Early-stage start-up companies need more than just a unique idea to get off the ground. Oftentimes, they need help overcoming hurdles like writing business plans, lining up office space, recruiting key staff members, and raising capital—tasks that can seem overwhelming for companies that are sometimes just one or two entrepreneurs.

The Technology Collaborative (TTC) incubation program, called “JumpStart”, offers early-stage start-up companies access to subsidized office space, infrastructure, recruiting services, and business support services.

The office space provided through the program is equipped with office furniture (one desk, filing cabinet, bookcase per office/cubicle), cabinets, cubicles, and the necessary infrastructure for business phones, a FAX line, and high-speed, broadband internet service. Where feasible, this space also includes common conference, mail, and break areas.

A typical Jump Start package includes the following:

• Business incubation facilities, including:
• office space in a desirable location with associated services
• office furniture, cabinets, cubicles
• equipped conference room
  
  
• Technical and managerial recruiting support
  
  
• Business assistance support
• business plan consultation
• access to sources of capital
• mentoring services

Eligibility

To be considered for admission into the JumpStart program, an applicant must be a technology-based business that is focusing on developing products for one of these markets: advanced electronics, embedded systems, cybersecurity, or robotics.

The company must be currently located within Southwestern Pennsylvania region (defined to include Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties) or be willing to relocate. 

Finally, the company must demonstrate a potential for significant growth and economic impact, specifically in the region and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania overall. Admission into the JumpStart program will be predicated upon the applicant’s ability to meet certain specific entrance criteria.

Admissions Process

The Program has a well defined admission process:

Once accepted into the JumpStart program, companies receive space as soon as it becomes available. They can apply for up to two 12-month terms for the space, with quarterly reviews in which TTC gauges their progress in intellectual property development and protection, business formation, product development, sales, marketing, staffing and fundraising efforts. As long as each company is making progress in executing their business plan, they get to remain in the space.  As part of the review meetings, TTC determines which other services might benefit the start-up, including programs that can provide funding for product development; talent recruitment and business mentoring services; and subsidies for training reimbursement and student interns.

Strategic Focus

• Support the incubationof early stage companies
• Job creation in PA  

Member Benefits

• Lower start-up costs
• Shorter start-up cycles
• Reduced operational costs
• Access to other financial incentives
• Business assistance
• Access to sources of capital 

Member Services

• Locate incubator space
• Access to talent recruiting and business mentoring
• Provide subsidies for training reimbursement and student interns

To learn more about TTC's Jump Start Program contact: