The Young Enterprising Society, a Milwaukee-based organization dedicated to spurring innovation and entrepreneurship in the startup community, is accepting applications for its next Blueprint business accelerator program.
The Blueprint provides up to $100,000 in seed capital, entrepreneurial training and technology to promising young companies and marks the fifth cohort for The Blueprint, which was first launched by brothers Khalif and Que El-Amin in 2018.
The 12-week program is supported by the City of Milwaukee, Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee Institute and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. This latest round will run May 11-July 28.
In an email, YES co-founder Khalif El-Amin says the organization expects about 20 companies to participate in the cohort, each of which will be eligible for a maximum of $20,000 in funding when the program concludes.
“In order for Milwaukee residents to contribute fully to the economy, their skills in technology and innovation need to be cultivated,” El-Amin said in a press release. “The Blueprint develops these skills while increasing the tax base through employment, a self-sustaining Central City, and a more diverse population of professionals.”
The Blueprint has graduated 34 entrepreneurs through its past four cohorts, according to the company. Two startups from its last round—Safety4Her and Ready, Set, Staff—were each offered angel investments following their participation.
The upcoming session will focus on idea validation training and will culminate in a pitch event during which the startups will present to community members and potential investors. A business cultivator program will commence in the fall.
El-Amin says the organization has pivoted its programming to be offered entirely virtually during the pandemic.
Milwaukee startups are encouraged to apply here. The deadline is May 8.
