B-Start is a pre-accelerator program to help launch for-profit innovation-driven businesses in Bloomington, Indiana.

We welcome and encourage women, minorities, veterans, and other groups to apply!

Driven Entrepreneurs

B-Start is designed for entrepreneurs who want to take their creative business idea through a comprehensive refining process to build a foundation for acceleration. Selected candidates will begin the B-Start program in September and complete in March.

EXPERIENCED Mentors

Startups will be paired with a mentor or coach based on the individualized needs of each startup. B-Start will also arrange consultations with local experts in business plan development, law, intellectual property, marketing, human resources, pitch development, sales and lead generation, among others.

Networking Opportunities

Throughout the program startups will have opportunities to network with other participating startups, B-Start partners, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation members, potential investors and other community members.

Stipend & Pitch Prizes

 Startups will have the chance to earn cash prizes up based on various scoring criteria during a program-ending pitch competition. 

 

FOUNDING SPONSORS

 
 
 
 

HARVESTERS

 
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CULTIVATORS

 
 

AWESOME PARTNERS

 
 
 

“The B-Start program’s emphasis on building a community of entrepreneurs in invaluable. They really do a great job connecting you with key mentors and business resources in Bloomington.” 

- Stephen moseson, B-Start Alumnus, 2020 first place winner