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Entrepreneurship Development
Lowell Entrepreneurship Assistance Program (LEAP)
Launched in 2017, the Lowell Entrepreneurship Assistance Program (LEAP) is a partnership between the City of Lowell and the Capital Network (TCN), which provides financial and technical support to early stage start-ups and entrepreneurs. TCN is a non-profit (501c3) organization that provides practical, hands-on education and personalized mentoring to help early stage entrepreneurs master the entire funding process and successfully raise seed capital and beyond.
LEAP offers eligible Lowell-based applicants with a free six-month membership to The Capital Network (TCN), during which time, entrepreneurs will learn valuable fundraising and pitch best practices as well as get exposure to real investors.
Availability is limited and applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Eligibility Requirements
This program is funded through the Community Block Grant Program (CDBG) / U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Must be an early stage entrepreneur or start-up in the following fields: high-tech, life-sciences, nanotechnology, environmental, engineering, or consumer products; and
- Must live in Lowell, or work in Lowell at/operate out of one of the following locations: UMass Lowell Innovation Hub; M2D2; EforAll; Lowell Makes; New Vestures; Mill no. 5; other Lowell-based incubators, maker spaces, or co-working spaces not listed here; and
- The job(s) created and/or retained are held by individuals falling within these income guidelines.
If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact City of Lowell Economic Development Office, at (978) 674-1435 or via email Maria Dickinson.
For more information on TCN's programming, please contact Marie Meslin, Executive Director, The Capital Network, at (781) 591-0291 or email Marie Meslin.