Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Innovate757, also known as the 757 Accelerate program, has been actively supporting early-stage businesses in Hampton Roads. In addition to successfully transitioning to an online model for its 2020 program, Innovate757 recently announced a partnership with Techstars seed accelerator to discover and support new entrepreneurs. Innovate757 also made significant strides in establishing a permanent physical space in Norfolk, known as 757 Startup Studios, which is expected to accommodate up to 35 entrepreneurs after its completion in March. At their annual community pitch event, the audience heard from several participating company founders, offering a glimpse into the diverse entrepreneurial landscape fostered by Innovate757.
757 Accelerate Program
757 Accelerate, Hampton Roads’ startup accelerator program, has been keeping busy despite the coronavirus economy. In addition to holding its entire 2020 program online, 757 Accelerate recently announced a grant-funded partnership to find and engage new entrepreneurs and is making progress toward establishing a permanent physical space in Norfolk.
Challenges Faced
The nonprofit program, which connects early-stage businesses with resources to grow, has faced numerous challenges this year as it transitioned to an online model, said Evans McMillion, 757 Accelerate executive director. “2020 has brought unexpected adversity and hardship for so many, and we at 757 Accelerate are no different,” she said during the program’s annual community pitch event on Nov. 5.
Partnership with Techstars
The accelerator announced a partnership program designed to connect undiscovered entrepreneurs to community stakeholders and resources during the event. 757 Accelerate will join forces with the Boulder, Colorado-based Techstars seed accelerator through its yearlong startup ecosystem development program.
Keynote Interview
In a keynote interview, Techstars Senior Director for Ecosystem Development Ian Hathaway described the program as a way to establish a framework for an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hampton Roads. The firm will be hiring a local director of ecosystem development who will help create the road map, “try to drive entrepreneurs out of the woodwork” and leverage the area’s network of academic institutions, businesses, governments, and other organizations.
Company Pitches
During the 757 Accelerate showcase event, audience members heard pitches directly from this year’s participating company founders. Each founder discussed their company’s unique approach and goals:
- Secret Chord Laboratories CEO David Rosen
- Mayfair Project CEO James Chapman
- Grid Fruit CEO Jesse Thornburg
- ChowCall CEO Todd Waldemar
- Canduit CEO Greg Lewin
Progress on 757 Startup Studios
Construction is also progressing on 757 Startup Studios, part of the Assembly building on Granby Street in Norfolk where startups will be able to meet and work. Up to 35 entrepreneurs will be able to work in the space, according to Inside Business reporting. McMillion said the space should be available when Assembly opens in March, subject to federal and state guidance on the pandemic.
Contact Information
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@insidebiz.com
Question & Answer
What is the 757 Accelerate program?
The 757 Accelerate program is a startup accelerator program in Hampton Roads that supports early-stage businesses by providing resources to grow.
How did the program adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to the pandemic, the 757 Accelerate program transitioned its entire 2020 program online and made progress towards establishing a physical space in Norfolk.
What partnership did 757 Accelerate recently announce?
757 Accelerate announced a partnership with Techstars seed accelerator to discover and support new entrepreneurs through a yearlong startup ecosystem development program.
Who are some of the company founders that participated in the community pitch event?
Some of the company founders that participated in the event include Secret Chord Laboratories CEO David Rosen, Mayfair Project CEO James Chapman, Grid Fruit CEO Jesse Thornburg, ChowCall CEO Todd Waldemar, and Canduit CEO Greg Lewin.
