Zeal to offer growth accelerator program

This piece is presented by Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship.

The Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship is looking for entrepreneurs to join this year’s Growth Accelerator program, sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls.

Entrepreneurs, if you’re focused on scaling your business through rapid growth, this is for you.

Image of Zeal logoThe accelerator program at Zeal is seeking early-stage companies, led by serious entrepreneurs looking to scale rapidly.  Candidates will have access to:

  • $20,000 in seed funding.
  • Branding and marketing strategy development, sponsored by Lawrence & Schiller.
  • Mentorship and coaching from Zeal entrepreneurs-in-residence.
  • Access to the E@Z co-working space, sponsored by Interstate Office Products.

Up to four entrepreneurial companies or teams will be chosen for the 12-week program, which starts June 29 and ends with a pitch to accredited regional investors Sept. 21.

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

  • Entrepreneurial team/capacity.
  • Coachability.
  • Product/service development.
  • Market potential/demand.
  • Business model.
  • Scalability.
  • Development stage.

Applications will be accepted through June 2. A selection committee representing Zeal and its partners will choose up to eight candidates for a second-round interview the week of June 12. All candidates must complete the application and include a $499 fee, which will be refunded to those who are not selected. Participants will be announced the week of June 19.

The accelerator program includes a one-day launch event, five full-day sessions throughout the summer and the one-day pitch.

“We believe companies that have completed this program are going to be well-positioned to achieve significant growth,” said Ryan Oines, Zeal’s interim vice president.  “This is our sixth year offering an accelerator, and we have seen many of our participants scale their businesses to new levels of success.”

An application can be found at realzeal.com/accelerator.  For other details, check the website or contact program manager Wendy Dooley at [email protected] or 605-275-8011.

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Zeal to offer growth accelerator program

Entrepreneurs, if you’re focused on scaling your business through rapid growth, this is for you.

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