LaunchVT provides business acceleration services to cohorts of eight entrepreneurs. All eight members of the cohort receive mentorship specific to the needs of their businesses and participate in office hours, peer strategy sessions, focused trainings, pitch prep workshops, and investor events. Each member of the cohort will leave the accelerator with a refined and polished pitch deck, a Launch Report (executive summary), and extensive connections to local founders, advisors, investors, and service providers.
In selecting our cohort and awarding cash and services, we look for:
- Viability: Quality of the product, business model and team
- Scalability: Market opportunity and revenue growth potential
- Impact: Job creation and positive economic impact on VT
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
 OFFICE HOURS
These private networking opportunities connect members of the LaunchVT cohort with over 100 individuals and companies that can help them build their businesses. With time for informal networking and structured conversation, finalists get one-on-one access to one of our greatest community resources – our people.
WORKSHOPS
Our workshops are dedicated technical assistance sessions led by content experts and LaunchVT advisors. They provide an opportunity for our entrepreneurs to work strategically on some of the most important aspects of their business with the support of experienced professionals.
PEER SESSIONS
Our peer sessions allow members of the cohort to offer feedback and assistance to each other, an invaluable element of the program. We select eight of the most exciting entrepreneurs in the state and give them plenty of time to share their expertise and collaborate. We also bring in LaunchVT alumni to share their stories and answer questions from the cohort.
COACHING
Members of the cohort are assigned a dedicated coach with industry specific experience. Coaches work with their team on every aspect of their business and provide one on one support as they develop their pitch for Demo Day. Coaches also provide detailed feedback and strategic advice to help their team prepare a polished Launch Report for applying to other accelerators and investment opportunities.
CAPITAL
LaunchVT will invest non-dilutive cash to up to three businesses. Each award is selected by a separate committee during Demo Night. The Investor’s Award is selected by three local investors with experience working with Vermont startups. The Impact award is selected by the LaunchVT Advisory Board and based primarily on criteria focused on the economic impact the business will have in Vermont. The Audience’s Choice Award is selected by the public. Every attendee will receive a token and have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite business.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Each member of the cohort will be awarded a suite of services from local businesses. LaunchVT partners with local service providers to offer our cohort members access to over $100,000 in marketing, legal, accounting, design, and work space support. Click the link below to check out all of the amazing in-kind service providers supporting our entrepreneurs! Apply HERE -March 18, 2022 deadline.
