According to an SBA study, military service is highly correlated with entrepreneurial tendencies. That’s good news for Memphis and Shelby County, whose proximity to the Millington Naval Base contributes to a population of more than 60,000 veterans. These veterans and their families are already equipped with skills that lay a solid foundation for starting up. Not only are they hard workers and team players, they know how to continue moving forward, despite the sometimes difficult journey. However, while the veteran community has a leg up in certain aspects, when it comes to starting a company, it’s not always easy to find the necessary resources.
For those looking to start and grow their businesses – specifically technology businesses – Start Co. is the place to turn to. Start Co. is a nonprofit, venture development organization that helps entrepreneurs turn their unique, high-growth-potential ideas* into scalable business models and companies. We have seen a number of veterans and other entrepreneurs pass through our doors with technology or software related ideas, and over time we have cultivated a wealth of knowledge and resources to share with those who are beginning the startup journey.
Thinking about starting up? Here are some of the services we offer:
- Weekly workshops – Speakers discuss different aspects of starting up. Topics range from legal and marketing advice to creating a better product or developing a working business model.
- Ad hoc mentoring and office hours – These sessions ensure that entrepreneurs stay on track and avoid some of the common pitfalls of starting up.
- Co-working space – Our co-working space is an open, collaborative environment for entrepreneurs to work, hold meetings, and discuss challenges.
- Dynamic programming – Events such as 48 Hour Launch and Business Model Bootcamp are a great way to receive a crash course in entrepreneurship.
- Accelerator Programs – Those who have decided to take the plunge and go all in may apply for one of our accelerator programs. Startups selected for acceleration receive a $15,000 investment and a 3 month bootcamp of intense mentorship and business development. We currently operate three accelerators:
- Seed Hatchery, for tech-related startups
- Sparkgap, for logistics-technology startups
- Upstart, for women-led startups (though teams may also have male cofounders)
(Note: Applications for our 2014 accelerators (May 1 – August 23) open December 15th. They are due by March 15th.)
Deciding to start a company is a bold step, but for some in the veteran community, founding a tech-based company is ideal. In fact, unlike restaurants and other brick and mortar businesses that require buildings, permits, and long-standing community relationships, tech-companies require very little capital to begin, and are not limited to any one city or region, offering a unique degree of flexibility.
If you have a novel, tech-related idea and the willingness to do the legwork, we want to help you get started. Particularly for veterans and their families, we want to make you aware of the resources Start Co. provides. For more information, please email us at info@neverstop.co.
*High-growth-potential companies have at least a billion dollar potential market. As such, they tend to be technology or software related. For brick and mortar small businesses, such as bakeries or restaurants, please visit the Small Business Resource Center at the Memphis Library.