Budding entrepreneurs in Tampa Bay now have an opportunity to apply for a vast toolkit of resources to help them achieve their goals.
Newly formed Tampa-based
ICT Funds launched its first accelerator program for new and emerging companies in the internet communication technology (ICT) sector.
The program is unique in that it is open around the clock, with no deadlines or formal business plan requirements. Anyone with an idea who wants to start or grow a business can apply by submitting a Linkedin page, recommendations and simple scope sheet of their goals and idea.
In exchange for a negotiable amount of equity in the business, companies receive assistance with design, product development, marketing, legal assistance and office space at
Cowork Tampa. They also assist the businesses with obtaining capital.
"Anything and everything they need to get their business started -- we’re going to help them," says Chris Arnoldi, founder of ICT Funds and
Uhsome, which is providing marketing assistance for the companies.
The first three companies in the portfolio include:
MyAreaNetwork, which owns and operates 80 local news and nightlife websites across the U.S. The flagship site,
813area.com, provides nightlife, dining and entertainment news in Tampa Bay. ICT Funds is providing design and finance assistance.
GoToGuy, a free peer-to-peer recommendation website. ICT Funds will assist with product development and consulting.
Ndorsd, which connects athletics with product placement. ICT Funds is helping with app development and consulting.
The program's goal is to assist entrepreneurs who have solid ideas and commitment to follow-through, in hopes that they will do well and continue to grow Tampa Bay’s tech community.
Writer:
Megan Hendricks
Source: Chris Arnoldi, ICT Funds
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.