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Accelerator
Programs
Since 2024, we have provided Savannah with elite entrepreneurial education via our small business accelerator programs. These 12-week, intensive, in-person courses take entrepreneurs from idea to ribbon cutting, from shower thought to scaling, from dream to reality.
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Stay in the know about when applications open for the next cohort by subscribing to our newsletter
Each cohort, including our signature SPARK Savannah program and LAUNCH Savannah, held in partnership with the City of Savannah, has produced the finest in the next generation of our community’s business leaders. As you can see from our alumni, our programs have benefited businesses of all kinds: from bakers to app developers, from restaurant owners to airplane storage providers. These innovators come to us with the big ideas and entrepreneurial spirit - we provide them with the knowledge, tools, and guidance that they need to take their business to the next level.
These accelerators are built on the nationally recognized Kaufman FastTrac® curriculum, with additional expertise provided by business masters from across the community, as well as our own all-star Startup Savannah team. The founders receive:
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Comprehensive business planning and strategy development
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Financial management and funding preparation
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Marketing and sales guidance
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Operations and growth planning
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Dedicated mentorship from industry experts
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Valuable networking opportunities
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The support provided by Startup Savannah to our accelerator participants goes beyond the classroom. During the course, we provide 1:1 mentorship to our founders, and once they graduate, they join our alumni network, where they continue to be supported and uplifted by the team and their fellow graduates. Once a Startup Savannah founder, always a Startup Savannah founder.
And that’s not all! At the end of each year, that year’s cohorts are showcased to the community at LIFTOFF, our culminating event for graduates. Founders pitch to an audience of potential customers and investors, along with family, friends, and supporters from across the Savannah community. They also have the opportunity to sell their wares at the LIFTOFF vendor market. This showcase event provides an incredible opportunity for exposure, media coverage, and potential investment. Our founders have come out of LIFTOFF with game-changing new partnerships, doors of opportunity opened, and, of course, enthusiastic new customers. There is a reason we call it LIFTOFF - from this launching pad, Savannah entrepreneurs have the chance to soar.
Does this education, mentorship, exposure, and community sound like just what you need to take your startup or business idea to the next level? You could be the next entrepreneur to liftoff into success via SPARK Savannah! Cohort applications open twice a year - follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or keep an eye on this page to know when you have the chance to apply!