Startup Lakewood Helps Bring New Ideas to Life
New program launches to help Lakewood residents catalyze business ideas

The City of Lakewood announced today the launch of Startup Lakewood, a new initiative geared to help Lakewood residents bring their business ideas to life. Startup Lakewood will be overseen by Mike Belsito.

“Startup Lakewood is an important new program,” stated Mayor Michael P. Summers. “Our future economic vitality depends on our ability to nurture and grow entrepreneurial enterprises. Startup Lakewood is a valuable resource to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable business opportunity.”

Startup Lakewood will produce programming and events that will be open to all Lakewood residents, but will be especially beneficial to those that have ideas for new products or businesses, yet need additional support and resources to bring their idea to life.

“Often times, the hardest part of starting a business is getting started,” says Mike Belsito, Startup Lakewood’s Director of Ideation. “Our goal is to help individuals move along their ideas and provide them with resources that can be helpful in getting started.”

Startup Lakewood will launch with two specific components:

Ideation Sessions: Focused brainstorm sessions where Lakewood residents can openly discuss their ideas with Belsito, special guests, and other soon-to-be entrepreneurs. These sessions will take place bi-weekly at varying locations, and are free and open to the public. Ideation Sessions will be held on March 10 and March 17 at 6:00 PM at Bela Dubby, 13321 Madison Avenue.

Startup U: Programming relevant to soon-to-be entrepreneurs looking to turn ideas into real businesses. Each Startup U session will be hosted by Belsito and will feature various entrepreneurial stakeholders. These programs will take place monthly at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design and are free and open to the public. The first Startup U will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 PM at Virginia Marti, 11724 Detroit Avenue. The topic will be Resources for New Entrepreneurs.

Startup Lakewood is a collaborative effort between the City of Lakewood, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, LakewoodAlive and Pillars of Lakewood.

For more information on Startup Lakewood, visit www.startuplakewood.com.

# # #