As part of its Advance Saratoga Startup initiative to promote, retain and grow business and jobs in the region, the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) formed an entrepreneur incubator supported by peer mentors, capital networks and academic entrepreneur centers across the region.
The SEDC then enlisted community input to develop a permanent name for its business accelerator. The winning name will be unveiled at an event with regional community and business leaders, entrepreneurs and students on 5: 30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at Bow Tie Cinemas in Saratoga Springs.
“We know Saratoga County has enjoyed recent success,” said Dennis Brobston, president of SEDC. “We also know it requires constant innovation to remain competitive. We have the benefit of talented, community-focused, successful entrepreneurs and professionals in our area. Launching this early-stage company accelerator and startup incubator will position us to support small-business growth and retain more talent to invest and create jobs here at home.”
The event will also feature the regional premiere of the movie “Generation Startup.”
“Generation Startup” captures the struggles and triumphs of six recent college graduates who put everything on the line to build startups in Detroit. Shot over 17 months, it’s an in-the-trenches look at what it takes to launch a startup.
The film is directed by Academy Award winner Cynthia Wade and award-winning filmmaker Cheryl Miller Houser.
SEDC will facilitate a brief panel discussion immediately following the film. The 20-30 minute discussion will have three panelists and is intended to present local entrepreneurs’ observations of the film and how it aligns with their own startup or early stage business challenges.
After the discussion, SEDC will invite ticketed guests to network and enjoy refreshments sponsored by local business Circus Cafe in the theater cafe.
The new incubator has the support of the renowned Clarkson University Shipley Center for Innovation.
SEDC is a private, investor-led, nonprofit consulting firm established in 1978 that works to retain existing businesses, while stimulating new investment to create more jobs in Saratoga County and the Capital Region.