Linking Entrepreneurs to Regional Resources

Connect Northwest’s Springboard Program is a six- to ten-week coaching and mentoring program that helps regional entrepreneurs refine their business plans, or develop expansion and/or funding strategies. It is modeled after a nationally recognized program developed by the University California of San Diego’s Connect organization that Connect Northwest’s Dennis Leidall managed for two years. The UCSD Connect program has helped more than 800 technology companies since its inception.

Springboard participants receive coaching and one-on-one consultations from Springboard program executives as well as from a team of professional advisers and industry experts with experience launching or revitalizing successful ventures and businesses. Team members are matched to the needs of each participating company, and consist of a cross-section of experts: a domain expert, accountant, corporate and patent attorney, marketing executive, angel investor, entrepreneur, and other business professionals.

Upon completion of the program, each Springboard graduate presents their business plan or strategy to a panel of business advisers selected from Connect Northwest’s professional network. The goals of the panel presentation are to provide the entrepreneur with candid recommendations for refining his or her business plan, and to help identify next steps to achieve the company’s goals. Panelist generally include a venture capitalist, a seasoned entrepreneur with domain expertise, an accountant, corporate and patent attorneys, a marketing professional, and an executive from a successful company in the participant’s industry. They may also include insurance, real estate, human resources, and other business experts.

Applicant Requirements

Regardless of its stage of development, the company should be an innovator with significant upside market potential. All candidates should have a willingness to learn and a management team that is receptive to feedback and guidance. Applicants to the Springboard program must be based in the Northwest or plan to have a significant presence in the region. Additionally, they should be prepared to submit an executive summary at the time of application.

If you and your company meet these requirements, we encourage you fill out the Springboard Application Form - Click Here

Applications to the Springboard program are reviewed promptly by the Springboard Evaluation Team. If the team deems your organization eligible to participate, we will arrange an initial meeting with you to further discuss your executive summary and business plan. The purpose of this initial meeting is to determine whether the Springboard program is appropriate for your company, and, if so, to define the best way it can help your company meet its goals.