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 (within 1-3 years) in Mendocino County, and is looking to hone their business skills and expand their opportunities. Must be able to commit to all of the session dates and have internet and computer access in order to participate.

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 
• A $1000 stipend grant at graduation for attending all of the sessions

Twelve applicants will be selected to participate in this annual program.

The program begins with an in person orientation session on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Instruction begins on Tuesday March 5, 2024.

The last date for applications to be accepted is 5:00PM on Friday, January 26, 2024.

The program lasts for 18 weeks beginning on Tuesday March 5, 2024 and ending on Tuesday,  June 25, 2024.

The program sessions are 90 minutes every other week. On alternate weeks, the cohorts will meet for 90 minutes. Sessions start at 8:00 am every Tuesday.

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 2 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, February 29, 2024 and the Graduation Celebration on Tuesday June 25, 2024, which will be held in person.