Bizdom Begins Nationwide Search for Aspiring Entrepreneurs to Launch Tech Start-Ups in Detroit and Cleveland

DETROIT, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Entrepreneurship accelerator Bizdom is on the hunt for the next generation of businesses. Bizdom is accepting applications for its April 2012 accelerator session, a three month program that mentors and funds aspiring entrepreneurs to launch and grow successful tech-based start-ups in Detroit and Cleveland.

"Bizdom is looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to be successful entrepreneurs," said Bizdom CEO Ross Sanders. "The ideal candidate has an idea or early stage start-up that is web or tech-based, scalable, and can get to beta, prototype or first customer within three months."

Launched in 2007 by Quicken Loans Founder and Chairman, and Cleveland Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert, the nonprofit Bizdom was conceived to create a thriving, entrepreneurial core of tech-based start-up businesses in the downtowns of Detroit and Cleveland.

Upon completion of a comprehensive application process and acceptance into the three month program, Bizdom invests up to $25,000 in seed funding in the start-up in exchange for eight percent equity. This provides entrepreneurs with the initial seed funding to build their product or service, market it to customers, and grow the business to a scale that merits further investment.

Throughout the three month accelerator, each startup receives intense mentorship and guidance from numerous experts in the area of sales, marketing and technology from Quicken Loans' extensive network and family of companies. At the end of the three months, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch investors for the funding necessary to take their business to the next level.

"Bizdom is a nonprofit that uses the proceeds from its share of ownership in the businesses to sustain its operations and seed future Detroit and Cleveland-based startups. Entrepreneurs are provided with a cool and collaborative workspace," said Sanders.  

The application deadline for joining Bizdom's April 2012 accelerator session is March 23, 2012 for Detroit and Cleveland.  Entrepreneurs interested in getting more information or applying can visit www.bizdom.com or contact the respective Bizdom location:

About Bizdom:
Bizdom is a three month full-time entrepreneurship accelerator located in Detroit, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio. Launched by Quicken Loans Inc. Founder and Chairman and Cleveland Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert in January 2007, the goal of the program is to create an entrepreneurial hub of tech-based start-ups in the cities of Detroit and Cleveland.  Bizdom provides entrepreneurs with intense mentorship and guidance from top business, sales, marketing and technology experts many of which come from Quicken Loans' extensive network and family of companies. Upon acceptance into the program, Bizdom invests up to $25,000, which provides entrepreneurs with the funding they need to build their product or service to a scale that merits further investment.   At the end of the three months, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to pitch to investors for the necessary funding to take their business to the next level.  Entrepreneurs also are provided with a collaborative, workspace while in the program. Bizdom, a non-profit, maintains a minority share of ownership in each business, using its share of the proceeds to fund future technology based start-ups in these cities.  For more information, visit www.Bizdom.com.

SOURCE Bizdom