Accelerators and incubators are powerful tools for startups. They provide a network of resources, mentorship, and funding that can help get your business off the ground. And while these programs aren’t right for every business, they’re worth considering if you’re looking to grow your startup in Pennsylvania.
In this article, we’ll explore seven accelerator programs across the state that offer different benefits and different levels of support. We’ll also discuss what makes a startup well-suited to an incubator or accelerator program in general, so you can decide if it’s good for your business or not.
1.Picwell
Picwell is a nonprofit accelerator that helps startups and entrepreneurs in the healthcare industry. Picwell provides the mentorship, funding and workspace to help startups grow. Picwell has been around for over a decade, so they have a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to make a successful startup or business.
The accelerator also offers funding through grants from organizations like the Department of Defense (VA) Veterans Innovation Fund and others. They also offer networking opportunities with other experts in your field.
2. flipmd
FLIPMD is a digital health startup accelerator that helps healthcare startups get to market faster. FLIPMD provides ,000 in funding and 10 weeks of intensive work with your team to help create a business plan, develop key partnerships, and launch a beta version of your product.
FLIPMD has 3 cohorts per year with each starting in January, April and September. You can apply for their program here: https://www.flipmd.com/apply-to-flipmd/.
FLIPMD accelerates healthcare startups through a unique program that includes funding, business development support, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. FLIPMD provides ,000 in funding and 10 weeks of intensive work with your team to help create a business plan, develop key partnerships, and launch a beta version of your product.
3. Science Center
Science Center is a non-profit organization founded in 2014. It is located in South Philadelphia and focuses on social good and community development. Science Center offers programs for youth and adults, including a coding bootcamp, after-school programs, and camps year-round. The organization’s mission is to create opportunities for people to improve their lives by providing access to technological education and resources.
The main goal of the non-profit organization is to provide the community with access to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and resources. The organization runs several programs that provide youth and adults with opportunities to learn about these fields and gain experience.
4. O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
The O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship was founded in 2000 by David O’Pake, who was inspired to help local entrepreneurs after seeing a need in the community. The non-profit organization provides support to entrepreneurs and business owners through education, mentoring, networking and funding. In addition to its Philadelphia headquarters, it also has an office in Pittsburgh.
O’Pake offers several programs, including:
- The FastTrack Program: This program is designed to help you refine your idea into a viable business plan with guidance from seasoned mentors. You will also receive a ,000 grant under this program which can be used as seed capital for your startup or applied to rent in their incubator space during the 3 month duration of this course.
- Incubator Program: This 5-month program provides workspace for early-stage businesses at no cost while providing access to expert-led workshops in various fields such as marketing or accounting; There are also opportunities for coaching sessions where students can meet established business leaders who have been on similar journeys themselves so they can get advice on how best to use their resources effectively in all areas. development phases (start-up phase).
5. Bridgeworks Enterprise Center
Bridgeworks Enterprise Center is a nonprofit organization that provides seed funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to start-up entrepreneurs in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Bridgeworks Enterprise Center was founded in 2009 by a group of philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who saw an opportunity to help grow the startup community in the region. The Center offers three programs: BridgeWorks Venture Fund (Funding Seed Funding), BridgeWorks Labs (Mentoring Program), and Bridge Builders’s Network (Networking Forum).
6. coophylly
Cophilly is a nonprofit organization that provides free coworking space for startups and entrepreneurs in Philadelphia. It also has a community of over 150 members, including startups, freelancers, and small businesses.
Cophilly is one of Philadelphia’s largest coworking spaces with 10,000 square feet at its Camac Street headquarters. The facility includes boardrooms (for meetings), co-working offices (for those who need a dedicated workspace), meeting rooms (for private gatherings), breakout spaces events (for conferences and networking events), lounges and kitchen areas for socializing with other members of the Cophilly community, an art gallery space that showcases the work of local artists each month as well an outdoor patio where you can relax between meetings or just enjoy the fresh air after work!
Conclusion
Incubators and accelerators are a great way to get your startup off the ground and into the market. They provide valuable resources and mentorship, as well as access to networks of potential investors, clients, talent and more. If you’re looking for financing options or business advice in Pennsylvania but don’t know where to start – this article is for you!