Are you a startup ready to launch a product, or are you aiming to increase your sales and scale up your manufacturing business in the Mid-Hudson Valley? If yes, then the Accelerator Academy by MTEC is the perfect opportunity for you.
Introducing the Accelerator Academy
The Accelerator Academy is tailored for businesses looking to scale up their capacity and meet the next challenges of growth. Whether you are a startup gearing up for a product launch or an established business aiming to boost your sales, this program provides the essential tools and resources you need. The Academy taps into the extensive knowledge and networks of MTEC and the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NYMEP) to provide a comprehensive growth experience.
The Accelerator Academy is tailored for businesses in their early start-up phase or those about to launch a product. It also supports companies that have already introduced a product and are aiming to expand sales, enhance production capabilities, or refine their offerings. This exclusive program is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring each business has full access to the resources provided. Open to businesses located in one of the seven counties of the Mid-Hudson Valley—Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan—the program is both free and offered in a hybrid format, blending in-person and virtual elements for flexibility. At the program’s end, participants will have the chance to pitch their business for a monetary prize. Interested businesses must apply to secure one of these coveted spots.
Program Structure
One of the standout features of the Accelerator Academy is its participant-driven structure. From content to presentations, everything is crafted based on what you, the participant, need to elevate your business. By conducting an organizational life cycle survey, the program identifies your stage of development and the resources required to move to the next level. This ensures that the content is relevant, timely, and actionable. The program’s success hinges on its participant-driven model. This means the content and presentations are tailored to the specific needs of the participants, ensuring maximum relevance and impact.
Participant Surveys
Upon being accepted, participants complete a survey that helps determine their stage of development. This survey acts as a roadmap, indicating the types of resources and support each business needs to progress to the next stage. By understanding their organizational lifecycle status, MTEC staff can curate resources and expert advice that directly address their challenges.
Flexibility and Customization
The Accelerator Academy is built on a foundation of flexibility, allowing participants to tailor their experience to their specific needs. To complete the Academy, participants must attend at least 7 out of the 9 sessions. While Weeks 1 and 9 require mandatory attendance, participants have the freedom to choose the other sessions that best align with their immediate goals and interests. This approach ensures the program remains relevant and practical. All sessions are conducted virtually, with the exception of the Week 9 pitch presentations, which take place in person.
Benefits of Joining the Accelerator Academy
The Accelerator Academy offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact your business’s growth trajectory. Here are some of the key advantages:
Access to Expertise
By being accepted into the Academy, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge from MTEC staff and industry experts. This expertise can provide invaluable insights and guidance, helping you overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
Networking Opportunities
The Academy brings together a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals. This creates ample networking opportunities, allowing you to build valuable relationships and partnerships that can propel your business forward.
Personalized Support
The participant-driven model ensures that the support and resources provided are tailored to your specific needs. This personalized approach maximizes the program’s effectiveness, helping you achieve your growth objectives more efficiently.
Cost-Free Participation
One of the standout features of the Accelerator Academy is that there is no cost to participate. This makes it accessible to a wide range of businesses, allowing more manufacturers to benefit from this invaluable resource.
Pitch Your Business
Participants will have the opportunity to present their business ideas to an esteemed panel of judges, including successful business owners, seasoned economic development experts, and experienced funding professionals. This distinguished panel will provide invaluable feedback on the viability, thoroughness, and creativity of each proposal, along with insightful suggestions for improvement. At the end, the top ideas will be awarded funding, helping turn innovative concepts into reality.
The Accelerator Academy by MTEC offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for NYS manufacturers to grow and thrive. By providing access to expert guidance, personalized support, and a community of like-minded professionals, the Academy is designed to help businesses overcome challenges and achieve their growth objectives. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your manufacturing business and achieve your growth goals.
Apply today and take the first step towards a brighter, more successful future for your business. For more information about the program, please contact MTEC’s Business Development Consultant, Jeff Grimshaw, at (845)391-8214 Ext. 3001 or via email to Jeff.Grimshaw@HVTDC.org.