Resource Library Business Accelerator Program
Overview
The Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) Business Accelerator program is a technology-based accelerator program for local entrepreneurs. Originally started in Prior Lake and referred to as Technology Village, the CDA became involved in 2016. In 2017, the transition began to build upon the city’s success and turn it into a broader county-wide program.
The CFE business accelerator program is open to all Scott County residents. It provides program members with an attractive lease, furnished offices, development assistance, guidance from experienced business professionals, shared conference rooms and office equipment, networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and community organizations, education programs, and access to local lenders interested in working with start-up businesses.
There are two ways to participate in the Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship:
- Business Membership
Leased office space within the Center for Entrepreneurship, an assigned mentor, access to roundtables, a business advisor, networking and educational sessions, etc. - Virtual membership
Access to a professional mailing address, limited access to shared space within the Center for Entrepreneurship, an assigned mentor, access to roundtables, a business advisor, networking and educational sessions, etc.
Membership FAQ
The CFE offers prime office space for below-market lease rates. Cubical or office spaces are available for $15 per sq. ft. This includes:
- Access to the business accelerator services (advisory support, mentoring, business assessment, quarterly goal review, peer engagement, and professional service referrals)
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Professional mailing address/business identify
- Mailbox service
- Inclusion in business member education programs and meetings
- A company presence on the Scott County CDA website
- Access to conference rooms and meeting space
- Office space including access to high-speed internet, office equipment, furnishings, property insurance, janitorial service, grounds maintenance, snow removal, common area building maintenance, equipment maintenance, trash removal, and payment of utilities including gas, electric, sewer, and water.
The CFE offers new businesses an option to participate in the accelerator program virtually. For those who have a commercial space or home occupation but wish to tap into the accelerator benefits, the Virtual program offers the following for $75 per month:
- Access to the business accelerator services (advisory support, mentoring, business assessment, quarterly goal review, peer engagement, and professional service referrals)
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Professional mailing address (if desired)/business identify
- Mailbox service
- Inclusion in business member education programs and meetings
- A company presence on the Scott County CDA website
- Access to conference rooms and meeting space (4 hours/month) – based upon scheduled space availability
- Access to co-working office space (32 hours/month), including high-speed internet within the co-working office location (based on scheduled space availability).
- All prospective virtual program participants shall be residents of Scott County.
Please contact Michael Werneke at the Scott County CDA at 952-395-5122 or mwerneke@scottcda.org.
Application materials can be found below. For additional information about the application process, please contact Michael Werneke at the Scott County CDA at 952-395-5122 or mwerneke@scottcda.org.
Member companies located in the Center for Entrepreneurship office space have access to a dedicated wireless, password-protected internet connection. Guest wireless is also available. Participants outside the CFE space are responsible for securing their internet connection using the virtual program.
New business program members pay $15 per square foot and can lease space for up to 3 years. This includes all the benefits identified above as part of a Business Membership. Graduate members can lease space for up to 2 additional years at a rate of $20 per square foot.
The standard lease agreement is an annual lease, renewable for up to two additional years; however, a program participant can relocate their business to any Scott County location at any time during the lease term with 60 days’ written notice. Additionally, if the program participant business ceases operation during the lease term, the lease agreement may be terminated without penalty, with 60 days’ written notice.
Anyone interested in growing and maintaining their business in Scott County is welcome to apply. The Accelerator offers office space for compatible businesses. The Virtual Program offers mentorship opportunities for all businesses operating in Scott County.
Resources
Business Membership Application
Apply as a business member with an office lease and access to program benefits.
Virtual Membership Application
Apply as a virtual member to access program benefits without leasing space
Mentor/Advisory Board Application
Apply to be a mentor for one of our business members or join our Advisory Board
Related Topics
Business Accelerator Members