Startup America

[from Philanthropy News Digest]

Startup America Announces New Partners, Launches Online Platform

Created to fuel job growth by helping young companies expand, theStartup America Partnership has announced the launch of a new online platform and commitments from more than fourteen companies to provide U.S. entrepreneurs resources valued at some $330 million.

After registering to become verified Startup America firms, participating companies can use the platform to access and manage resources. Eligible companies will be designated as either a Startup, for young companies in the development phase; Rampup, for growing companies with at least five employees that already have a product or service being used by customers; or Speedup, for fast-growing businesses with more than twenty-five employees whose growth is being fueled by customer demand. The platform will also help potential investors identify and interact with relevant startup firms.

The new commitments, which boost the total value of resources to some $730 million, include access to online services valued at nearly $40 million from Biz2Credit; special offers from Dell worth up to $120 million; preferred membership rates from FoundersCard valued at more than $7.5 million; one year of free access to IdeaScale's idea management software; Reduced rates for LeadMaster's online, cloud-based customer relationship management software worth more than $36 million; and mentoring, training, and advisory services from the Alternative Board,Vistage International, Entrepreneurs' Organization, and the Young Entrepreneur Council.

"Since our launch at the White House in January, we've been delighted by how the private sector has stepped up and committed resources that will accelerate the growth of America's young companies," said Startup America Partnership CEO Scott Case. "We're excited to now provide direct access to these amazing offerings that will help maximize the success of startups."

“Startup America Partnership Open For Business.” Startup America Press Release 9/13/11.Cohen, Debprah. “Nonprofit Announces $330 Million in Startup Aid.”Reuters 9/13/11.