Colorado SBDC TechSource: Commercialization Program Kicks Off Virtual Tech Venture Accelerator for Women-Owned Science and Technology Ventures
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) TechSource: Commercialization(opens in new window)(opens in new window)(opens in new window)(opens in new window) program has opened applications for its virtual Tech Venture Accelerator for Women (TVX-W). There are eight spots available in this cohort for innovative women-owned science and technology businesses. This will be the second TVX-W program that the TechSource program has produced. In 2021, eight women-owned technology ventures completed the program.
This highly-focused 10-part cohort series is designed to help emerging companies in Colorado's advanced industries overcome hurdles to accelerate growth and development. TVX-W focuses on growth through non-dilutive capital sources and technology commercialization.
Unique to this accelerator program is the assistance provided on federal and state innovation grants as a source of non-dilutive capital. Specialized expertise is provided to each business in critical areas, including identifying relevant SBIR agencies and topics, understanding the proposal process and applying research and market data to develop technology commercialization plans that will support grant submissions.
The weekly two-hour virtual sessions will be held on Thursday mornings from June 2 through August 11 and are facilitated discussions with founders/C-level executives and subject matter experts (SMEs). These executives and SMEs share challenges and successes and help to find constructive solutions. Outside of the cohort group, each participating business receives extensive consulting customized to the specific needs and stage of their venture. Topics include market research/customer discovery, federal R&D tax credits, SBIR and Advanced Industries grants, marketing and business model strategies, protecting and marking IP, legal matters and non-dilutive sources of funding.
“Over the past two years, we have adapted our programming to fit recommended health and safety guidelines due to the pandemic. We are proud to say that we have been able to successfully simulate the energy and passion that is typically shared in our in-person cohorts throughout our virtual programming,” said Sharon King, program lead for the Colorado SBDC TechSource: Commercialization program.
Only eight businesses will be accepted into this exclusive cohort. Because of the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) grant, the cost to participate in the TVX-W cohort will be fully offset for accepted businesses.
To learn more and apply for TVX-W, visit sbdc-techsource.org/tvxw.
About Colorado SBDC TechSource: Commercialization
Colorado SBDC TechSource: Commercialization is designed to maximize the economic potential of Colorado science and technology companies—especially those in the advanced industries. Subject matter expertise is provided through specialized consulting, accelerator programs, workshops and events to provide tangible help for small innovative businesses and entrepreneurs in order to overcome hurdles to growth. TechSource: Commercialization is unique in the state because of its heavy emphasis on non-dilutive capital sources while also preparing companies for equity financing when the timing is right. Programs focus on SBIR/STTR grants, federal R&D tax credits and support for technology commercialization to get to market faster.