Cache Valley Entrepreneurs Get a Boost

Entrepreneurs in the Cache Valley have a new resource. Grow Utah Ventures has opened an “E-Station” on the campus of Utah State University. The center provides office space, electronics and mentoring for businesses that are accepted to the program.

“Lack of knowledge is a major hurdle in terms of moving a bright idea down the road. A lot of people have good ideas and what they really need is that mentoring and coaching,” says T. Craig Bott, President and CEO of Grow Utah Ventures. “We want to nurture them and bring them along. This e-station is building on the success of our Ogden and Kaysville e-station’s, where that success has made a difference.”

The station is primarily focused on working with businesses that spin out of Utah State University. But, the program is open to other businesses in the Cache Valley as well. Bott says the companies selected to participate will be a select group. “We’re looking for businesses that have a potential for high growth. Those are the ones that, as they stay in Cache Valley, they’ll really benefit that community with higher paying jobs and increased wages.”

The businesses that are selected for the e-station get more than high quality office space and access to technology. “On the program side, we tie them into the Grow Utah Ventures network, which includes our mentors, advisors, training, coaching, expertise in sales and marketing and assistance to help with capital,” says Bott. Those are all things that entrepreneurs need at that early stage. It’s really all about getting well connected and that coaching, advice and assistance early on so it can make a difference.”

Interested businesses can apply online at the Grow Utah Ventures website.

Utah Pulse's Bryan Schott speaks with T. Craig Bott of Grow Utah Ventures about the Cache Valley E-Station