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SALT LAKE CITY — Beehive Startups founder Clint Betts has been thinking about how to get talented, local entrepreneurs’ companies off to a better start for years.
The result is StartStudio, a new program announced by Beehive Startups Thursday. StartStudio aims to help entrepreneurs mitigate some of the inherent risks that come with starting a company, like product development and financing, by providing young tech startups with mentors and other resources.
“There are a lot of different accelerators and incubators throughout the country, but this is kind of a unique model … that doesn’t have a specific amount of time for you to be there or anything. It’s as long as it takes to build the company,” Betts said. “When you come out you have a product, your legal done, your accounting all set up so that you’re ready to take more investment, and you’re ready to really take off as a company. It’s super cool, and we’re excited that it’s in Utah.”
Applications are always open, and those accepted into the program will receive up to $100,000 in funding, plus guidance from StartStudio’s numerous partners and mentors. KickStart SeedFund, Jones Waldo law firm, Zions Bank and Tanner Accounting are among the partners.
We've been working on @TheStartStudio for a while. Excited to officially launch today: http://t.co/8ombJOxCwqpic.twitter.com/fMG4KmYn1K — Clint Betts (@clintbetts) June 25, 2015
Working with partners like [Izeni](http://izeni.com/), a Provo company that specializes in software development, will help startups develop their product the right way from the beginning, according to Betts. He said he often sees companies waste hundreds of thousands of dollars by outsourcing work to someone overseas, or to a brother-in-law.
Betts said he’s seen an incredible amount of growth in the local startup ecosystem in recent years. StartSLC, which was hosted by Beehive Startups in January, drew more than 4,000 participants.
“Utah is growing and blossoming like crazy, and there are enough startups, entrepreneurs and founders where (StartStudio) is really going to make a difference for them,” Betts said. “We would love, like we have been doing (with Beehive Startups), to continue to promote and grow Utah’s startup ecosystem.”
Those who are interested in StartStudio can apply to join the program online.
