Santa Clara’s California Program for Entrepreneurship Now Accepting Applications
Santa Clara University‘s California Program for Entrepreneurship (CAPE) has separated itself from its Silicon Valley completion by establishing itself as the most egalitarian startup accelerator in the state.
Applications are now being accepted for the fifth annual CAPE, which is part startup accelerator, part entrepreneur incubator, and part mini-MBA boot camp. And unlike most entrepreneurship programs, CAPE is free, and the program takes no equity interest in the businesses it helps to launch.
“Our goal is to help launch businesses that will employ people and contribute to the growth of the California economy,” said Leavey School of Business Dean S. Andrew Starbird. “We want to be the rising tide that raises all the boats.”
CAPE has helped launch businesses if all shapes and sizes–everything from gourmet hot dogs to elder care, or even technology-driven enterprises like engineering consulting firms, mobile apps for retailers and online gaming. CAPE has graduate 95 entrepreneurs representing 83 different ventures over the past four years. Of those business, more than 85-percent are still active and growing or have been sold.
CAPE’s 2014 is gearing up to be the largest yet. More than 150 volunteer mentors, judges, guest speakers and panelists representing finance, marketing, legal, technology, consumer goods, food service industries are set to take part in this year’s program.
Candidates must apply for the program and provide an overview of their business idea and the market opportunity. Of the applicants, approximately 40 aspiring entrepreneurs will be selected for the 2014 program. Participants work with business school faculty, coaches and mentors to refine their business plans, financial models, marketing strategies and fundraising efforts. The program culminates with a business plan pitch competition and awards ceremony.
Applications for the 2014 CAPE program are due by May 31, 2014. The program begins in June and runs through November. Applications are available online here.
