Terp Startup Accelerator is a summer program that helps student entrepreneurs make progress on their startup for eight weeks in the summer in lieu of an internship. At the end of the program, students should make substantial progress on their product of service; secure or increase initial customers and partners; and have the ability to make the "go/no-go" decision based on metrics and market indicators. Students accepted into the Terp Startup Accelerator receive a cash stipend up to $5,000, ongoing advising with venture mentors, access to exclusive workshops, a co-working space and other resources.
- A cash stipend up to $5,000.
- Ongoing advising with venture mentors.
- Access to exclusive workshops and other useful resources.
- The opportunity to apply for a continuation of resources and non-dilutive funding during the academic year as a Terp Startup fellow.
Candidates for Terp Startup Accelerator
- Student entrepreneurs who have completed milestones from the New Venture Practicum stage by developing an MVP and acquiring initial customers.
- Students who want to spend a summer executing on customer acquisition.
- Students who have not completed Dingman Jumpstart or New Venture Practicum may apply. These students must have conducted initial customer discovery.
Outcomes
- Make data-driven decisions about the next stage of their business.
- Determine the metrics that matter, test assumptions, build market awareness and acquire/retain initial customers.
- Leverage Dingman Center network and resources for accounting, tax, funding, IP and legal advice.
Use Terp Startup Accelerator to…
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Find a lab/office for my venture
Student entrepreneurs who apply and are accepted into the Dingman Center’s Terp Startup Accelerator will receive access to coworking space.
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Get business advice for my venture
Student entrepreneurs who are accepted into the Terp Startup Accelerator are assigned a mentor to help them grow their business. They are also given access to the Dingman Center Mentor Network and empowered to reach out to experts who can help them with any particular obstacle they are looking to overcome.
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Identify/apply for funding & grants
The Dingman Center is the place to go on campus for students looking to find funding to launch their ventures. Students accepted into the Terp Startup Accelerator receive a stipend of up to $5,000 to grow their business.
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Launch my venture
Terp Startup Accelerator gives student entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow their business for eight weeks over the summer in lieu of an internship. During this time, students make substantial progress on their business and are given the resources to help incorporate their business, launch a website, find partners and/or secure first customers.
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Learn about entrepreneurship
During the Terp Startup Accelerator, students attend mandatory workshops covering topics including marketing, funding, startup finance and more. Students also learn about entrepreneurship through mentorship opportunities with experienced entrepreneurs.
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Mentor entrepreneurs
Regional and alumni entrepreneurs and business leaders are encouraged to get involved with the Dingman Center to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs. Students accepted into the Terp Startup Accelerator are paired with a venture mentor who has the subject matter expertise to help them grow their business.