CenterState CEO is excited to announce the launch of the Up Start
Accelerator, a new six-month intensive program designed to help Syracuse’s
rising entrepreneurs maintain momentum while building their businesses.
This pilot program builds off the success of CenterState’s Start It!
business basics class. The Up Start Accelerator allows entrepreneurs
who complete and submit a business plan in Start It! to immediately take
their next steps with a hands-on accelerator experience built to support
rapid business development and growth.
The Up Start Accelerator provides participants with continued coursework,
technical assistance, coaching and a community of like-minded
entrepreneurs working together to strengthen their businesses and bring
their ideas to life. The program aims to elevate entrepreneurs who often
face systemic barriers in business ownership, with a focus on Syracuse’s
Southside and Northside neighborhoods.
“This new accelerator allows us to stay close to the entrepreneurs who’ve
already done the hard work of building a plan and giving them even more
tools, structure and support to grow,” said Kara Jones, Director of
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs. “It’s about keeping the
momentum going and creating an onramp to long-term success.”
The first cohort of the Up Start Accelerator includes five inspiring small
businesses:
·Mr. Tafari’s Jamaican Cuisine – Bringing authentic Caribbean
flavors to the Syracuse food scene.
·Access Granted Concierge, LLC – A lifestyle management company
offering personal concierge and time maximization services.
·Fortifying Herbs – Focused on wellness through natural and herbal
remedies.
·E.Z.R. Braids – Providing professional and stylish braiding solutions.
·And one more exciting concept still in development—stay tuned!
The Up Start Accelerator is part of a growing suite of inclusive entrepreneurship programs within CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub , which supports both tech and non-tech ventures. By creating more structured and sustained support, the Up Start Accelerator hopes to help local business owners thrive and stay rooted in Syracuse.
