If you are just learning about SEED SPOT you might be wondering why a Phoenix-based non-profit wants to work with West Virginia entrepreneurs. With WV’s entrepreneurs and small business owners being the driving force behind the growing local economy, SEED SPOT can play a small role in supporting this emerging ecosystem.
SEED SPOT’s mission is to educate, accelerate, and invest in underrepresented, impact-driven idea and early-stage entrepreneurs. SEED SPOT offers a supportive space and community for underrepresented entrepreneurs to test and refine their ideas, receive personalized, judgment-free mentorship from experts who reflect their own lived experiences, and receive the education and resources they need to build and sustain their ventures. Since its inception in 2012, SEED SPOT has served 3,009 entrepreneurs – 76% are from underrepresented communities, 56% identify as women, and 53% are BIPOC entrepreneurs. This diverse community of entrepreneurs has generated $306M in revenue, raised $122M in capital, and created over 5,300 jobs while addressing all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Review the next section to make sure that you are equipped with information on SEED SPOT programming when you bump into a challenge within your business or an inspirational entrepreneur at your next networking event.
Here’s a breakdown of SEED SPOT’s current programming options:
2-Day Launch Camp
SEED SPOT’s 2-Day Launch Camps are 48-hour programs designed for idea and early-stage entrepreneurs to explore and start their impact-driven ventures. Entrepreneurs that benefit most from the 2-Day Launch Camp experience are individuals who have an idea they keep coming back to time and time again. They’re the folks that work a full-time job, but are dreaming of leaving their 9-5 jobs to become their own bosses.
The curriculum walks innovators through identifying their target customers, analyzing their target market, developing a Minimum Viable Business (MVB), and constructing a one-minute elevator pitch that clearly conveys their value proposition. Participants will gain access to mentors, content experts, globally-renowned social innovation curriculum, and a network of startup enthusiasts ready to provide support. The program culminates with a live Pitch Night at the end of the second day.
2-Day Launch Camps are regularly held virtually. WV entrepreneurs can access this training at a 50% discount with code IMPACT50. For upcoming 2-Day Launch Camps, visit: https://seedspot.org/2-day-launch-camp
Impact Accelerator
At last, the crème de la crème of SEED SPOT programming: the 8-week Impact Accelerator, a longer-term program designed for entrepreneurs ready to generate revenue or scale operations. The Impact Accelerator is a virtual program held three to four times a year.
The typical participant may be post-revenue, have experience launching a pilot or beta, have early adopters/customers, and have sales to show for their efforts. They are in the process of gathering customer feedback to implement while iterating on their product or service. Many entrepreneurs are ready to leave their job in order to pursue the venture full-time.
The program takes zero equity and features mentorship, workshops, curriculum delivered by content experts, and interactions with accredited investors. It meets twice weekly and equips entrepreneurs with pro bono legal support, PR opportunities, one-on-one mentorship. WV entrepreneurs are being offered a robust scholarship in the amount of $1,000 bringing the total cost down to $999. To learn more about the Impact Accelerator, visit: https://seedspot.org/impact-accelerator
Alumni Program: Ongoing Support to Entrepreneurs
Just because a program comes to an end doesn’t mean an entrepreneur’s time with SEED SPOT comes to an end. SEED SPOT cares about each entrepreneur and wants to ensure that they have access to an abundance of resources as they grow, whether they continue focusing on the venture they went through SEED SPOT programming with or are starting something completely new! We support founders no matter the adventure they choose to take.
Once an entrepreneur completes the 2-Day Launch or the Impact Accelerator, they become a SEED SPOT alum and gain lifetime access to a wide variety of resources. These include one-on-one mentorship through SEED SPOT’s National Mentor Network of 300+ industry experts, up to $10,000 in 0% interest loans, and discounted or pro bono legal, marketing, and branding services. SEED SPOT’s post-program support is always expanding to better serve alumni as their ventures grow and create impact!
You are officially up-to-date on SEED SPOT’s current programs! If you ever meet an aspiring founder in need of a welcoming community, encourage them to connect with a member of the SEED SPOT team to determine which program is best for their unique needs. General inquiries can always be sent to [email protected]!
Miranda Williamson has spent most of her career focused on building recruiting and admissions infrastructure for social impact education programs. Early in her career, she positioned her work to focus on social justice oriented programs within higher education, working in various roles, such as Event Coordinator for the Women’s Resource Center, Student Leaders for Service Coordinator for Portland State University, and Assistant Director of Recruitment and Outreach for University of San Diego. Believing strongly in the need to remove economic barriers to education, Miranda transitioned to Director of Search for Watson Institute and began working with social entrepreneurs. She brings 10+ years of experience doing mission-driven work in recruiting and admissions to her role as Recruitment Manager at SEED SPOT. In her spare time, Miranda hosts webinars demystifying grad school applications for a career and life of impact and she runs ultra marathons.
