B-Start is designed for Indiana University and Ivy Tech Community College students who want to take their technology business idea through a 4 month, comprehensive refining process to build a foundation for acceleration. Selected candidates will begin the B-Start program in September and complete by December 2016.

Startups will be paired with a mentor or coach based on the individualized needs of each startup. B-Start will also arrange consultations with local experts in business plan development, law, intellectual property, marketing, human resources, pitch development, and sales and lead generation among others.

Throughout the program startups will have opportunities to network with other participating startups, B-Start partners, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation members, potential investors and other community members.

Upon program completion, startups will receive a graduation stipend to be used towards future development of their business in the Bloomington area. Startups will also have the chance to earn additional cash prizes based on various scoring criteria during a program-ending pitch competition.