By CultureBanx Team
- AcceleratorCON, founded by Esosa Ighodaro, plays a pivotal role, acting as catalysts for startups to foster relationships with accelerator programs that support innovation and fuel economic growth
- The value that startups create is nearly on par with the GDP of a G7 economy
In today’s fast-paced and dynamic global economy, startups are often hailed as the engines of innovation and job creation. They have the potential to disrupt industries, bring fresh ideas to market, and drive economic growth. However, the journey from a fledgling idea to a thriving company is fraught with challenges. This is where experiences like AcceleratorCON, founded by Esosa Ighodaro, plays a pivotal role, acting as catalysts for startups to foster relationships with accelerator programs that support innovation and fuel economic growth.
Why This Matters: Startups are the lifeblood of any economy. They inject vitality and creativity into established industries, create new markets, and drive job creation. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses, including startups, account for 44% of U.S. economic activity. Additionally, they are responsible for creating two-thirds of net new jobs in the United States.
This impact is not only limited to the U.S., startups are driving economic growth in countries around the world. The value that startups create is nearly on par with the GDP of a G7 economy. Success for these companies can be riddled with obstacles, such as access to capital, mentorship, market validation, and scalability. This is where accelerator programs step in to provide critical support.
Collaboration between startup founders and accelerators lead to the creation of new jobs and economic growth, which is exactly what AccleratorCON plans to do when bringing the two sides together in a seamless way. “By supporting startups through mentoring, funding, and resources, accelerators help young companies scale, innovate, and contribute to the broader economy in various ways,” said Ighodaro to CultureBanx.
Essence of Ecosystems: The connection between a robust startup-accelerator ecosystem and economic growth is undeniable. Specifically, the significance of accelerators in the startup ecosystem is underscored by their ability to provide access to capital, mentorship and guidance, validation and growth, along with networking opportunities.
Several successful startups have benefited from accelerator programs. Ighodaro said “companies like Stripe, Reddit, Instacart, Doordash, Cruise Automation, which was eventually acquired by General Motors, all benefited from an accelerator’s support, and look where they are today”. This further cements why AcceleratorCON is needed because of its one-stop shop approach to connecting founders directly with the right Accelerators.
As a serial entrepreneur, Ighodaro is no stranger to the startup ecosystem. Previously she co-founded Black Women Talk Tech, a collective of Black women tech entrepreneurs and professionals creating spaces and breaking barriers for their community. She knows the value accelerator programs can have. “Startups will get valuable exposure and connect with like-minded professionals in the industry. There will be mentorship sessions with industry experts, and potential investors who can help take a business to the next level.”
What’s Next: Cultivating a strong startup and accelerator ecosystem is not just about supporting small businesses, it’s about fueling economic growth and driving innovation. Startups and accelerators create a symbiotic relationship where startups receive critical support, while economies benefit from increased job creation, innovation, and economic diversification. The bridge building between startups and accelerators at AcceleratorCON kicks off on September 29.
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