The Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs (SCAPE) is now accepting applications for the next group of candidates to be accepted in the program.
Launched this past July, SCAPE’s objective is to create more high-growth, job-creating companies in Southwest Colorado. SCAPE’s focus is on emerging-growth companies, and the program provides them with funding, education and intense mentoring to fully prepare them to enter markets, raise capital, and increase their chances for success.
Any industry or idea will be considered, but the focus of SCAPE is on those businesses with primary markets that will be outside of Southwest Colorado.
The first step in the application process is to fill out the online application at www.goscape.org as well as submit a short video. The application deadline is mid-November 2013, and the second program will kick off mid-January 2014.
The finalists will receive up to $30,000 in equity capital to help build their companies, along with free office space and discounted business services. Most importantly, they will receive valuable mentorship to help them address their specific challenges in establishing and growing their company. At the end of the four-month program there will be a presentation given by all finalists to potential follow-on investors.
In addition to the mentors or Founder’s Group, the program is supported by local economic-development initiatives including Region 9, La Plata Alliance, and Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center, local financial institutions as well as the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The program serves the counties of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan as well as the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
For more information, please go to www.goscape.org or contact Cassie Alexander at calexander@gospace.org
