Startup302 Application Support Video Available Online
Ventures with underrepresented founders invited to learn how to prepare entries for fourth annual funding competition
WILMINGTON, Del. – Delaware’s fourth annual Startup302 pitch contest for ventures with underrepresented founders will begin accepting applications on January 8. To help applicants prepare their entries, an instructional video – recorded during a December 11 information session – is now available online.
Coordinated by Delaware Prosperity Partnership and partners from throughout the Delaware business community, Startup302 supports underrepresented entrepreneurs with early stage, tech-enabled ventures that have high-growth potential and are seeking financial and networking boosts for their businesses. Awards include non-dilutive cash grants, and participation benefits include mentorship opportunities and engagement with investors and key influencers.
Startup302 aims to strengthen Delaware’s innovation ecosystem by improving access to funding and facilitators for underrepresented entrepreneurs while fostering diverse perspectives, promoting inclusive and equitable consideration and attracting diverse communities of founders to the region. Underrepresented founders include women and African Americans, Latin Americans, Native Americans and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Startups don’t have to be Delaware-based to enter.
Topics addressed during the information session included an overview of the competition, how to apply, pitching basics and key dates. Attendees also had questions answered by Startup302 Committee members.
In addition to DPP, Startup302 sponsors and partners include Bronze Valley VentureLab Delaware, Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, Delaware Division of Small Business, Delaware Small Business Development Center, Delaware State University College of Business, Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, Discover Bank, DuPont, Highmark Delaware, Emerging Enterprise Center, FMC Corporation, M&T Bank, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Sara Crawford, StartOut, The Innovation Space, True Access Capital’s Women’s Business Center and University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship.
The recording – along with full contest details and the application – are at startup302.org. Questions may be directed to DPP’s Erica Crell at ecrell@choosedelaware.com.