Madison-based tech hub StartingBlock is launching a new program geared toward entrepreneurs who want to give back.
StartingBlock announced this month that it's launching a new Social Impact Initiative, a program that aims to give founders dedicated workspace and resources geared towards collaboration, growth and giving back, StartingBlock said. The initiative is being done in partnership with the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact and Associated Bank.
“There is tremendous potential for social entrepreneurship as a model for creating significant, sustainable impact,” Chandra Miller Fienen, director of operations and programming at StartingBlock, said in a statement. "In building this collaborative partnership, we can help entrepreneurs apply a business-driven approach to maximizing their impact."
StartingBlock said it's looking for Madison-based startups that are solving problems around K-12 education, resilient communities, and economic opportunity for all. Entrepreneurs, who are encouraged to apply now through December 3, will receive a six-month free membership to StartingBlock, access to a specially-designed “pod” space, and programming in partnership with AmFam's new Institute in the Spark building in downtown Madison.
StartingBlock said finalists for the Social Impact Initiative will be notified on December 7, and winners will be announced on December 17.
StartingBlock officially launched this summer in AmFam's Spark building on East Washington Avenue. It provides flexible and reserved office space for both solo entrepreneurs and scaling startups, offering open desk space as well as larger private offices up to 6,500 square feet for anchor tenants.
