPTION 1: GENERAL COHORT - ALL PARTICIPANTS
09/14/2024 | Sat, 9am - 5pm | Startup Fundamentals Workshop (Foundational Bootcamp) |
09/24/2024 | Tues, 5pm - 7pm | Strategic Foundations: Sales Channels and Further Defining Unique Value Proposition |
10/01/2024 | Tues, 5pm - 7pm | Crafting a Distinctive Brand and Marketing Techniques |
10/08/2024 | Tues, 5pm - 7pm | Market Engagement: Business Development & Pricing |
10/15/2024 | Tues, 5pm - 7pm | Mastering Financials: Operations and Finance |
10/22/2024 | Tues, 5pm - 7pm | Mentor Swarm: One-to-one support from seasoned experts |
11/14/2024 | Thurs, 5pm - 8pm | Startup Pre-Accelerator Graduation & Showcase |
OPTION 2: COHORT + INDUSTRY SUPPORT & SHOWCASE
Industry-Specific Class
Tuesday, October 29: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Food:
Food Science & Safety / Permits & Licensing
Creative:
Monetizing Your Creativity Without Selling Out
Other:
Building Your Minimum Viable Product
One-to-One Coaching Session & Showcase Prep
Scheduled directly with Startup Tucson team the week of November 4
Startup Tucson Showcase
Thursday, November 14: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Showcase Spotlight
The Startup Tucson Showcase is hosted twice a year as an opportunity to highlight cohort graduates and give them an opportunity to share their products and businesses with the larger startup community and their families and friends. The celebration features over 150 attendees and includes a number of prizes and awards for cohort graduates. It's an amazing opportunity for founders to get instant feedback on their businesses and to celebrate with the community!
"I really loved every moment of being in Startup Tucson. It really helped me and arrived to me at the exact time I needed it in my life. I’m very excited for all the ideas and things brought to my attention regarding my business and how my business will grow in the very near future." - Sunny D.
why should I attend?
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or you're already selling, Startup Tucson's Pre-Accelerator Program will guide you step-by-step toward building a thriving business. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to set your business on the path to success.
The collaborative nature of the program means that you'll be provided with invaluable feedback and work on your business in an environment rich for idea sharing. With ongoing opportunities to pitch your concept and receive input from our team, your classmates, and mentors, you'll gain valuable experience in articulating your offer.
What will I learn? All cohort participants can expect to:
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Gain a deep understanding of your target customers, competition, and the market, ensuring that your business effectively addresses real problems and stands out from the crowd.
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Learn how to design low-cost experiments to test new ideas, allowing you to iterate and improve your product based on customer feedback.
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Develop confidence and proficiency in presenting your product or service to others, delivering compelling pitches that captivate potential customers and investors.
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Implement real-time feedback from experienced mentors, refining your business strategy and enhancing the market potential of your product or service.
You'll also walk away with:
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Snapshot version of your business plan
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Planning checklist to help you determine tangible next steps
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Customer interviewing script to help you design better solutions
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Various tools, such as our pricing worksheet, to help you make better business decisions
Two Options to Participate - Tailored Specifically for YOUR business type and goals!
OPTION 1:
The General Cohort option is great for:
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Aspiring entrepreneurs who are eager to turn their product or service idea into a successful business
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Existing business owners seeking to refine their strategies, expand their network, and gain exposure
OPTION 2:
The Industry-Specific option is great for:
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Product-based businesses looking for an opportunity to introduce their product to the Tucson business ecosystem
Similar programs in other cities or offered by other organizations would cost $5,000 or more for the amount of training and mentor hours received. Startup Tucson is proud to bring our program to the community with minimal program fees thanks to our supporters and volunteer mentors and experts.
Still not sure? Check out some of our graduates and see what they've been able to accomplish with help from this program.
"As a new business owner, you can't possibly know what blind spots you have. With Startup Tucson, I received a 360 view of what it takes to run a successful business from finance to marketing and from operations to consumer behavior. On top of the knowledge shared, I was able to connect with astute leaders and business owners in our community; between the mentors, Startup Tucson team, and the cohort, I walked away empowered with my new network to be a supported Tucson business." - Desirai S.
Startup Tucson's Pre-Accelerator In the NEWS
