Next Application Deadline: March 14th
Next Start Date: March 23rd
More information: thebridgeaccelerator@t-hub.mx
12 week-rigorous training program designed for existing successful companies in the el Paso del Norte region (El paso, Texas-Ciudad Juarez, Mex).
Next Application Deadline: March 14th
Next Start Date: March 23rd
About The Bridge Accelerator
What we do
The Bridge Accelerator Program was created with the goal of expanding connections between local supplier companies and manufacturers/maquiladoras in the Paso del Norte region. The Juarez – El Paso region has one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing output in North America. However, according to data from SIDE and COPARMEX, only 2% of current suppliers contributing to the region’s $39 billion USD manufacturing supply chain are locally based. We view this as a unique opportunity to create economic and collaborative growth through connecting and developing local talent with larger regional manufacturers.
Including figures from last year’s cohort up through the first quarter of 2020, The Bridge Accelerator’s total value to date is USD $4million in sales and 108 new jobs created.
After completing The Bridge Accelerator program, our alumni companies join the Binational Founders Network (BFN). A lifelong peer mentorship and support network in El Paso, Texas; Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; and the Paso del Norte region, the BFN facilitates long-term professional relationships through our programs and events and provides promotion through a marketing partnership with Technology HUB.
The Bridge Accelerator’s rigorous 12-week development program is designed for existing successful companies with high growth potential and proven capabilities, providing them with the mentoring and assistance they need to further scale their businesses.
Program content includes:
All our participants compete for a $10,000 USD prize in seed capital awarded on Demo Day.
The Bridge Accelerator is possible due to major financial support from Microsoft TechSpark Program.
In partnership with:
Additional support for the program comes from:
The Bridge Accelerator is committed to training 75 companies in six cohorts over the next three years, with the goal of these companies receiving at least $7.5 million in new
purchase orders and creating 200 new jobs. Technology Hub in Juarez and Pioneers 21 in El Paso are fostering an innovation economy in the Paso del Norte region by nurturing the next generation of businesses and entrepreneurs. Programs such as The Bridge Accelerator help create the collaborative networks that empower an innovation ecosystem, grow businesses, and add high-value jobs. Our geographic location on both sides of the U.5. - Mexico border gives us a unique advantage to achieve these goals.
As a business accelerator, we take pride in being able to contribute to our community of entrepreneurs as a non-profit entity. To ensure the sustainability of the program, we don't ask for any share or ownership in your company as equity--we are not a stockholder. Our only request is a 5% commission of the additional sales or new contracts which are generated by our management efforts. Currently, The Bridge Accelerator registration is available at the extremely discounted rate of $2,500 per company due to generous support from our sponsors. The 5% commission of the additional sales or new business will be supported by a tax deductible donation receipt and will ensure that
our accelerator program remains alive and affordable for coming generations of entrepreneurs.
Our management team and board of directors is committed to continue working with potential partners and sponsors, if you would like to become one, please reach out to us at (915-727-2323) or info@tb-xl.com
Thank you,
The Bridge Accelerator Organizing Committee
Former Chief Technologist and Director of Business Ideation at Ricoh Innovations Corporation.
Former Regional Technology for Social Impact Coordinator for Microsoft Philanthropies Latin America and Corporate Citizenship Growth hacker.
Creative Specialist, California Polytechnic State University, Author of “The Frye Show” Podcast.
Former Director of Supply Chain at Procter & Gamble and Former Vice President of Supply Chain at SCA
Senior Consultant World Bank Group Board Member at Enture Capital, consulting firm endorsed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Innovation Director for Bosch, HP and Caterpillar
The Bridge Accelerator has a goal to foster economic growth by nurturing the next generation of local businesses & suppliers and expanding their connections to compete in a globalized marketplace.
So far The Bridge Accelerator program has facilitated $11.27 million USD in sales for participating companies, helped create 254 new jobs within the region, and assisted to achieve $540,000 USD in realized investment and $530,000 USD in pending equity investments. The impact is clear, yet we are only beginning.
The Bridge Accelerator is a collaboration between Technology Hub in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and Pioneers21 in El Paso, Texas. As one of Mexico’s premier innovation communities, Technology Hub in Ciudad Juarez brings together industry, innovative startups, and trendsetters under one roof. In El Paso, Pioneers21 helps entrepreneurs and companies launch and grow through coaching, targeted networking and connections to investors, technical assistance, and expertise.
Representatives from Consulate General of the United States in Ciudad Juárez and TECMA Group.
Medical Center of the Americas and Saba Investments.
Purchasing departments from manufacturing industry during pitch session.
Ricardo Mora, CEO Technology HUB.
Pitching session.
Solutions Tools, one of The Bridge participating companies during pitch session.
TAMUSE, one of The Bridge participating companies during pitch session.
PIMA, one of The Bridge participating companies during pitch session.
One on one meetings.
Hosting The Bridge.
Solutions Tools and TECMA closing a purchase order.
Global Containers and Custom Packaging winning the $25,000 prize.
PIMA – One on one meetings.
Global Containers and Custom Packaging, winner of the 1st cohort The Bridge Accelerator.
First cohort The Bridge Accelerator.
Staff Technology HUB and 1st cohort The Bridge Accelerator.
Staff and 1st cohort with Microsoft team.
Representatives from Bosch JP1 Juárez and Technology HUB.
Strengthening supply chain
Closer product distribution
Higher efficiency and productivity
Access to regional vendors
Talent development
Industry connections
Access to capital
New business opportunities
Together, Ciudad Juarez and El Paso constitute one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing in North America. This regional marketplace creates big business opportunities for SMEs and businesses capable of supplying goods and services for manufacturers in the region. Furthermore, we believe that by increasing the technical skills, business expertise, and innovation capabilities of business ventures in this region, we can create the necessary momentum for local suppliers to take part in the global marketplace. At The Bridge Accelerator program, we are confident that our position in the El Paso-Juarez border region provides unique opportunities that build our community up rather than hinder our progress.
Small and medium sized businesses in the El Paso-Juarez and Chihuahua region that have been incorporated for more than 2 years and have experience in supplying at least one large manufacturing company. 1-3 owners and/or members of the company’s executive staff will be expected to participate in the program.
There is a one-time registration fee of $2,500 USD (tax deductible expense) which covers all program materials and sessions. This fee is heavily discounted from actual program costs thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.
Benefits of our program include:
Expert talent development
Invaluable network of industry connections
Access to venture seed capital
Increased local business opportunities
Learning innovation and technology trends
Connecting to a network of peers, customers, mentors, and industry investors
Rethinking business models and growth strategies
Developing storytelling and marketing techniques
Membership in the Binational Founders Network upon program completion
Participating companies also compete for a first-place prize of $25,000 USD in seed capital, awarded on Demo Day.
Our program is unique in the world of business accelerators!
1. Unlike many accelerators, our program is specialized for established supply chain companies in the El Paso-Juarez region, looking to support entrepreneurs that already have traction and proven capabilities in the region.
2. Also unique to our program is our built-in connections: leading manufacturers in the region have been part of The Bridge Accelerator program design and are eager to build business relationships with suppliers that complete the program.
3. Perhaps most importantly, we are a uniquely binational accelerator. Participating companies are based on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border in a collaborative way that is not possible in other locations.
The program is 12 weeks of virtual (online) training sessions. If selected, your company will commit to 1-3 executive staff participants attending sessions twice a week, as well as attendance at the end-of-program Demo Day event.
Our program is designed to be delivered primarily in-person in both Juarez and El Paso locations. However, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we are running the program entirely online. The exception to this virtual learning experience will be an kickoff event for the beginning of our cohort and Demo Day at the close of the program, both of which will have in-person attendance.
Yes, passports are a must. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sessions for the next cohort are planned to be entirely virtual; however, depending on when safety restrictions are lifted, some workshops may take place either Ciudad Juarez or El Paso. Participants from your company need to be able to cross the border back and forth between Mexico and the United States.
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