When it comes to the world of tech startups, there are any number of startup accelerators from which to choose. But what about other types of creative industries? Where are the accelerators for those startups? Well, here in Oregon, we’re working to do our part to help those other industries. With Oregon Story Board.
Story Board is designed to help startups in the world of digital storytelling. What’s that mean? Well, it’s purposefully nebulous. But it revolves around companies that employ technology in new and interesting ways to enhance interaction. And to startup conversations and create connections.
In its inaugural class, for example, the accelerator helped everything from filmmakers to video game developers to a company that has created an entirely new platform for funding creative projects.
Sound interesting? Well, you’re in luck. Applications for the next class are currently open.
Whoa whoa whoa. Kinda jumped right to the close there. What do participants get out of the program?
In addition to funding, Oregon Story Board will provide access to industry executives and mentors to help businesses create the future of digital storytelling and build great companies of their own. Oregon Story Board will also support companies with facilities, visibility, and proactive engagement around business opportunities that emerge from the program. We’ll provide the opportunity to pitch to angel investors, venture capitalists, industry influentials, press, and the public during our end-of-program Demo Day.
Got other questions? I’m sure you do. And OSB has a great FAQ to help.
There. Now, you see? Have a project in mind? Cool. Then maybe, you might think about potentially sharing your awesome idea by applying for the accelerator. Please. Pretty please?
And get on it. They’re due around May 8, 2015, before the stroke of midnight.
But wait… there’s more
Oregon Story Board has had an incredible board member turned interim executive director in Jenny Moede, who prior to OSB was an executive at Waggener Edstrom. While it was never part of the organization’s plan to transition her to a permanent role, she held the interim tenure longer than most. Primarily because the organization felt it was important that the interim director remain in the role throughout the course of the accelerator class—to prevent any unnecessary disruption to the startups and their growth.
But now, it is time for that her to shed the interim executive director title, return to serving as an OSB board member, and take on her new role as the CEO of local agency, Citizen.
Citizen Names Jenny Moede As CEO from Citizen Inc. on Vimeo.
And while Citizen gains an awesome leader, that means there is a vacancy at the top of an organization that has an extremely strong foundation and plenty of room to grow.
So if you love the concept of digital storytelling and you love working with startups, this could be a super interesting role for you.
Details on the Oregon Story Board executive director role are over on the job board. Applications for that position are due May 3, 2015.
For more information, visit Oregon Story Board.
[Full disclosure: I am the cofounder of Oregon Story Board. And I am an active advisor and mentor for the project. So that means if you fill out either application, you’re going to likely wind up dealing with me at some point. I know, I know. There’s always a downside.]
