From concept through commercialization, SURGE membership offers programs and resources that will help entrepreneurs launch and grow successful companies.
BUSINESS COACHING AND ACCOUNTABILITY SESSIONS
As a SURGE member, entrepreneurs will be matched with a business coach to help you set goals, overcome obstacles, and stay on course. Meetings will be held on monthly basis and may take place both in person or virtually.
MEMBER FOCUSED SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Regularly scheduled Happy Hours, Idea Pitches and member-led Workshops designed to help you connect with other community members.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SERVICE NETWORK (ESN)
As a member of the SURGE community, you have access to discounted services through our Entrepreneurial Service Network. ESN members are local service providers who offer discounted services to SURGE startups. Get assistance on marketing, legal, engineering consulting and more. SURGE may contribute up to $2,500 to qualifying projects. Services include:
- Graphic design
- Finance and accounting
- Legal / I.P.
- Public Relations / Marketing
- Web development
- Human resources
- Photography
- Product development
INVESTOR READINESS PROGRAM
Accessing capital is one of the most challenging aspects of launching a business. The SURGE Investor Readiness Program prepares entrepreneurs for successful fundraising. You will have access to educational information, pitch coaching, and introductions to investors throughout the region.
SURGE FOUNDER ROUNDTABLES
SURGE Founder Roundtables are peer-to-peer monthly sessions where you will develop trusting relationships with other founders. Facilitated sessions will give you the opportunity to share experiences, discuss current challenges and keep each other accountable.
WHITEBOARD STRATEGY SESSIONS
These 90-minute whiteboard strategy sessions involve two to four cross-disciplined mentors to help guide startups work through opportunities, overcoming
obstacles, and taking their business to the next level.
SURGE BOOSTCAMP
SURGE Boostcamp is a proof-of-concept program that takes technology and product-based startups through a customer development framework to validate their business ideas. Using the virtual LeanStack platform, you have access to educational content and tools to guide you through the customer validation process. You will speak directly to your target market to gather insights that will validate that you are creating a scalable business. Regular coaching sessions will help keep you on track and provide valuable feedback, introductions and resources.
MENTOR NETWORK
SURGE mentors are an engaged network of individuals with experienced backgrounds in a variety of industries. SURGE startups can meet one-on-one with mentors to seek advice on marketing, public relations, software and application development, design, engineering, raising capital, mergers & acquisitions, business strategy and legal matters.
CONNECT TO UNION
The SURGE UNION virtual community is where startups can connect with fellow founders, mentors, and ESN providers. You can access all SURGE LEARN material and courses for free, sign up for mentor office hours, and be the first to learn about upcoming SURGE startup opportunities.
Contact
Amanda Chocko, Director of Entrepreneurship, for more information.