The hardest part of owning a startup is always the beginning: the process of turning your idea into a company with a working business model and appropriate funding. Luckily, there is a multitude of accelerator programs in the South available to entrepreneurs who want to launch their startups quickly.
Have y
ou ever wanted to learn about lifestyle content creation from a global company that reaches nearly 165 million households in more than 175 countries and territories? Such opportunity is now available now in Knoxville, Tennessee, with The Works, a startup accelerator for coders and lifestyle content developers.
Set to launch in early June, this 12-week program is made possible by a partnership between Knoxville Entrepreneur Center and Scripps Networks Interactive, which is headquartered in Knoxville.
The Works will feature two startup tracks: CodeWorks is for technical founders looking to create a business that leverages their ability to write code and build product. MediaWorks is a program to help budding content creators develop products and services that build and engage lifestyle audiences, and find pathways to monetize those properties across multiple revenue channels.
Eight teams will be chosen to participate in the three-month program, anchored by a curriculum that will allow the teams to test their business concepts through a combination of weekly classes, mentorship, interactions with industry leaders, co-working opportunities, special events and a pitch day. The 12-week accelerator provides over $50,000 worth of services, consulting, and potential financing. Scripps Networks will take an equity interest in the four chosen startup businesses in the lifestyle and content space.
Previous graduates of MediaWorks include Knoxville-based Spare Time Entertainment, producer of the music video sensation Baracksdubs, which has garnered over 1.3 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 300 million views; and Children’s Media Studios, developer of the Sing ‘n Spell series of early learning products, soon to be preinstalled on over 7 million children’s tablet computers. KEC’s first cohort of CodeWorks wrapped up late last year. Among the graduates is Avrio Analytics, a predictive analytics company.
Deadline to apply for The Works is May 15.
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