Applicants sought for new program to help minorities launch tech startups in Syracuse - syracuse.com

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Syracuse, N.Y. -- CenterState CEO is seeking applicants for a new program that will help minority entrepreneurs launch and grow technology-related startups in Syracuse.

The 12-month Syracuse Surge Accelerator will provide mentoring and training to Black, Indigenous and people of color entrepreneurs who have ideas for tech startups but need assistance launching or growing their companies.

Participants will receive training in writing or updating their business plans and legal assistance and will have opportunities to attend business networking events and monthly workshops. They also will have access to office space and meeting rooms at The Tech Garden, the downtown business accelerator operated by CenterState.

Once accepted into the program, participants will receive $5,000 upfront and a $3,500 monthly stipend. Upon graduation from the program, they will be eligible to receive a loan of up to $100,000 for their business.

Emad Rahim, Syracuse Surge Entrepreneurship manager at CenterState, said the goal is to help remove the structural and cultural barriers that make it more difficult for a minority to enter the tech industry. Fewer than 25% of tech startups in the U.S. have founders of color, he said.

“We know there are significantly few tech startups with minority founders,” he said. “Through this program, we seek to drive change and create opportunities for those innovators to turn their ideas into businesses right here in Syracuse, New York.”

Rahim said the program is seeking five individuals or teams representing early phase or early growth companies.

Syracuse Surge is an initiative launched in 2019 by the city, Onondaga County, CenterState and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation to position the city as a place for tech businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and the disabled.

Applicants can submit an online application here. The deadline for applying is May 31, 2023.

Qualified applicants will be selected and announced in mid-June. The training will begin in August.

Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148

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