There's no time like the present to launch your venture.
smartstart™
1. Where you build and launch your startup and tirelessly advance the people, tools and culture within your venture.
[smahrt-stahrt]
noun
Overview of smartstart™
SmartStart assists founder(s) in launching a new company. It helps the entrepreneur formalize the business framework necessary for the company to execute its path to market strategies. At the same time, the company must work to develop a minimal viable product. TechFW coaches work with founders to help facilitate the process of engaging early adopters, prototyping and test marketing the product/service idea.
+ Bi-weekly meetings with TechFW contracted coaches for significant work outside the meetings
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+ Introduction to potential mentors, advisors, and collaborators
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+ Introductions to potential early adopters in the private sector
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+ Business funding methods (SBIR Grants, SBDC, Cowtown Angels, ATAN)
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+ Clients who Graduate within 18 months of joining the program will be accepted into the FastForward program and will receive a $1,500 credit toward it.
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+ TechFW clients qualify for $10,000 credit with TMAC to work on their technologies.
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+ TechFW clients are eligible for: $15,000 in AWS Promotional Credit valid for 2 years or $100,000 in AWS Promotional Credit for 1 year, 1 year of AWS Business Support (up to $5,000), 80 credits for self-paced labs. AWS Activate is a program with resources designed to help startups get started on Amazon Web Services.
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+ Hubspot for Startups Partner Program: Up to 90% scholarship based on eligibility requirements
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+ Collaborations with R&D and marketing partners
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+ Skills training to engage potential stakeholders (i.e. pitch coaching for investors, early adopters, etc.)
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+ Weekly Office Hours with professional services partners (attorneys, CPAs, etc.)
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+ Free use of TechFW facilities when available
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+ Client can lease offices from TechFW
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+ Utilizes the tools and principles adopted from the GrowthWheel, Business Model Canvas, and Lean Startup
Admission Criteria
1
Founder must own, have licensed, or be working on some technology or process with a (high) barrier to entry.
2
Founder must agree to bi-weekly meetings.
3
Founder and TechFW must mutually agree that there is an alignment between the company’s needs and TechFW capabilities.
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Founder must pay program fee of $4,000 per year (payable quarterly).
5
Must sign the client engagement agreement which includes a mutual non-disclosure agreement.
My partners and I had been struggling on how to turn our clinically-sound idea into a business. TechFW's assistance and experience have been instrumental in helping us realize the business value inside our innovation.
RUSS CAMPBELL
Co-founder of Ampcare
Program
Length
+ Non-regulated industries is up to 18 months (self-paced)​​​
+ Regulated industries dependent on industry norms