CTNext Opens Applications for Entrepreneur Innovation Awards
Rocky Hill, Conn (PRWEB) January 21, 2015 -- CTNext, Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem managed by C onnecticut Innovations, today announced the launch of the first round of its 2015 Entrepreneur Innovation Awards (EIA), a competitive pitch program designed to help Connecticut’s promising early-stage companies develop their ideas and get products to market faster. The application window is open through February 13, 2015.
EIA winners receive unmatched grants of up to $10,000 to complete clearly-defined business or technology innovation projects. Since starting the program in 2013, the CTNext EIA program has awarded $216,000 to 21 companies across Connecticut.”
“The Entrepreneur Innovation Awards have allowed us to identify promising talent that benefits not only from the grants but also from exposure to our network of experts, mentors and numerous startup resources,” said Glendowlyn Thames, director of Small Business Innovations.
Any Connecticut small business is eligible to apply through the online application. Submissions are evaluated by an outside review committee, who select finalists to present a five-minute pitch to a panel of expert judges made up of CEOs, mentors, investment professionals and other distinguished members of the entrepreneurial community. The event, which is open to the public, will be held Thursday, March 19 at The Palace Theatre in Stamford, Conn.
About CTNext:
CTNext is Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, managed by Connecticut Innovations, that equips startups and entrepreneurs with guidance, resources, and networks to help accelerate their growth. The statewide network connects promising companies to mentors, collaborative work spaces, universities, vendors and suppliers, and other like-minded entrepreneurs to help facilitate the growth and scalability of their business. CTNext is staffed with engaging advisors, mentors and entrepreneurs that have demonstrated past success with the development, launch and growth of a business. The network offers seminars, training and other events that help to foster innovation and create jobs for people in Connecticut. CTNext was launched in 2012 and in its first year of operation, the network worked with more than 500 companies and advised more than 300 through its system of growth advisors.
Kelsea Michael, CTNext, http://ctnext.com/, +1 (646) 266-1559, [email protected]
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