Swirling in your brain is an idea for the next big technology company. You have the drive, the revenue model, even the team, but a few roadblocks stand in your way, namely access to funds and mentors. Wouldn’t it be great if someone gave you $25,000 (in exchange for a percentage of equity) and three months to do nothing but work on your company, talk with the best minds in the industry and get in front of potential investors?
This dream is realized for entrepreneurs granted access to startup accelerator programs. Such programs are popping up all over the country and grooming promising companies into big-time successes. Most choose around 10 companies to participate in an intense three-month program culminating with a "demo day" in which entrepreneurs present to investors and hopefully attract enough money to keep running.
