CSUF Startup Incubator
The CSUF Startup Incubator is hosted by California State University, Fullerton to help entrepreneurs launch their business concepts. Our focus is on helping entrepreneurs learn how to bootstrap, or self-fund, their business’ launch with a lean startup methodology. Every entrepreneur, even those without a direct connection to Cal State Fullerton, is welcomed.
The process begins with an application and a series of meetings with CSUF Startup Incubator staff to determine the best course of action for the entrepreneur. Once an entrepreneur has been accepted into the CSUF Startup Incubator they become what we call a Resident and the real work begins.
Every six month residency (extendible at the discretion of the Resident) starts out with an all hands meeting that includes CSUF Startup Incubator staff, the Resident and their team, and the Startup Coach, who is chosen from our pool of 600+ mentors based on their applicable skills and compatibility with the Resident and their startup. At this meeting a detailed Startup Plan is created that is designed to accomplish the Resident’s goals, which usually include: launch, determining marketing strategy, creation of a business plan, development of a startup team, and/or many other outcomes.
Over the course of the next six months or more, the Resident will have frequent, often weekly, meetings with their Startup Coach along with additional meetings with CSUF Startup Incubator staff to monitor progress made on the Startup Plan. Additionally, each Resident is paired with a CSUF Consulting team to help in the development of a strategy that advances a specific part of the Startup Plan; for example, the creation of a business plan or market analysis.
Every Resident is invited to participate in a quarterly Startup Review. At Startup Reviews, Residents present the progress they have made and their plans for continued development, including the potential for an ask for investment in the Resident’s startup, to a panel that consists of a combination of investors, bankers, lawyers, successful entrepreneurs, and/or other members of the CSUF Startup community. These Startup Reviews serve as a great way to get feedback and to make connections with powerful members of the CSUF Startup community.
Upon graduation from the CSUF Startup Incubator, Residents will have made tremendous progress in launching their businesses. Six months is an aggressive schedule but we are confident that is enough time for our Residents to internalize the lean startup fundamentals that we use to develop each Startup Plan. And while we do focus on bootstrapping we know that every startup is unique and that some startups will need capital from investors such as the Titan Angels, Tech Coast Angels, or another angel or VC funding source. For those fast growth startups, we help them prepare to raise capital and can make introductions to funding sources.
Are you ready to start your business?
If you have any questions please contact us at csufentrepreneurship@fullerton.edu