Programming

SURGE members are matched with a business coach to help them set goals, overcome obstacles, and stay on course. Meetings are held monthly and may take place either in-person or virtually.

Regularly scheduled Happy Hours, Idea Pitches, and member-led Workshops help you connect with other community members.

As a member of the SURGE community, you have access to discounted services through our Entrepreneurial Service Network. ESN members are local service providers who offer discounted services to SURGE start-ups. Get assistance on marketing, legal, engineering consulting, and more. SURGE may contribute up to $2,500 to qualifying projects. Services include:

• Graphic design
• Finance and accounting
• Legal / I.P.
• Public relations/marketing
• Web development
• Human resources
• Photography
• Product development

Accessing capital is one of the most challenging aspects of launching a business. The SURGE Investor Readiness Program prepares entrepreneurs for successful fundraising. You will have access to educational information, pitch coaching, and introductions to investors
throughout the region.

SURGE Founder Roundtables are monthly peer-to-peer sessions where you will develop trusting relationships with other founders. Facilitated sessions will allow you to share experiences, discuss current challenges, and keep each other accountable.

Customer Discovery is the process of defining and validating core business assumptions based on customer needs. Speaking directly to your potential customers is an important first step to prove that you:

• Have correctly identified your target market
• Are solving a real pain point for your customer
• Have a unique value proposition.
• Will have a viable business.

This self-guided program will give you a step-by-step framework to help you launch a business that resonates with your customers and better positions you for success. You will have access to SURGE mentors who will provide feedback and accountability throughout your journey.

These 90-minute whiteboard strategy sessions involve two to four cross-disciplined mentors to help guide start-ups, work through opportunities, overcome obstacles, and take their business to the next level.

SURGE mentors are a dynamic network of individuals with experience and backgrounds in various industries. SURGE start-ups can meet one-on-one with mentors to seek advice on marketing, public relations, software and application development, design, engineering, raising capital, mergers & acquisitions, business strategy, and legal matters.

The SURGE UNION virtual community is where start-ups can connect with fellow founders, mentors, and ESN providers. You can access all SURGE LEARN material and courses at no charge, sign up for mentor office hours, and be the first to learn about upcoming SURGE start-up opportunities.

The First Customer Program is designed for early-stage startups that have validated their concept and are ready to start selling. The content is designed as a set of building blocks (offer, pricing, channels, messaging) to help prepare you to acquire your first 10 to 100 customers. You will have access to coaching and accountability throughout the program.