Startup 425 launches accelerator program for first-time entrepreneurs

Startup 425 has launched an innovative 15-week accelerator program designed to boost entrepreneurship in Eastside communities, starting on September 30 in collaboration with The Founder Institute. This initiative, funded by the Port of Seattle and Amazon, is free for participants, allowing aspiring business founders to access crucial resources and Silicon Valley-level training without financial constraints. The program is administered by the City of Bellevue and includes support from neighboring cities such as Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Issaquah, and Renton, highlighting a strong community effort to foster local entrepreneurship. Levi Reed, the program’s coordinator and resident entrepreneur at Startup 425, noted that about 35% of the cohort consists of founders from underrepresented communities, emphasizing the initiative's inclusivity. Participants have reported positive experiences, with individuals like Komal Kashiramka expressing appreciation for the mentorship and accountability provided by the accelerator. The high interest in the program is evident, with 170 entrepreneurs applying for the inaugural cohort, indicating a significant demand for such resources in the region. Looking ahead, the city plans to expand the program's capacity to accommodate more aspiring entrepreneurs. This initiative represents a commitment to innovation and collaboration in supporting local startups.