Rocket City Innovator's Business Accelerator Program the Frank J Williams Dream Tank, is where innovation takes flight and startups soar to new heights. This program is designed to empower emerging business owners with the tools, support, and resources they need to turn their entrepreneurial visions into thriving ventures.
Key Components of the Program:
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Workshops:
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We will conduct Monthly workshops covering essential topics such as business ideation, market research, business planning, financial literacy, and marketing.
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Mentorship:
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Each participant will be paired with a mentor from the local business community.
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Hands-On Experiences:
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We will organize hands-on experiences, such as business simulations, field trips to local businesses, and collaborative projects, to reinforce theoretical concepts.
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Guest Speaker Series:
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We will arrange sessions with successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals to share their experiences and insights with the participants.
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Entrepreneurial Challenges:
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The program will culminate with a pitch competition to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork among participants.
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Participant Eligibility:
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Participants must be aged between 13 and 18 AND currently enrolled in High School.
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Open to individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
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Business DOES NOT have to be operating or have an LLC.
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Business must be majority ran by youth.
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Business can be a partnership or ran by multiple people/youth.
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Participants must be able to meet for monthly workshops.
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Recruitment Process:
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Information Sessions:
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RCI will host informational sessions for parents & participants to learn more about the program.
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Online Applications:
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Application will be open until December 31, 2024.
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Selection Committee:
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A selection committee will review applications and select participants based on set criteria.
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Notification:
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Participants will be notified via email of selection decision by January 31, 2025.
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Program Timeline:
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Application close - December 31, 2024
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Participants Notified - January 31, 2025
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First Workshop - March 2025
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Pitch Competition - April 2025
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The program will culminate with a pitch competition to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork among participants.
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The participants will work on their presentations and business plan throughout the program.
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At the end of the program, each business will have a chance to present their business idea.
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There will be a grand prize of $1000 given to one business.
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Program FAQ's
Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators
Youth Business Program
Our youth entrepreneurship initiative is tailored for young minds aged 13 to 18, aiming to inspire, educate, and empower them to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. We support our young entrepreneurs through workshops, mentorship, and hands on learning to develop their business and the program culminates in a business pitch competition, in which one business will win $1000!
