The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Foundation have partnered with global venture firm and startup accelerator, gener8tor, to announce the inaugural gBETA UW-Green Bay pre-accelerator program powered by gener8tor. The accelerator focuses on early-stage companies working across all industries.
gBETA UW-Green Bay is a free, seven-week, no-equity accelerator program that provides startup founders with concierge coaching and programming, along with access to a large network of mentors, customers and investors. The program is designed to set a path for startups to participate in equity-based accelerator programs and investment opportunities.
gener8tor and UW-Green Bay will seek startups across Northeast Wisconsin and Brown County to apply for the accelerator in an effort to support new startups as well as founders driving innovation in the region. UW-Green Bay alumni no longer stationed in the region are also encouraged to apply. It will follow the curriculum of gener8tor’s global pre-accelerator, gBETA.
As UW–Green Bay and the UWGB Foundation champion early-stage entrepreneurship through the inaugural gBETA UW-Green Bay program, they’re more than empowering startups — the partnership aims to lay the groundwork for a broader regional innovation ecosystem. This initiative arrives at an opportune moment as UW–Green Bay continues to build on its momentum and further connect what it does to the economy and quality of life of Northeast Wisconsin.
“Collaboration with gener8tor allows us to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs right here in Northeast Wisconsin,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “The partnership highlights how regional comprehensive universities can provide tremendous economic value to our communities while providing experiential learning for UW-Green Bay students and anyone in the region who wants to grow their ideas and companies.”
Together, UW-Green Bay, UWGB Foundation and gener8tor aim to bring early-stage startup programming to the region and create an environment that will embrace and support founders -right in their own backyard.
“As the Phoenix Innovation Park continues to take shape it is essential we begin the process of creating an environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to recognize our university is a place that welcomes and encourages their presence,” said Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive. “This is another step in our journey of cementing our university as a space for business startups and an incubator for ideas to commercialization.”
“Special thank you to WEDC, Brown County and Associated Bank for their investment to kickstart this program,” said Alan Peters, economic development executive for UW-Green Bay. “Cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem will incubate and drive growth, allowing the next generation of businesses to flourish in the region.”
The inaugural gBETA UW-Green Bay program will begin recruiting startups immediately and will kick off October 28. Startup companies and founders interested in applying or learning more about gBETA -UW-Green Bay or similar gBETA programming and resources are encouraged to visit the gener8tor website.
Emma Snyder has joined as the first Program Manager for gBETA UW-Green Bay. Founders with questions or interest in applying are encouraged to reach out to her directly at emma@gener8tor.com.
About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in more than 45 communities across 23 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
About gBETA
gBETA is a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. This accelerator supports five startups per cohort and requires no fees for startups and takes no equity. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised more than $902M in capital and created more than 5,900 jobs across the U.S. and internationally.
About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 100,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With four campus locations in Northeast Wisconsin, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
Written by Kristin Bouchard
Link to original story: https://news.uwgb.edu/phlash/news/09/30/university-of-wisconsin-green-bay-join-forces-with-gener8tor-announce-startup-accelerator-program/