The Fredonia Technology Incubator (FTI) is launching its second annual business competition (SBC) for Fredonia students. The competition will provide students the opportunity to submit a business proposal and compete for admittance into the FTI and other prizes.
The competition complements other student-based entrepreneurial initiatives in Western New York and is being powered by AT&T again this year. “We have very talented entrepreneurs at our university and this competition will provide our students with a direct pathway to starting a business,” said Chuck Cornell, incubator director. “This competition will also promote retention of talent in our community. I am grateful to AT&T for their continued support of this endeavor and for the company’s continued involvement in spurring and fostering local innovation and entrepreneurialism on our campus and across the region.”
An information session will be held at the Fredonia Technology Incubator on Thursday, March 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. FTI business mentors, advisory board members, and entrepreneurs will be on hand to discuss students’ ideas for those in attendance. Pizza and refreshments will be provided, as well as giveaways and a prize raffle.
During the Fall 2016 semester, the FTI hosted two events promoting the SBC. A kick-off event for the SBC in the Williams Center on the Fredonia campus featured mentors, past winners, and FTI staff where students could mingle, casually pitch their ideas, and learn more about the competition. Nicholas Gunner, president of Orbitist and client at FTI, led a Speaker Points event where students could hear a Fredonia alumnus speak about being a young business owner at FTI.
AT&T’s continued support for this event grows out of the company’s commitment to foster local innovation by providing entrepreneurs with the resources they need to positively impact their communities and strengthen the growing entrepreneurial and innovation economy of Western New York. The business competition closely aligns with AT&T’s dedication to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs.
The competition is designed to help student entrepreneurs present business ideas, develop proposals, receive guidance from experienced business mentors, and launch their businesses. The winner of the competition earns a $500 cash prize as well as an office at the incubator for one year, powered by AT&T, including access to all FTI programming and services. Services include business formation assistance, training, legal and accounting consultations, access to student interns, paths to funding and networking opportunities. The runner up will also receive $250 startup cash and office space six months. The competition is open to Fredonia students from all academic disciplines.
To register for the SBC information session, go online; walk-ins are welcome.
For more details, or to apply for the SBC, visit online. The application deadline is March 24.
The mission of the Fredonia Technology Incubator (FTI) is to promote economic growth in Western New York by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of new, innovative companies into successful business ventures. The incubator provides services to startups which, in turn, create jobs in the community. In addition, the incubator develops real-world internships and training opportunities for students, attracts and retains graduates for the area, provides a first-class facility for community activities, and provides support services to community organizations and leaders.
