The Entrepreneurs Network (TEN)

Fostering a Dynamic Entrepreneurial Environment

Announcing The Entrepreneurs Network graphic.

“Our community must foster a dynamic entrepreneurial environment that provides the training and mentoring that entrepreneurs need to successfully bring their ideas to the marketplace. We want to keep entrepreneurs here in our community, and attract the expertise and capital they need to start their businesses, so they will create the next generation of high-tech companies that will provide jobs and investment in Monroe County.”

— Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks

Introduction

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced in January 2006, as part of her State of the County address, the formation of The Entrepreneurs Network (TEN). This innovative program will offer a practical, business-oriented, and hands-on educational program in which entrepreneurs will be exposed to world-renowned speakers with expertise in start-up companies. These experts will share information, including how to secure venture capital, form strategic alliances, identify market strategies and other practical information necessary to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. The TEN program takes place over a six-month period and includes a Boot Camp, Workshops and Panel Events that are designed to optimize exposure to, and interaction with, leading local and national entrepreneurial experts.

TEN will serve a regional audience spanning Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Ithaca, capturing the best and brightest minds in Upstate New York. The goal of TEN is to help entrepreneurs create wealth for their companies, and ultimately, create jobs in Monroe County and the Upstate New York region. Monroe County is known for its high-tech businesses and strong workforce. Monroe County wants to keep entrepreneurs in our community and attract the expertise and capital they need to start their businesses. TEN will be a valuable tool in keeping sharp minds and talented workers here in Monroe County.

Program

A 2006 schedule including planned Boot Camps, Workshops and Panel Events is provided. TEN’s inaugural program is an intensive 2 ½ day Entrepreneurship Boot Camp to be held May 3 through May 5, 2006 in Rochester, New York. The program will be conducted by Derby Management, who for 15 years, has been the leading business management coaching firm focused on emerging companies, and venture capital and private equity markets.

The Entrepreneurship Boot Camp has been specifically designed for entrepreneurs who have already launched their business and are now looking to dramatically improve the odds of growing revenues, improving fundraising success, developing an integrated and supported business plan, creating a dynamic management team, and understanding and capitalizing on unique customer and market opportunities.

*Information on Workshops and Panel Events to follow.

Eligibility

Candidates should be founders, CEOs or hold a controlling position in an established technology-based business. Preference for the inaugural 2006 program will be given to those candidates whose businesses are located in Monroe County. However, a limited number of spaces will be reserved for business owners with businesses established in other regions of Upstate New York. It is expected that future programs will be open to candidates regardless of their county of origin within Upstate New York as the intent of TEN’s program is to provide an environment of learning and networking for founders and CEOs of established seed and early-stage companies throughout the Upstate New York region.

Application

Completed application forms must be received by TEN on or before April 3, 2006. Selected applicants will be notified by April 10 and will be eligible to attend all of the events that comprise the TEN program including the Entrepreneurship Boot Camp (May 2006), the Sales Effectiveness Boot Camp (June 2006), the Investor Presentation Workshop (September 2006) as well as free admission and special opening receptions to public Panel Events (ongoing).

Cost

Approved applicants will be charged a one-time processing fee of $250. Payment must be received by April 15 to reserve a place at the May 2006 Entrepreneurship Boot Camp. This discounted rate is made possible by The County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA), TEN’s lead sponsor, allowing quality programs to be offered at minimal cost to qualifying entrepreneurs.