StartUp Mendocino is a business accelerator program that mobilizes the resources of Mendocino County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in support of start-ups and growing businesses. A business accelerator program is a fixed-term, cohort-based program that includes educational components and peer-to-peer learning and networking.

Anyone who has started a business (1-3 years) in Mendocino County, and is looking to hone their business skills and expand their opportunities. Must have internet and computer access in order to participate. Alumni cannot apply again.

No, this program is free to participants. The training is funded by West Center, local support , the Small Business Administration, and State of California Go-Biz funding.

• The capacity for your business’s growth 
• The opportunity to be a part of a network of start-up innovators with opportunities to build relationships with influencers
• Formal introduction to public works/services and local organizations to advance your business
• Free publicity and community outreach for your business

Up to twelve applicants will be selected to participate in this annual program.

The program begins with an orientation session on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Instruction begins on Tuesday January 17, 2023.

The program lasts for 21 weeks beginning on Tuesday January 17 and ending on Tuesday,  June 6,

The program sessions are every Tuesday at 5 pm on Zoom; sessions will generally alternate between instructional and cohort sessions. Instructional sessions are two hours long, cohort sessions are one hour long.

Attendance is mandatory. Barring an emergency, all missed classes will require advance notice to program coordinators. To ensure participants get the most out of the program, missed classes will require a makeup session. If a participant misses 3 or more classes, they will be removed from the program.

The program will be conducted as a virtual training on the Zoom platform. Exceptions are the Kick Off on Thursday, January 12, 2023 and the graduation celebration on Thursday June 18, 2023, which will be held in person. Additional in-person meetings will be determined by the group and health and safety protocols at the time. These arrangements may be subject to change.

The application portal opens at 8:00AM  on Monday October 3, 2022.