The Wyoming Business Council offers programs and resources aimed at building Wyoming’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering connectivity. The resources listed below are a small representation of some of the opportunities our team can help you explore to fund your startup venture.
To leverage regional successes, Startup: Wyoming is sponsoring startup challenges around the state.
Eligibility requirements for sponsorship:
Local fundraising
Provide itemized list for use of sponsorship monies and demonstrate need
Regional approach (include other counties/towns in the region to the extent possible)
Marketing plan creation and outreach
Connection with the statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem
Maintain a network of entrepreneurial business coaches
Ability to follow the startup challenge process (Lean Launchpad or similar)
Arrange pitch event
Format of startup challenge- Example
5*-month process for the startup challenge organizer:
Step 1: Raise funds, marketing plan creation (Day 1)
Step 2: Launch, marketing outreach, open for applications (Day 60)
Step 3: Application deadline (Day 90)
Step 4: Initial screening. Semifinalists selected (Day 97)
Step 5: Semifinalists pitch virtually (Day 104)
Step 6: Finalists selected (Day 104)
Step 7: One coaching session for non-finalists (Between day 105 and 120)
Step 8: Coaching sessions (3-5) with finalists (between day 105 and 150)
Step 9: Pitch Day with winners (Day 150)
Step 10: One (or more) coaching sessions with winners (Day 150 –>)
*This process is subject to flexibility based on the startup challenge organizer and the entrepreneurs’ needs.
Sponsorship
Match dollar for dollar up to $25,000 per startup challenge, matched by local fundraising.
Sponsorship money can be used for programming of the startup challenge; event planning, marketing, and coaching sessions. No award money.
You are encouraged to submit the application and budget as soon as possible, preferably prior to launch. That is in order to allow for application and contract processing times and enable you to take full advantage of the sponsorship for the startup challenge.
Here are more links you might find helpful as you explore whether these programs are right for you.