Take your business to the next level

Accelerate Acadiana

Accepting Applications for Fall 2017 Program

We’re excited to announce that Accelerate Acadiana, a new program brought to you by INNOV8 Acadiana, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette), and Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA)’s Opportunity Machine (OM) is now accepting applications from companies of all sizes looking to grow their businesses. We had the pleasure of working with INNOV8 Acadiana and our counterparts from around the region to secure the $1 million grant to make this happen!

Initial target industries for the program include companies in the oil & gas, healthcare and technology fields, but businesses from other industries are also encouraged to apply. Deadline for entry into the program via the INNOV8 Website is July 30, 2017 and the first public kickoff event showcasing the chosen companies is August 17, 2017 6PM at the Grouse Room in Lafayette.

Here’s how the program works: a company looking to start up, scale, or expand will first apply for the program through the INNOV8 Acadiana Website. Eight companies will then be chosen from the pool of applicants. These companies will be provided free office space at the OM where their specific needs will be assessed. Support will then be given for 14 weeks from a pool of mentors and professional service providers free of charge to each company. Pitches to potential investors will also be made during the program for capital infusion in exchange for equity.

For more information visit www.INNOV8Acadiana.org/AccelerateAcadiana.