​We are here to help entrepreneurs
during all stages of the journey!

Start by looking through our program list here to find the best fit for you, and if you are not sure where to start, reach out and we can help match you to the program/support that best suits you. 

Linda Hale, Startup Advisor 
LSH27@uakron.edu

Starting Line

UARF's pre-accelerator program guides beginner entrepreneurs through a step-by-step process of turning an idea into a business concept by introducing them to customer discovery and the Business Model Canvas. Participants complete the 5-step process to elevate their startup and have an opportunity to win prizes to accelerate them to their business concept to market.

I-Corps 

More than 150 entrepreneurial teams and 630 individual participants have completed UARF's 7-week I-Corps program, which focuses on using direct customer interactions to validate a business idea. I-Corps provides training, mentorship and accountability. I-Corps graduates have launched 72 new businesses to date. ​

Spark Fund

Spark Fund aims to help UA faculty generate the proof needed for their technology to be licenced to a scalable startup. ​Applicants could also receive up to $25,000 in funding per project for prototyping and testing.