Startup Scholars | Tampa Bay Chamber

By Connie Gee-Abate, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Here are two opportunities for you to enhance our community by building business success:

Opportunity #1

Internship 201 Workshop and Reverse Career Fair on Thursday, October 26^th, 8:00am to 10:00am. The first part of the workshop is about taking Internship Programs to a more rewarding level for both the student and the organization. Interns are looking for more than just busy work – they are looking for an opportunity to positively contribute to the company and, in many cases, are hoping to get a feel for the company culture and what it would like to work there. At this workshop you will learn what a full company “experience” should be so your interns have a positive experience and become a positive brand advocate for you back at their college campus.

At 9:20am, Career Services Professionals from our local schools and universities will be set up at tables to talk with businesses about their programs. This helps businesses understand the talent factor in our community.

They will also talk about the Internship Programs they can help establish at the businesses. If you are looking for top talent, start early. Top talent begins looking for internship opportunities as early as the fall semester of their Freshman and Sophomore year. You will miss out on great talent and may have trouble finding the hires you need to help you with your workflow.

Career Services Professionals that will be on-site include Hillsborough Community College, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Saint Leo University, Stetson Law, The University of Tampa, and University of South Florida.

You can attend the Career Fair even if you do not attend the workshop, but registration is required in either case.

Click here to register.

Opportunity #2

Applications for the Startup Scholars 2017 Cohort Group are now live on the Chamber website. http://www.tampachamber.com/Involvement/Innovation-Startup-School/Startup-Scholars-application.aspx

If you know of any new businesses/entrepreneurs who would be ideal candidates for this seven-month mentor program, you can refer them to the link above to complete an application.

The deadline to apply is October 31^st.

Application Deadline is Monday, October 31st

The Startup Scholars Program is an initiative which aims to encourage innovation as a part of our community culture and increase instances of entrepreneurial success. Our mission is to increase the competitiveness of the Tampa Bay business community by addressing and nurturing Tampa’s entrepreneurs and related business innovation in any industry sector.

Startup Scholars Program participants will receive the following:

A professional gap analysis and needs assessment that focuses on specific critical success factors
A team of mentors and advisors to assist the entrepreneur in navigating the startup landscape
Recognition as a Startup Scholar on the Chamber’s website, social media, and at select events
A FIT Two membership to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, allowing the entrepreneur to take advantage of the Chamber’s networking programs and free educational offerings through the Competitive Edge Series

Please note:

All fields in the on-line application must be completed in entirety; no exceptions

Only the business owner may represent the company throughout the program and at all events

All entrepreneurs must be willing to make a commitment for the full length of the program and to attend all events and activities of the program; a Commitment Letter will be provided upon acceptance into the program

Click here to apply.

The application deadline is October 31^st; sorry but there will be no exceptions to the deadline date.