Seaworthy Collective was awarded $50,000 in prize money to catalyze relationships and develop Growth Accelerator Partnerships
WASHINGTON– Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Seaworthy Collective as a Stage One winner for the 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. Seaworthy Collective will receive a $50,000 cash prize to build strategic partnerships that will support the launch, growth, and scale of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses.
Seaworthy Collective’s award-winning model will amplify the impact and success of Growth Accelerator Partnerships and will work to foster and facilitate a thriving national ecosystem that advances equitable investment in innovative high growth small businesses. This year’s Competition has brought together organizations, entities, groups, and individuals beyond geographic boundaries to support innovators and innovation needed to confront the challenges of today.
“This investment from the U.S. Small Business Administration reinforces Seaworthy Collective’s vision for accessible and inclusive ecosystem development enabling greater participation in the blue economy both locally in South Florida as well as nationally. Winning the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition doubles down on the federal government’s recognition and support of Seaworthy’s work breaking down barriers for current and aspiring founders from diverse backgrounds in BlueTech and ClimateTech. With the SBA’s support, we’re excited to grow our ecosystem partnerships; intentionally expanding our reach to further mobilize the untapped talent, ideas, and potential of many more “Sea Change Makers” taking the entrepreneurial leap to pursue their passions for ocean and climate impact.” – Daniel Kleinman, Seaworthy Collective Founder & CEO
Winners of Stage One were selected through a multi-tier review panel process with experts in entrepreneurship, business, innovation, and strategic planning both inside and out of the federal government. Applications and pitch videos were reviewed by expert judges submitted by the finalists.
Seaworthy Collective will now compete for an additional $50,000 to $150,000 later this summer. From inequity and climate change, to supporting national defense and community-driven economic prosperity, the real opportunity is now to build up innovation ecosystems and Seaworthy Collective is eager to make an impact.
Stage Two cash prizes will support the “Growth Accelerator Partnerships” to further develop strong innovation ecosystems to fast-track building and scaling of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses. Organizations who were not selected in Stage One, as well as diverse local, regional, and national entities from any sector or location are eligible to connect with Stage One winners to develop partnerships in a bid for Stage Two prizes.
For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit wwww.sbir.gov/accelerators
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About Seaworthy Collective
Seaworthy Collective (501c3) is a Miami-based BlueTech (ocean innovation) entrepreneur support organization and community. Our mission is to enable access and inclusion in innovation for ocean and climate impact. We envision oceans of opportunity without barriers, where everyone can contribute to solutions making positive change for our blue planet. We empower Sea Change Makers – supporting early-stage and aspiring entrepreneurs across diverse backgrounds and impact areas globally – who drive innovation for 71% of the planet (our ocean) to regenerate 100% of the planet.
Learn more at www.SeaworthyCollective.com