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 sessions and event dates and have internet and computer access in order to participate.

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

Fifteen applicants will be selected to participate in StartUp Mendocino 2025.

• 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 (pending completion of all requirements)

The program begins with an informal (optional) meet and greet on Tuesday, January 7th 2025. Instruction begins on Tuesday January 14th, 2025 at 8:00 AM.

The program lasts for 23 weeks beginning on Tuesday January 14th, 2025 and ending on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The program sessions are 120 minutes every other week. On alternate weeks, the cohorts will meet for 60 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 optional Meet and Greet on January 7, the mandatory Mid-Session Retreat on Saturday, April 26th and the Graduation and Pitch Presentation event on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 which will be held in person.

The application portal opens at 3:00 PM on Friday, November 8, 2024.