Startup Virginia invites aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in technology or manufacturing to participate in the Startup Virginia Idea Factory. This seven-week hybrid program is designed to assist future founders in testing, validating, and enhancing their business concepts. The program includes both in-person and virtual workshops, weekly mentor check-ins, and intensive training, all free of charge. The Idea Factory is committed to bolstering Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering diversity and equity among its founder community. No business experience or specific education background is required to apply; all that’s needed is a business idea and the ambition to explore entrepreneurship. The application deadline for the Fall session is September 7th.
Introduction
By Tim Ryan
Have a business idea in the technology or manufacturing sector and residing in Virginia? Startup Virginia invites you to transform your dreams into reality through the Idea Factory. This 7-week hybrid program empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to test, validate, and improve their business concepts.
Program Overview
The Idea Factory aims to (1) guide future founders through the complex process of testing, refining, and validating ideas, (2) render resources and education for those eyeing entrepreneurship, and (3) fortify our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering a more diverse and equitable founder community. All of this at no cost!
Eligibility and Requirements
If you have an innovative idea and the ambition to explore entrepreneurship, you’re eligible! The Idea Factory is designed to provide the training, resources, and support needed to evaluate your business idea.
Expect to dedicate 10 hours per week for seven weeks, including 2 in-person and 4 virtual workshops. Weekly mentor check-ins and a readiness to discuss your idea are also essential. The best part? It’s free!
How to Apply
You don’t need business experience, a specific educational background, or to quit your day job. All you need is an idea and a desire to take the first step. Apply here by September 7th for the Fall session, commencing October 2.
Conclusion
Embrace the entrepreneur in you. With Startup Virginia’s Idea Factory, your business concept is only a click away from becoming a potential success story!
Question & Answer
1. What is the Startup Virginia Idea Factory?
Startup Virginia Idea Factory is a seven-week hybrid program designed to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in testing, validating, and enhancing their business concepts in the technology or manufacturing sector.
2. What does the program include?
The program includes in-person and virtual workshops, weekly mentor check-ins, and intensive training, all provided free of charge.
3. Who is eligible to apply for the Idea Factory?
Anyone with an innovative idea and the ambition to explore entrepreneurship is eligible to apply. No specific education background or business experience is required.
4. What are the requirements for participating in the program?
Participants are expected to dedicate 10 hours per week for seven weeks, attend 2 in-person and 4 virtual workshops, have weekly mentor check-ins, and be ready to discuss their business idea.
