Local startup accelerator Tampa Bay Wave has received another grant to boost women in technology in the Tampa Bay region.
The latest is $50,000 from the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, held by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The competition aims to kick-start investment in underrepresented communities within the innovation ecosystem. This is the fourth grant the Wave has received from the competition.
“It’s no secret Florida has seen an incredible influx of new startups, talent and investors who have migrated out of traditional tech hubs in recent months,” Linda Olson, CEO and founder of the Tampa Bay Wave. “They seem to recognize what we already know — that the ecosystem has seen tremendous growth, and Florida has seen tremendous growth. ... But like the communities throughout the U.S., there is more work to be done to make sure there’s greater representation for women and other underrepresented groups.”
The $5.4 million was split among 84 organizations, with three hailing from Florida. In addition to the Wave, Orlando-based Florida High Tech Corridor and Tallahassee-based Domi Station also received the funding.
“Today’s announcement is another major step for making Florida the boundary-breaking state for tech and innovation,” said Amy Beaird, senior cluster manager at the Florida High Tech Corridor. “This recognizes the importance women play in jobs, both growth and creation. And the prize isn’t just valuable because of the work it allows to do, but because of the partnerships we’ve been able to expand on.”
Olson said she will use the funding to further strengthen the programming of cyber startups, as well as “help us achieve doing a better job supporting women and underrepresented founders.” It will boost the Wave's programming already set in place, first in 2018 with its diversity accelerator program and then in 2020 with its CyberTech program.
The CyberTech | X Accelerator program was funded by the Bellini Better World Foundation, A-LIGN, KnowBe4 and EY. The inaugural program had 15 companies, with one being acquired by Sophos.
Correction: A previous version of the story incorrectly stated the CyberTech | X Accelerator program was funded by JP Morgan. JP Morgan had funded the Wave's TechWomen Rising accelerator program. The Business Journal regrets the error.
See bottom of the story for correction.
