VentureGarden Athens: The accelerator of business ideas starts its 22nd cycle in October
Applications for the 22nd round of the VentureGarden Athens program have begun, which contributes to the cultivation of entrepreneurship, providing valuable skills but also guidance to the participants and participants. Specifically, the program is an accelerator of early stage business ideas (idea accelerator) which is provided free of charge by Alba Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece and implemented by Alba Hub for Entrepreneurship and Development (AHEAD), Alba’s entrepreneurship hub. VentureGarden Athens starts the courses of the 22nd cycle on October 7, 2024, while applications to participate in the program can be submitted until September 8, 2024.
The business idea accelerator is designed for people with a passion for entrepreneurship who aspire to start their own business or to develop an already existing and is aimed at people with vision and dedication who wish to join a supportive community of entrepreneurs with similar thought. It is worth mentioning that the program focuses first on the individual and then on the idea, recognizing the dynamic nature of the business ecosystem. Participants benefit from hands-on learning through targeted training and mentoring and become part of a vibrant alumni community, ensuring ongoing support and networking opportunities. VentureGarden Athens is inclusive and addresses everyone, regardless of age, orientation, origin or background, thus fostering a collaborative environment where mutual support and development flourish.
VentureGarden is VentureGardeners and their unique stories. The program community is a vibrant group of ambitious individuals who want to make a difference and achieve their ambitions. As VentureGarden approaches its 11th year, the diverse achievements of participants underscore the program’s profound impact. But VentureGarden is not only about starting ventures but also about the unique narratives of everyone’s ambitions. Through personalized education, mentoring and strong community support, these stories are enabled to blossom into successful ventures. VentureGarden is the personal journeys and achievements of young entrepreneurs cultivating collaboration, development and utilizing the full potential of their skills and tools.
The impact of the program is also reflected in a recent survey, according to which, from 2014 until today, 161 new businesses and 429 jobs have been created by graduates of VentureGarden Athens and Heraklion, while there has been funding of 5,622,300 euros.
The VentureGarden Program
VentureGarden starts with intensive 5-week business idea development training. After the completion of the training participants are selected who will continue with mentoring lasting 3 months. The program is implemented in Greek and will take place with a physical presence on the premises of the Alba Graduate Business School (Xenias 6-8).
Already since the start of the program in February 2014, for VentureGarden Athens 2038 participation applications have been submitted, of which 531 were selected to attend the previous cycles of the program. During the 21 total cycles that have been implemented in Athens, the participants attended a total of 608 hours of lessons. 108 presenters and mentors have provided support, enabling participants to turn their business creativity into tangible results, while to date, 2,350 hours of supportive coaching have been provided. To 60% of the participants are women, with the average age being 34 years.
Finally, free participation in VentureGarden Athens is ensured by its supporters. The Founding National Donor is The Hellenic Initiative and at the local level it is supported by EMA S.A. and the Grow with Google initiative.
Anyone interested in attending VentureGarden Athens can fill out their participation application until September 8, here. The number of positions is limited and there will be an evaluation process for the selection of candidates.