Mentoring Programs

The mentoring programs offered by TRDA are specifically developed to serve technology entrepreneur and companies that are located throughout Florida. 

Incubation Mentorship Program – companies that decide to locate within the TRDA Business Innovation Center in Melbourne have ongoing access to our onsite Executives-In-Residence (EIR)  and the TRDA Emerging Business Network (EBN) professionals. Incubator clients meet regularly with an EIR on business planning, financing strategies, customer acquisition and development of financial forecasts. The EIR will also broker introductions to member of the TRDA Emerging Business Network as needed. Additionally, TRDA incubation clients receive discounts on TRDA educational programs, and have unlimited access to TRDA meeting rooms. Cost is dependent on the size of space leased.

Affiliate Incubator Mentorship Program – this option is appropriate for companies that do not need to lease space at the TRDA Business Innovation Center or that may be located outside of the Space Coast region.  Affiliate clients have unlimited access to our Executives-In-Residence and Emerging Business Network, and can schedule business meetings in our facilities as needed. Affiliate clients also receive discounts on educational programs. Cost is $350 per month, and requires a one-year commitment.

A La Carte Mentoring Programs – the following programs are available either in person or virtually for Florida-based technology entrepreneurs. These programs begin with an interview with one of our on-staff Executives-In-Residence, who will help determine which program best fits your needs. Each program lasts for two months, during which the entrepreneur is assigned a team of experts to help teach, mentor and provide feedback on the specific topic. Cost per program is $750.

• Stage 1: Innovation to Business – Do you have a great idea, patent or innovative discovery? This program is for engineers, faculty, students or entrepreneurs that have a great idea or technology, but are not sure how to determine the business potential of their concepts. Participants are taught how to conduct basic research to identify potential markets, competitors, and barriers to commercialization. In addition, participants are introduced to business models and financing mechanisms that have the best potential for their products or services. Finally, participants are advised on strategies for securing licenses or intellectual property that may be required to launch a technology company and attract investors.
• Stage 2: Business Plan Development – This program is for entrepreneurs that are interested in learning how to develop a business plan that is attractive to investors. While there are many business plan development tools available, this program helps participants understand what information to include, market and competitive research, how to position your company, and red flags that investors look for.
• Stage 3: Financial Pro Forma Development – Financial statements are often one of the most intimidating tasks in planning a new business venture. In addition, investors and banks require detailed financial forecasts (pro forma statements) that are based on realistic financial assumptions. This program walks entrepreneurs through the development of appropriate business models and translates these models into realistic financial statements that are based on solid financial assumptions.
• Stage 4: Investor Pitch Preparation – So you have a solid business plan with a product and team that is ready to go. Yet to get the attention of investors and customers, you need to be able to present your company in ten minutes or less. This program teaches entrepreneurs best practices in investor presentations and elevator pitches. In addition to developing a strong presentation, participants are able to present to a mock investor panel to help prepare them for live investor presentations.