RICHMOND, Va. — Fourteen companies that sprouted from Virginia Commonwealth University’s entrepreneurial support program have earned more than $1 million in the year since it launched.
The three-month program, which operates as part of the Founder’s Corner coworking space, provides VCU students with a $5,000 stipend and mentoring from Richmond-area entrepreneurs. The latest session occurred during VCU’s spring semester, with six area entrepreneurs mentoring nine student companies.
Since launching in 2015, 16 student teams have completed the pre-accelerator program. Fourteen of the teams formed companies, creating 29 full- or part-time jobs and bringing just over $1 million in revenue, grants and investments. Ten of the companies have generated revenue so far, and the program is halfway through its third iteration.
Participants included an online sneaker seller, a gourmet mushroom supplier, a maternity clothing designer and a medical equipment donation marketplace.
