Up to five local entrepreneurs will get to launch their businesses at the new Fairfield University Accelerator and Mentoring Enterprise when the business incubator program starts up in September.
A collaboration of the university, the Fairfield Economic Development Department and Kleban Properties, the effort offers budding innovators access to discounted services, technology resources, workshops, start-up funding and mentoring from Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business faculty and the area's business community.
The first group of entrepreneurs will be chosen by a panel in a competitive selection process. Panel members will represent the university, Kleban Properties, the town of Fairfield and the area business community.
Construction of the 1,300-square-foot facility, located above the off-campus Fairfield University book store at 1499 Post Road, is under way. It is designed with an open area to promote a collaborative environment, as well as with meeting rooms.
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Start-up companies play a key role in creating jobs and spurring innovation, according to Mark Banhart, Fairfield's director of community an economic development, who said that he expects some of the entrepreneurs to apply for micro-entrepreneur grants offered through his department.
"There's a tremendous wealth of talent and entrepreneurial people in Connecticut, and we'd love to have them come to Fairfield," he said.
For sponsorship and application information, email [email protected]. To apply online, visit www.fairfield.edu/ame.
This is an excerpt from Richard Lee's article from the Stamford Advocate.
