POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (October 17, 2019) – Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) announced the addition of Accel7, Hudson Valley Startup Fund and Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz to Advisory Board membership in the organization. They will work with HVEDC to partner on small business incubation, business mentoring, access to capital and entrepreneurship in the Hudson Valley, including startup acceleration.
The board membership will be represented by Danny Potocki, Managing Director of Accel7, and Johnny LeHane, a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of the Hudson Valley Startup Fund.
The three organizations – Accel7, Hudson Valley Startup Fund and Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz – have been leading entrepreneurial initiatives in the Hudson Valley. In partnership with HVEDC, these organizations will work toward a more united and concerted effort from municipalities, private venture, service providers and colleges to attract and retain startup founders and operational teams that can grow these companies in the Hudson Valley.
“Our three organizations bring an energy and driving power in the hyper-local Hudson Valley region and there are unique value points that we bring to the table for HVEDC and its members,” Potocki said. “We enthusiastically look forward to working with the board on entrepreneurship projects throughout the area for years to come.”
“The HVEDC board is made up of leaders and organizations that have been focused on strengthening the emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Hudson Valley,” LeHane said. “We are excited that HVEDC sees the importance of supporting, fostering and growing the startup ecosystem as a vital component of the long-term success of the Hudson Valley economically and culturally.”
There are scalable startups already making the choice to grow in or come to the Hudson Valley, but Accel7, Hudson Valley Startup Fund, Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz and HVEDC will work together to call on municipalities, investors and colleges to work together with entrepreneurs as they launch and grow early businesses in the Hudson Valley region.
“It is very important for HVEDC to have an advisory board membership in the area of entrepreneurship,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of HVEDC. “Having these three organizations as a partner to lead entrepreneurship efforts is great news for anyone interested in creating and growing a business from the ground up. Their expertise and assistance in all facets will be invaluable to both our board and to the people of the Hudson Valley.”
Accel7
Accel7 is a nonprofit organization focused on entrepreneur and economic growth in the Hudson Valley. It currently has an office in Rhinebeck, NY, and is opening an office in New Rochelle, NY, in November. Accel7 offers programs geared towards enabling entrepreneurs to launch their first product or service or grow their existing business, including a three-month cohort program for startup founders, 10-week bootcamp for emerging and existing entrepreneurs, and a growth group for later-stage companies in need of strategy and business development support. To learn more, visit www.accel7.org
Hudson Valley Startup Fund
Hudson Valley Startup Fund is a member-managed seed capital fund, comprised of successful business and community leaders who invest time and resources to support the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The fund provides seed funding, mentorship and connections for local entrepreneurs, while delivering investment returns to our members. We are a catalyst to strengthen the path for entrepreneurs in the region, and support a vibrant, thriving local economy. To learn more, visit www.hvstartupfund.com
Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz
The Hudson Valley Venture Hub is a strategic community engagement initiative of the SUNY New Paltz School of Business. Its mission is to be a highly valued resource hub for the Hudson Valley, connecting the currently fragmented entrepreneurial ecosystem, and acting as a catalyst for creative collisions, communication and collaboration. Its vision is that the Hudson Valley will become a recognized, vibrant entrepreneurial community that attracts and retains fundable, high-growth ventures that generate jobs and other economic and community benefits.
The Hub encourages and supports entrepreneurs of all types across the Hudson Valley, including SUNY New Paltz and other Hudson Valley college student entrepreneurs, to enhance the entrepreneurial journey for all. To learn more, visit www.newpaltz.edu/schoolofbusiness/hvventurehub
