Small businesses generate 65 percent of all new jobs in the U.S.; yet start-up companies face significant challenges. With their heavy reliance upon owner investment and bank credit, only about a quarter of all new businesses survive 15 years or more. Recognizing this, as well as the potential for entrepreneurship to super-charge the local economy, the Westchester County Association -- Westchester's preeminent business organization in Westchester, New York -- today began accepting applications from businesses across all industry sectors for its innovative Blueprint Accelerator Network.
With over $200 million in support for early-stage companies, the Blueprint Accelerator Network combines Westchester's prime business resources – debt and seed financing, top professional services, office space, and mentors – into one attractive package.
Accepted companies must commit to remain in Westchester following their "graduation" from the Network. In exchange, the companies receive access to debt and seed capital, commercial space, and a range of business-critical services. In addition, companies in the Blueprint Accelerator Network receive access to the rich intellectual capital of Westchester's 14 colleges and universities.
"We are pleased to invite the best and brightest emerging companies to become part of our Blueprint Accelerator Network," said William M. Mooney, Jr., President of the Westchester County Association. "With an aggressive timeline and over $200 million in debt financing and in-kind services, our partners are prepared to offer entrepreneurs worldwide the support they need to transform their companies into the established, successful enterprises of tomorrow."
Interested parties should apply to the Blueprint Accelerator Network by visiting www.blueprintaccelerator.com. A Selection Committee will review applications now through October 15, when the first finalists will be identified and invited into the program.
About The Blueprint for Westchester
The Blueprint for Westchester (www.blueprintforwestchester.com) is the Westchester County Association's aggressive campaign to revitalize the regional NYC economy in collaboration with the county's real estate, business, and academic sectors, and strong participation from Westchester's six cities and County government. This multi-million dollar, multi-year initiative has been organized and driven by the private sector.
About the Westchester County Association
The Westchester County Association (www.westchester.org) is committed to business advocacy, economic vitality and to providing a strong and clear voice for the interests of businesses on the regional, national and international levels.
Contacts:
Media:
Harrison Edwards, Inc.
Melanie Rener, mrener@harrison-edwardspr.com
or
Carolyn Mandelker, cmandelker@harrison-edwardspr.com
914-242-0010
