Milford organizations collaborate in a 10-week certification course for entrepreneurs

StartUp Milford

StartUp Milford is a collaboration between the City of Milford’s Economic Development Department, The Milford Bank, the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a host of local businesses.

Together this group has created a course to assist entrepreneurs in launching their ideas and working through the “next steps” in progressing the initial stages of their respective businesses.   The course will be offered over a 10-week period, with each week dedicated to a different educational component ranging from developing business plans, legally setting up corporate entities, to securing financing and marketing.  The course will wrap up with an opportunity to pitch your idea or product to a panel of “investors” acting as judges, who may just be inspired to capitalize on the next big thing!  This public pitch will be held at Tribus Beer Co. on June 3, 2020 with local brewery entrepreneur, Sean O’Neill, acting as an investor and judge. Other judges include Thomas Bach (President, OEM Sources, LLC), Jim Betzig (Chief Executive Officer at TrinityPoint Wealth), Carol McInnis (Founder, McInnis Companies) Elena Fusco (Owner, Bin100) and Tina DeNapoles (Co-Founder, Tranquility Mind & Body Wellness Spa).  While the local judges / investors are not required to invest in any pitch, it is always a possibility!  Community and Economic Development Director, Julie Nash, said “we have an ecosystem of entrepreneurship in Milford. This program is a unique opportunity for folks to perfect their ideas and take advantage of the tutelage from our talented community.”

At the end of the course, each participant will be eligible* for a small business, low interest loan of up to $5,000 from The Milford Bank to support the new business. “Almost 150 years ago, The Milford Bank was established to serve the financial needs of the communities we serve. That commitment has not changed. What better way to honor that commitment than co-launching a program designed to develop tomorrow’s business leaders?” said Susan Shields, President and CEO of The Milford Bank.  “It is part of our mission to partner with local businesses to help them succeed. We’re proud that our local focus allows us to support local people and businesses realize their goals and that ultimately leads to a stronger community.” 

StartUp Milford will accept up to 20 applicants. These participants will graduate from the program on “Pitch Night” and the winner will be announced that evening.  The pitch winner will receive a $500 reimbursable grant for business-related startup costs from The Milford Bank, a $500 grant from TBNG Consulting, a $500 grant from TrinityPoint Wealth, FREE consultation services from each class presenter for one year, and a FREE full membership to the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce for one year.  Executive Director of the Milord Regional Chamber of Commerce, Pam Staneski said, “The Chamber is excited to be a partner in StartUp Milford; studies consistently link entrepreneurship with job creation and GDP growth.  StartUp Milford is a great program for those with an idea and a passion that they want to turn into a viable business.”

Applications are available on the City of Milford website under the Economic and Community Development page - follow the link on the right to StartUp Milford.  The application is in Google Form and is due by 11:59pm on Sunday, March 15th.  Please reach out to Julie Nash (jnash@milfordct.gov) or Cassandra Schull (cschull@milfordct.gov) at 203-783-3230 with questions. Classes will be held at The Depot behind The Milford Bank at 33 Broad Street from 6pm-8pm on Wednesdays April 1st-June 3rd.  Applicants must commit to and attend all classes to be eligible.

The class schedule is as follows:

Schedule

03/04/2020       Course Introduction @ The Depot (located behind The Milford Bank)

03/15/2020       Application Deadline at 11:59pm

Class #1           04/01/2020       Business Plan with Small Business Development Center

Class #2           04/08/2020       Legal Issues

Class #3           04/15/2020       Access to Capital

Class #4           04/22/2020       Marketing, LinkedIn and Social Media

Class #5           04/29/2020       Accounting & Finance

Class #6           05/06/2020       Building a Website

Class #7           05/13/2020       Networking with Local Networking Gurus

Class #8           05/20/2020       Working with the City & Commercial Realty

Class #9           05/27/2020       Business Plan Wrap Up & Pitch Preparation Class

Class #10         06/03/2020       Pitch Night & Graduation at Tribus Beer Co.

*Subject to bank guidelines

M
Submitted by Milford, CT

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