03.07.16
The NIIC is Accepting Applications to Student Entrepreneurship Program
Fort Wayne, IN
The NIIC, a business incubator and entrepreneurial resource center (www.niic.net) based in Fort Wayne, Indiana is accepting open applications for the NIIC Student Venture Lab (SVL) program. SVL is a renowned student entrepreneurship program which offers many opportunities for interdisciplinary discovery, applied learning, real world challenges and maximizes opportunities in an experiential and dynamic environment.
As part of the NIIC Student Venture Lab program, student companies receive early stage funding investment and office space, as well as business services at The NIIC in exchange for a small amount of equity in the student venture in each of three six-month gated phases. Ventures receive one-on-one coaching from Mike Fritsch, the Innovation Center’s Entrepreneur-In-Residence (http://www.niic.net/staff/mike-fritsch) and must be invited to advance to the next phase based on progress in the previous phase.
Throughout the three phases of the Student Ventures Lab program, The NIIC could invest over $11,500 in business funding and $9,000 in office space and services in each company. At the end of each six month term, each venture demonstrates their product and their customer-validated business model at Demo Day to investors, bankers, and other leaders of the region’s business and technology community.
“Our program is rapidly expanding and we are looking for the best of the best” said Karl LaPan, The NIIC President and CEO. “SVL is recognized as one of the top student entrepreneurship programs in the country and we are seeking students that have the passion and perseverance to push their idea to reality in a new and developing entrepreneur ecosystem for students”.
Go to: www.studentventurelab.com/apply to apply and for more info
Student Venture Lab (SVL) – SVL offers student entrepreneurs the opportunity to start and grow businesses in a supportive, success-focused environment. Based upon the highly successful model used by technology startup accelerator TechStars, The NIIC’s Student Venture Lab offers seed investment, coaching, office space and much more to selected student-owned startup technology ventures. Those student business owners that are admitted receive a cash investment plus in-kind investments that include a bundle of six months office space at the Innovation Center campus, personal coaching, and mentoring – all in exchange for a small amount of equity in the student venture
The NIIC – The NIIC is a non-profit, community-based entrepreneurial resource center that assists in the growth and development of technology-based companies in Northeast Indiana. Formed in 1999 by a consortium of community and government leaders and organizations, The NIIC was recently recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top four under-the-radar incubators in the country. The NIIC is the country’s only ISO9001:2008 certified business incubation & acceleration program, serving entrepreneurs, business owners, and existing businesses who want to launch (or expand, or re-invent) a company.
Media Contacts: Mike Fritsch
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
The NIIC – 3201 Stellhorn Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 – www.niic.net
mfritsch@niic.net
260-407-6442
