These four organizations have resources for first-time founders and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.

Entrepreneurship often has high barriers to entry, especially if it’s your first business or if you don’t have an existing support network. However, you don’t have to go it alone.

Every technology ecosystem has organizations dedicated to strengthening the business community, many with programs and initiatives specifically targeted at first-time entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. Masu. These help new companies get off the ground in the form of direct funding, office and lab space, mentorship and networking opportunities, and other resources.

If you have an idea but don’t know where to start, these organizations can be a valuable source of information, support, and connections.

January’s Technical.ly report featured the editorial calendar’s “Road to a Tech Career” theme. For additional perspective, we asked the following questions to Technical.ly ecosystem builder companies:

How does your organization support first-time founders and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds?

Here are some responses from corporate teams. If you like what you see, follow the link to the company directory page to learn more and find out how to connect.

The Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) leads Delaware’s efforts to attract, grow and retain business. Build a stronger entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. We help employers market Delaware to potential employees.

“New businesses founded by entrepreneurs foster job creation by hiring employees to support growth, and also expand the local innovation environment and business community. The ecosystems we support are increasingly important to the health of our state and local economies. As an economic development organization, we are committed to helping Delaware’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem grow, mature, and diversify. , is one of the fundamental goals of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.

“To that end, DPP and its partners are hosting the 4th annual Startup302 Pitch Competition, which will enable tech-enabled startups from founders from a group of women, people of color, including Black, Latinx, and Indigenous Americans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, are underrepresented in investment in their ventures compared to their share of the overall U.S. population. People who are. Over the past three years, the competition has awarded more than $640,000 to 37 early-stage companies with underrepresented founders that serve specific business niches and support Delaware’s innovation, diversity and We have helped these startups realize their potential while promoting growth, prosperity, and prosperity. ” — Erica Krell, Manager of Innovation

The Delaware Tech Council is a nonprofit workforce intermediary that connects and convenes members from across the technology ecosystem to advance the Council’s three primary goals:

1. Build and grow a comprehensive technology talent pipeline in Delaware
2. Building a strong technology ecosystem in Delaware
3. Strengthening Delaware’s status and recognition as a technology hub

“In November 2023, the Tech Council of Delaware (TCD) and the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC) will partner with We held a focus group with businesses. This interactive, facilitated session was designed for Black and Hispanic business owners who operate in the technology sector or use technology strategically in their business operations. Designed to gain the unique perspectives, experiences, and needs of. This engaging discussion focused on financing and revenue generation, business development and capacity building.

“Given the strong participation during the session and overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, TCD and DEBCC have partnered to launch a new Technology Ecosystem Committee to support Black-owned technology leaders and entrepreneurs. We will meet regularly to address specific needs and challenges we face. A similar committee has also been established to address the needs of Hispanic technology founders and executives. In addition to having time to network, both committees will play a role in planning Diverse Tech Day in June 2024, the Delaware Tech Council’s second annual Technology Ecosystem As part of the conference, we will focus on Black- and Hispanic-owned technology companies.” — Joshua Bercow, Operations Director

TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, strengthens the growth of economic empowerment by fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. We identify, invest in, and help grow Maryland’s technology and life sciences-based companies.

“TEDCO aims to support entrepreneurial innovation and foster growth in Maryland.

“With this idea in mind, we have created several funds and programs dedicated to uplifting underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs. It also includes the Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship Excellence, a program designed to support and empower. Our Social Impact Fund includes funds designed to support underrepresented founders and communities. The Rural Business Innovation Initiative and the Urban Business Innovation Initiative are dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in Maryland’s rural and urban areas where resources may not be readily available. and the recently launched Cultivate Maryland Initiative, which aims to increase Maryland’s competitiveness by creating an inclusive and diverse technology startup community.” — Troy Lemaire Stovall, CEO

The Science Center is a major catalyst for entrepreneurial activity, medical innovation, and economic growth in Philadelphia. Founded in 1963, the nonprofit organization has been recognized by the Brookings Institution as a best-in-class investor, mentor, and economic development partner for young technology companies.

“The Science Center offers multiple avenues for first-time founders and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.

“The high cost of lab space and equipment, the challenge of downsizing or leaving full-time employment to build a business, and the lack of access to capital make life sciences entrepreneurs difficult for many. The spirit is inaccessible. Our Founders Fellowship is designed for academic researchers who may not be able to pursue entrepreneurship in other circumstances. We offer a $50,000 scholarship, CIC’s We reduce financial and logistical barriers to success by providing access to cutting-edge research labs and connections to experienced entrepreneurs and advisors.

“Our free weekly Venture Café Thursday gatherings provide new entrepreneurs with an entry point into the startup ecosystem, giving them the opportunity to make connections and gain valuable insights through innovation-focused content. .

“And our FirstHand STEM education program develops the entrepreneurial skill sets of Philadelphia middle and high school students through hands-on, industry-based curriculum and career experiences.” — Kristen Fitch, Senior Director of Marketing

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Interested in startup resources from your local tech community? Check out all Technical.ly Ecosystem Builder companies here and learn about their mission, culture, and commitment.

PS If you are interested in Technical.ly’s services for your organization, find more information here and contact us.

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