*Advice – one and one and team *Introductions – from lawyers to investors *Mentorship – assigned mentors to assist from pitch to financial *Education – business plans and more, while facilitating collaborations amongst business, academic and governmental entities thereby growing new companies, creating jobs and supporting existing local business professionals.

The Great Start Mentorship Program (Great Start) provides no-cost assistance to Sacramento regional technology entrepreneurs. Start-ups and entrepreneurs may apply to the program at any time.

The first step is to complete the application and attach (if complete) your business plan (including marketing plan), team members bios, financial statement, product literature and investor presentation.

Step two is to present to one of our monthly panels. Our panelists may consist of 3 or more individual experts e.g. an investor, lawyer, marketing professional, technologist, financial expert, etc. Once accepted into the program on-going support is provided with the final goal of having a solid business plan and presentation in preparation for funding.

Step 1: Complete application Step 2: Present to a panel Step 3: Receive feedback from panel and official acceptance or denial into program Step 4: Be assigned a mentor Step 5: Create a strategic plan with mentor Step 6: Participate in workshops and networking events while utilizing experts as needed When companies are accepted into the program entrepreneurs can draw upon our large list of experts:

Investors Strategists Lawyers– IP/Corporate Human Resource pros Business Insurance Agents Bookkeeping/Accounting pros Relocation Experts Staffing Professionals Marketing / PR pros Banking Experts Funding Professional Recruiters

Application and Process:

Once we receive your complete application and attachments by email we review all your documents to ensure we have a complete package. You will hear back from our staff within 10 business days.

Often an initial meeting with staff will be requested. If documentation is not complete this will be task one for each company. A date is then set to present to an expert panel. The panel determines if the company officially enters the program. A mentor is chosen to provide coaching and strategic planning. On-going introductions and advice by mentor and others participating in program

Note: Applications are only accepted from local technology entrepreneurs. Applications may be emailed to Ingrid@cleanstart.org or faxed to 916-363-1834 or sent hardcopy to MTI: 5022 Bailey Loop, McClellan, CA 95652