Startup302 Info Session Scheduled Online December 5

Ventures with underrepresented founders invited to enter fifth annual funding competition

WILMINGTON, Del. (November 21, 2024) – Delaware’s Startup302 pitch contest is hosting a free online information session for prospective entrants to learn more about the competition’s requirements, prizes, presentation ideas and more at 4 p.m. EST December 5.

Coordinated by Delaware Prosperity Partnership and partners from throughout the Delaware business community and beyond, Startup302 supports entrepreneurs seeking financial and networking boosts for their businesses. Awards include cash grants, and participation benefits include complimentary educational sessions, mentorship opportunities and engagement with investors and key influencers.

Startup302 aims to strengthen Delaware’s innovation ecosystem by improving access to funding and facilitators for underrepresented entrepreneurs while fostering diverse perspectives, promoting inclusive and equitable consideration and attracting diverse communities of founders to the region. Underrepresented founders include those who are women, Black, Latin American, Native American or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Startups don’t have to be Delaware-based to enter.

Early stage, tech-enabled ventures with at least one founder from one of the aforementioned underrepresented groups are invited to learn more about Startup302 through the information session. Topics will include an overview of the competition, how to apply, pitching basics and key dates. Participants also will be able to ask questions of Startup302 organizers.

DPP’s Startup302 partners include the Delaware BioScience Association, Chartline Capital, The Innovation Space, University of Delaware Center for Clean Hydrogen, Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, True Access Capital’s Women’s Business Center, Pete DuPont Freedom Foundation, Small Business Development Center, Horn Entrepreneurshipand The Emerging Enterprise Center.

Sponsors for the 2025 competition are still being accepted and so far include Delaware Division of Small Business, Discover, FMC, DuPont, Highmark Delaware, M&T Bank, JPMorganChase and The Mill.

Contest details and application are at startup302.org. Info session registration is at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ufuusqjkiHt1AxIC8byO_ogsFtLJet4sm#/registration. Questions may be directed to DPP’s Erica Crell at ecrell@choosedelaware.com.

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Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) is the nonprofit public/private organization that leads Delaware’s statewide economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent.