Fearless’ biz incubator has a name, and apps are open for the 2020 cohort

Fearless, the Spark Baltimore-based digital services firm, is accepting applications for Hutch, a 12-month program providing mentorship and resources for local entrepreneurs.

Hutch is essentially an expansion of Fearless’ soft-launched business incubator, which was instituted in January of 2019.  It’s a unique example of a company forming an incubator within its walls. The civic tech-minded company is aiming to help like-minded companies grow, with an eye toward creating a pipeline of potential future partners. Plus, early mentorship through bwtech@UMBC’s incubator and the DoD Mentor-Protege program helped it grow.

Now, Fearless looks to build upon that model following positive results from this year’s cohort.

“This has been an amazing first year with the cohort,” Fearless CEO Delali Dzirasa said in a press release. “We’re working with folks who came in and didn’t even have a business name, and they are now getting revenue within their first year.”

For young entrepreneurs, a good mentor can be the difference between success and failure.

We're hosting our first Hutch info session tomorrow at @sparkbmore. Register todayhttps://t.co/EBiYiFTO1L#IamFearless #bmoretech #baltimore pic.twitter.com/T0BkeMQ5bK

— Fearless (@fearlessbmore) November 5, 2019

For 10 entrepreneurs who are accepted, Hutch will include monthly daylong sessions along with one-on-one mentoring opportunities. The program also provides the chance to build long-term relationships with fellow attendees and potential partnership with Fearless.

In order to be eligible, you must be the founder or highest ranking officer of a Baltimore-based business, your business must work in the digital services sector or public sector and your business must have a community component and give back to Baltimore in some way.

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 22. Accepted applicants will be notified by Dec. 9, and tuition fees of $2,000 are due on Jan. 2, 2020.