Bloomington Accelerator Graduates Latest Cohort
Bloomington EDC just graduated its latest cohort in the B Start pre-accelerator program. (Photo provided)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Bloomington Economic Development Corp. has completed the fifth year of its pre-accelerator program for entrepreneurs, awarding stipends to successful graduates of the B-Start cohort. Top prizes went to technology for music and film production and sports analytics.
The B-Start program helps entrepreneurs develop and refine their creative and innovative business ideas through five months of mentoring, classes, and activities.
Eleven teams this week submitted business plans and delivered 5-minute pitches to a panel of judges during Demo Day, a form of graduation on the last day of the program.
“We believe Monroe County’s creative and talented business sector is one of our greatest assets,” said Ellyn Sallee, development manager of the Bloomington EDC.
The winning teams were:
- Misa Digital, Stephen Moseson – a company that designs and manufactures touchscreen guitar synthesizers that enable musicians to play synthesizers and control digital audio in new ways
- Blueprint Stats, Hunter Hawley – a sports analytics company currently specializing in high school basketball that provides in-depth statistics, film breakdowns, shot charts and more
- Hoosier Films, Meredith McGriff – a multi-platform distribution service including a subscription film streaming service, film festivals, mobile cinema, and film screenings focused on supporting local filmmakers and building community support for indie film.
“The future of our economy will be driven by our innovative talent base and these are the types of businesses our B-Start program aims to develop,” said Sallee.
The next B-Start session will begin Fall 2020.