Can't get enough?
Here are some other resources.
Angel groups
If you're too early for an investment by us, these are great folks to talk to. There are many more groups, as well, though these are the largest we're aware of. To find another group, we recommend the Angel Capital Association and their membership directory.
Incubators
Looking for a place to call home? These facilities offer a variety of general business and startup-specific amenities and knowledge to help you get started.
Accelerators
While some have working space, these folks are more focused on providing specific sets of services (and in some case investments) to help brand, spanking new startups get off the ground.
- 10x Xelerator - 10-week program in Columbus that includes seed financing, mentors, and access to investors
- 1492 - a competition, who's winners receive weekly business development and coaching services, along with cash to help launch their startup
- The Brandery - A Cincinnati-based, TechStars affiliated, 12-week program that includes seed financing, mentors, and access to investors (recently ranked as a top-10 seed accelerator nationally)
- LaunchHouse - a public-private partnership that fosters entrepreneurial success and job creation through seed capital, education and innovation in the Cleveland area
- SproutBox - Bloomington-based accelerator offering product development, creative, and business expertise invested in startups in exchange for equity
Development Assistance
Starting a SaaS/mobile company? There are tons of great development resources in the region, but here are some who love working with startups and work cheap (just don't tell them we said that).
- Developer Town - An Indianpolis-based development firm offering everything from engineering, design, application development, mobile, and tablet application development to venture coaching on topics ranging from agile software development, business strategy, and venture financing.
- MindBox Studios - A design and development company in Cincinnati, specializing in social web applications, rapid prototyping, web-based software, mobile, and user experience design. From the folks who bring you Continuous Web.
Co-working locations
An alternative to incubators for those seeking lower service levels (and even lower costs), co-working locations are a great alternative for 1- and 2-person startups who want to get out of their basement. These folks fly a little under the radar, so
let us know if we're missing any.
State and regional innovation and entrepreneurship programs
Across the midwest, state and local governments and non-profit organizations have created a programs to support entrepreneurs with both funding and a variety of services. For the most up-to-date descriptions of their offerings, check out their websites.
Regional Venture Fairs
These can be a great place to meet investors and other entrepreneurs. Two of our favorites are
Conferences and Panel Discussions on the Web
As we come across (or are a part of) conferences that we think are particularly insightful or helpful, and are available online, we'll post them here.
Let us know if we should add any.
Other Industry Information Resources
Here's a collection of random other places you might find some helpful info.
- Biz Journals - provides business information on various local markets via daily emails and online resources
- Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation - a foundation devoted to increasing innovation and entrepreneurship
- Fifth Third Entrepreneurship Institute: Northern Kentucky University - offers graduate and undergraduate academic and outreach programs in entrepreneurship
- Fisher College of Business (Ohio State) Center for Entrepreneurship - supports academic research, education, and community engagement in entrepreneurship
- Michigan Venture Capital Association - The MVCA works to bring together venture capital industry participants in the state of Michigan, including venture firms, angel investors, and entrepreneurial infrastructure participants
- National Venture Capital Association - NVCA is the venture capital industry's source for advocacy, networking, professional development, and reliable and timely information; they also have some Frequently Asked Questions
- Startup Economics Calculator from SmartAsset - lets you see how various events throughout the life of your company impact your ultimate economics
- Venture Capital Bloggers Network - a great collection of blogs from venture capitalists and private equity investors
- Venture Capital Resource Library - has information about venture capital firms, angel investors, lenders, and investment banks