Startup Quest was an entrepreneurship training program for out-of-work, degree holding, professionals.  The program was formed by partnerships and collaborations including FloridaWorks, the University of Florida Office of Technology Licensing, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, 14 entrepreneurs, and 12 investors.

Participants were put into teams with a successful entrepreneur/mentor. The entrepreneur chose a UF technology, and the team created a business plan and pitched their business to 12 investor judges.

 - Investor judges watching the presentations

 

For a full description of the program, click here.

 The data criteria that are being tracked quarterly and yearly include the:

• Number of participants who have become employed
• Number of participants who have become self employed
• Number of companies that have formed as a result of the program
• Amount of investment dollars for startups and expansions
• Number of jobs created from startups
• Existing businesses that hired these participants
• Additional educational attainments

 

 - The winning team

 

Startup Quest in the news: