News from Westchester’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Featuring news, entrepreneur profiles, and mentorship and growth opportunities

Launch1000 Applications Open

Westchester Innovation Network

Seeking Innovators for 2023

Following a successful first year, the Business Council of Westchester’s Westchester Innovation Network (WIN) is once again calling for innovators to join the program. WIN is a unique program that provides free exposure for innovators to businesses, prospective customers and investors in the NY metro area.

As part of the WIN program, innovators will have the opportunity to be exposed nationally and internationally and to be paired with one or more influential BCW member business to beta or pilot test their solution in a customer setting along with many PR opportunities throughout the year culminating in a WIN Showcase where financial prizes were awarded in year one.

Innovators are encouraged to immediately apply for this exciting opportunity by visiting www.thebcw.org/westchester-innovation-network/.

New York Business Plan Competition

Accepting Student Applications

The application period is now open for the 2022-2023 New York Business Plan Competition (NYBC).

All students are invited to apply! This includes any graduate, undergraduate, and/or community college students enrolled part- or full-time in accredited New York colleges and universities during the current academic year. Students who graduate during the Fall semester are eligible to compete in the competition during the Spring semester. Exchange students are also eligible.

Click here to apply.

Launch1000 Alum Featured on Fox 5 News

Hartsdale's Breakthrough Fit Co was recently featured on Fox 5 News in an inspiring segment that showcased how the gym creates equal opportunities to health and fitness, enhancing the lives of those with "different abilities" with their high-quality, progressive, community-based fitness program. Jake Allyn, the company's president and CEO, is a graduate of Launch1000.

Click here to view the segment.

2023 Inc. 5000 Application Period Now Open

Over the course of 40 years, the Inc. 5000 list has recognized the most successful, visionary businesses in the nation. Now is the time for your business to claim its place on this prestigious list, the most recognized hallmark of entrepreneurial achievement.

Through the years, numerous Westchester County businesses have been bestowed this honor, including but not limited to: SproutBrite, Forge Health, Capital Logistics LLC, Aerolase, Masthead Media Company, Macan Deve and many more.

Apply to the Inc. 5000 today and establish yourself as a leader of one of America's fastest-growing companies. Early Rate Deadline ($245) is March 24, 2023.

Apply for Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela

Are you a tech startup in Westchester County? Apply today for the Spring 2023 cohort of the Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela. The program offers a 12-week virtual curriculum, pitch and networking events for founders, access to a mentor network of investors and successful technology entrepreneurs, corporate and technology partnerships, and cutting edge technology and business skills.

Apply today.

$30 Million Pre-seed and

Seed Matching Fund Program

The State Small Business Credit Initiative is providing $30 million for the Pre-seed and Seed Matching Fund Program to support high growth start-up companies at the earliest stages of their growth and development. The Program will offer early-stage businesses growth assistance from $50,000 up to $250,000 with matching from the private sector (there must be at least $1 of private sector investment for every $1 NY Ventures invests). In addition to financial support, Empire State Development offers the tools and key introductions needed to help companies reach the next level.

Investment Eligibility

Pre-Seed or Seed-stage companies across all technology markets, with a focus on:

● Advanced Manufacturing

● Agricultural Tech

● Climate Tech

● Consumer Products

● Data/SaaS/AI

● Fintech

● Healthcare

● Life Sciences and BioTech

● Medical Devices

More information and how to apply can be found here.

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