Deadline For 2021 West Palm Beach Accelerator Program Applications Extended to May 31

From City of West Palm Beach:

May 24, 2021

The City of West Palm Beach and the 1909 Foundation (“1909”), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in Palm Beach County, announce that applications for 1909’s 2021 Accelerator Program will be accepted through May 31, 2021. 1909 is looking for a diverse group of 10-15 founders who want to make a positive impact on the world and are ready to develop their ideas into successful businesses. Thanks to a grant from the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach CRA, the program is free to participants!

The organization is accepting businesses in all industries with a heavy focus on racial, ethnic and gender diversity. The 2021 Accelerator Program will kick off in June of 2021 in West Palm Beach and continue for six months. The application deadline has been extended to May 31, 2021 at midnight. Apply at https://weare1909.org/accelerator-apply/.

The Accelerator Program is designed to help founders from all backgrounds develop their ideas into successful businesses. Participants will partake in immersive activities and workshops designed to help founders gain clarity on personal and professional intentions while learning business fundamentals. Classes are typically held 6-9 p.m. on weekdays. During the six-month program, participants will have access to:

• Fundamentals of business (marketing, financial, tech, capital, etc.)
• Mentorship with experts in specific industry
• Connection with peer founders who provide accountability, support, and friendship
• Hackathon or co-lab style events where actual work is done for participant businesses
• Opportunity to present business to investors, community leaders, etc.

This will be the second consecutive year for the Accelerator Program. Results from the 2020 Accelerator Program include:

• Over $150K of work and services were completed for participants’ businesses (including software development, graphic design, copywriting, videography, etc.).
• Over $150K in Capital was raised by participants during the program,
• Participants’ revenue increased, on average, by $200k.
• Over $50,000 of value were provided to participants in mentorship hours.
• 100% of founders increased their knowledge and confidence in the foundational areas of entrepreneurship and business (based on survey results).
• Opportunity to win Grant Funding at end of program.

“The City of West Palm Beach is pleased to collaborate with 1909 to bring this program to our community,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “As Mayor, I am working toward a vision of a community of opportunity for all, whereby anyone can realize their dream in the City of West Palm Beach. The Accelerator Program can help founders of all backgrounds learn how to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.”

"Entrepreneurship is a stressful lifestyle,” said 1909 Executive Director Shana Ostrovitz. “It takes a lot of hard work and time before founders see any major results. Temporary failures are much more common than victories, even among those who eventually succeed. While we can’t fully eliminate these challenges, we believe we can help founders enjoy their journey and see success faster. Our approach to entrepreneurship helps people become better entrepreneurs, which means giving them opportunity for more income, more flexibility, and more of a chance to create the solutions that they think are important in the world."

1909 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the holistic growth of creators in Palm Beach County, offering members access to a one-of-a-kind, collaborative community, workspace, accelerator programs, and mentorship. 1909 was formed in 2018 to build the kind of space and community that they—along with fellow Palm Beach County creators and innovators—sought for themselves. Since opening its doors, 1909 has welcomed many creators who have helped lead the organization forward and adapt where needed. 1909 is proud to be creating a more decentralized organization that allows talented people with unique perspectives to shape and contribute to the future for all of us. For more information about 1909, visit https://weare1909.org/.

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.