APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Tampa Bay B2B Startup Accelerator - Q1 2025

Applications for the Tampa Bay Innovation B2B Startup Accelerator Program are now open. This program is focused on preparing technology ventures on how to scale a company. Starting Feb. 12- Apr 30, 2025. Apply by Jan. 31!

 

Watch the Fall 2024 Accelerator program below.

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center’s Accelerator is focused on helping early-stage startups find product-market fit. Preparing technology ventures to survive starts with a clear understanding of their early adopter user and validating a path to some sustainable market traction. Too many startup founders rely on the “build it, and they will come” mindset, which usually results in wasting huge amounts of time, talent, and treasure.

Unlike most startup programs that focus on preparing your pitch, viral marketing, or raising money, this program takes a “bottom-up” approach to identifying and engaging with demand. We prepare your company not just to “look ready” but to “be ready” to attract revenue, hit the ground running and execute your plan. Our program helps CEOs develop into leaders who can rapidly execute plans, adjust when appropriate, and give them the experience to know how to navigate obstacles that derail promising startups.

This program is made possible by our corporate and community champions.

Eligibility:

To qualify for this accelerator program, applicants must be:

  • a scalable B2B or B2G tech venture

  • in operation > 6 months but < 2 years

  • prototype / MVP / proof-of-concept

  • capital raised <$1M

  • two or more team members

Participant Goals :

  • Establish a clear path to sustainable revenues

  • Focus on Founder Wellness and Company Culture

  • How to know if your product or service truly has product-market fit

  • Identify suitable pilot projects

  • Position founders for fundraising success

  • Train founders to become the best leaders, recruit “A” players and establish organizational culture of success

  • Develop a go-to-market strategy and gain traction in the marketplace

  • Overcome the obstacles that prevent so many companies from scaling their businesses

  •   How to know when to fold ‘em and ask for a re-deal

 

Commitment:

The program is:

  • provided free-of-charge and no equity will be required

  • must be available to attend weekly in-person workshops in St. Pete

  • meet weekly with mentor for a one-on-one session (30 minutes)

  • limited to 12 companies per cohort

  • final showcase event will be held in St. Pete, FL

Benefits:

  • Mentorship by successful entrepreneurs with successful exits and scaled businesses to eight figure revenues.

  • Training and guidance from subject matter experts in all of the disciplines required to be successful in scaling your venture

  • Access to corporate decision-makers and Introductions to customer prospects via corporate matchmaking events

  • CEO to CEO level peer group participation to collaborate with and share common problems.

  • Introductions to other Tampa Bay startups, investors, mentors, and investors at local and TBIC events

  • Expertise from corporate partners

  • Mentor-driven plus 1-on-1 coaching by staff of seasoned entrepreneurs/SME

  • Opportunity to pitch at end of program