Applications for the 2019 Tampa Bay Wave TechDiversity Accelerator, an effort to give entrepreneurs of various backgrounds a chance to grow their companies, are now open.
The TechDiversity Accelerator hosted its first cohort last year, with 10 companies that were 51 percent owned or operated by a minority, woman, veteran or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender person, or a combination thereof. Applications for the second cohort are open until March 31. The accelerator is an initiative supported by the Nielsen Foundation.
"The technology industry is one of vast diversity," the Tampa Bay Wave website states. "It is made up of individuals who bring remarkable talent and insight to one of the most robust growth sectors in recent history. We celebrate this fact and have designed a program that will ensure it remains true."
Once chosen, the companies will have an opportunity for mentorship, networking and the "Build Launch Grow" framework. They will also have a chance to pitch their company during the TechDiversity Demo Day, which brought in 150 investors during its inaugural year.
Other requirements for interested companies include having the management of at least two full-time people, being able to travel to Tampa at least three times during the 90-day program, ensuring the business is investable or scalable, having a viable business plan, and a financial runway of at least six to 12 months.
