Merrimack Valley Sandbox had an exciting 2012 and is looking forward to an exciting 2013. Here are some of the many activities planned so come and be part of it. - Catalyst Program: The Catalyst program continues to grow with 105 student entrepreneurial projects underway at our partner organizations this fall, we look forward to even more of their students proposing new ideas this winter. We will be extending our partnerships with additional organizations in the community and strengthening existing connections. The next round of applications will be due February 15th and the kickoff will be on February 28th. The final Catalyst Showcase highlighting all the projects will be on April 24th at the Tsongas Center and is always a crowd pleaser.
- Winter Accelerator will be wrapping up the end of February and the 13 entrepreneurs in the current batch will have a chance to pitch their ideas for a chance to share in the $25,000 award. Their plans are coming along nicely and we look forward to having you attend our final on March 5th.
- Building the Entrepreneurial Pipeline: We will resume the pitch contests beginning March 2013 to help identify new ideas and potential entrepreneurs from the community. This year we will also extend our programs by partnering with some of the local community groups to reach out to aspiring entrepreneurs in their community. Look out for these community related announcements
- MVS Education Innovation Challenge: The Deshpande Foundation in partnership with Superintendent Riley and the Lawrence Public Schools will announce an exciting new initiative that will be piloted with Lawrence School teachers to support innovative ideas and approaches within the schools.
- Summer Incubator: We hope to build on the success of the Winter Accelerator program by holding a Summer Incubator for a larger group of entrepreneurs. We hope to build on our experience running the Winter Accelerator to help manage a larger and wider ranging group of entrepreneurs. This is your chance to take advantage of this resource to help build your local enterprise.
- A Celebration of Entrepreneurship: Mark your calendars for June 11 and 12 to join us in celebrating entrepreneurship across the various programs within the Merrimack Valley Sandbox. In addition to several keynote speakers and panels, the highlight will be a display of projects and ideas by students, entrepreneurs, community leaders and teachers.
- Potential Workspace: MVS is actively looking to create a new workspace within the area where it can incubate and support entrepreneurs and students as well as provide a venue where likeminded individuals pursing entrepreneurial ideas can meet, share ideas and share space.
For further information, visit: http://merrimackvalleysandbox.org/.
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