The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, and the Innovation Portal on Tuesday announced the launch of an innovative opportunity designed to help female and minority business owners in the Mobile area grow their businesses and reach more customers.
Innovation Portal’s latest TechAcademy Accelerator Program, financially supported by the Regions Foundation, is now accepting applications through Friday, Aug. 18. This tuition-free program will provide qualified entrepreneurs selected by Innovation Portal with a high-impact, eight-week course designed to help their companies grow through customized business coaching and support. In addition, entrepreneurs will receive three months of community membership at Innovation Portal’s Mobile facility. Also, five Mobile-area entrepreneurs will be selected by Innovation Portal for up to $5,000 in direct technology funding to help expedite the growth of their business ventures.
Having access to free world-class tech help with a global perspective for scaling from my participation in TechAcademy was a hidden gem. Dr. Belle, founder of S.C.H.O.O.L.S.
To understand the impact TechAcademy has already had on program alumni, consider the story of Dr. Valencia Belle.
“I am forever indebted to TechAcademy for making local experts in the Gulf Coast tech ecosystem available to startups,” she said. Dr. Belle is the founder of S.C.H.O.O.L.S., which prepares students for standardized tests by providing achievement-building activities.
“Having access to free world-class tech help with a global perspective for scaling from my participation in TechAcademy was a hidden gem,” Dr. Belle added.
TechAcademy focuses on how under-represented entrepreneurs can address technology-related challenges through the guidance of Innovation Portal’s team of staff and mentors. In turn, technology can be leveraged as a tremendous resource for future business growth.
“Businesses across the Gulf Coast are thriving, and we have an incredible opportunity to ensure this success is also benefiting entrepreneurs who have historically been under-represented,” said Regions Foundation Executive Director Marta Self. “By supporting the TechAcademy Accelerator at Innovation Portal, we can help create more inclusive prosperity in Mobile and beyond. And as more businesses succeed, the entire community benefits through greater economic development and a stronger quality of life for entrepreneurs, their employees, and their families.”
The TechAcademy has become one of our most popular programs at Innovation Portal as it meets many of our entrepreneurs where the problem directly resides: technology. Todd Greer, Executive Director of Innovation Portal
To apply for the upcoming TechAcademy program, business owners are encouraged to visit https://tinyurl.com/RFTechAcademy.
As a business incubator and accelerator, Innovation Portal has already benefited over 400 companies, providing tools and resources for success and, in certain instances, serving as a funding partner for high-growth-potential businesses.
“The TechAcademy has become one of our most popular programs at Innovation Portal as it meets many of our entrepreneurs where the problem directly resides: technology,” said Executive Director of Innovation Portal Todd Greer. “With the community partnership of the Regions Foundation, we are able to accelerate entrepreneurial growth by aligning funding and direct support to help entrepreneurs with building a stronger venture.”
The Regions Foundation provides grants to a range of organizations supporting education and workforce readiness, as well as economic development, community development and financial wellness. The Regions Foundation also presented Innovation Portal with a $50,000 grant to support this latest TechAcademy program.
About Regions Foundation
Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $156 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.