The Innovation Center at Saratoga Announces “Entrepreneurship is Everyone’s Business”
New multi-phase program designed to strengthen local small businesses with mentorship that extends beyond the classroom
The Innovation Center at Saratoga Inc. announced the launch of “Entrepreneurship is Everyone’s Business,” an entrepreneurship program designed to strengthen the local economy by helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.
The program is supported by NBT Bank and Phillips Lytle LLP, with partnerships including SUNY Adirondack, Saratoga Arts and SCORE.
“One of the great strengths of any community is the success of its small businesses,” said Beth Moeller, founder of the Innovation Center at Saratoga. “This program is designed to support the businesses that shape our region’s identity and vitality — the local shops, restaurants, consultancies and creative makers and artists that make our community special.”
Entrepreneurship is Everyone’s Business is tailored to support Main Street, hospitality, business consultancies and creatives, including visual artists, photographers, jewelry designers and more. Other business types are welcome, and the program is open to both not-yet-open ventures and early-stage businesses seeking to improve and grow.
A Unique Approach: Four Phases covering Learning, Mentorship, Pitching and Long-Term Support
Unlike a traditional business boot camp, the Innovation Center at Saratoga emphasizes continued coaching, mentorship and community accountability over time. The program is structured in four phases.
Learn (February through April) includes six core business classes and two elective tracks of three classes each.
Guide (May) pairs participants with mentors from SCORE or Saratoga Arts to refine business plans and models, with Ask Me Anything sessions held in conjunction with SUNY Adirondack.
Pitch (June) allows participants to present finalized business plans and concepts to regional funding sources, including banks, development groups and government agencies.
Support (July through December) focuses on peer-to-peer support networks and culminates in Everyone’s Business Demo Day.
“What sets this program apart is that we don’t just teach you and send you off,” Moeller said. “We pair participants with mentors, bring them together with other entrepreneurs and stay with them for the full year.”
Program details and registration information are available at innovationcentersaratoga.org/entrepreneur.
The Innovation Center at Saratoga Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) collaborative maker space where artists, entrepreneurs and community members come together to learn, create and innovate.