Startups

Stepping Back To Move Forward: Practical Strategies for Healthier Startup Cultures

Founder mental health isn’t a peripheral issue. It’s a critical factor in startup outcomes.

Creative Funding Sources for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs: Interview With Brian Kerns

Aspire mentor Kerns advises that creative founders turn over all rocks when pursuing funding—exploring federal, state, and local options as well as accelerators, incubators, and assistance programs.

Five Essential (and Mostly Free!) IP Resources Every Innovator Should Know About

By Megan Aanstoos What do Broaster Chicken, “Shake It Off,” and the Sexy Illusions Push-Up Bra have in common? They are all products protected by…

The Impact of Angel Investing: Interview with Anne Maghas

After successfully founding three companies, Maghas realized she had valuable insights to share with other founders, particularly those facing similar challenges, as Black women in the innovation and entrepreneurship space.

It Takes An Innovation Ecosystem To Grow a Student Entrepreneur

Angel Teagle was a student at Elizabeth City State University with an idea that would become Car Seat Companion. An ecosystem of resources helped him grow into an entrepreneur.

Mentorship Makes the Difference for Aspire Participants

A transformative part of the Aspire program is the networking, peer-to-peer learning, guidance, and expertise participants receive from working directly with mentors.