Nonprofit coding bootcamp Zip Code Wilmington made its share of pivots in 2020, from going all-virtual to partnering with the state for the Rapid Workforce Training and Redeployment Initiative.
But with many companies slowing or even halting the hiring of new junior developers due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that graduates should learn entrepreneurship skills as well as coding skills so they can start their own businesses if — by choice or necessity — they go that route.
The Zip Code TECHPRENEUR Incubator Pilot and Certification Trainer program launched last fall, funded by a CARES Act Innovation Grant.
“The priority for [the CARES Innovation Grant] grant was that it would increase regional tech impact, create jobs and attract new companies or talent to the region,” Zip Code Executive Director Desa Burton told Technical.ly in November. “They were looking for something new and innovative that can help push New Castle County forward beyond COVID-19 — not just put a band-aid on the recovery, but to help us really push ourselves forward in tech.”
Like Zip Code’s traditional bootcamps, TECHNPRENEUR involved 12 weeks of intensive training in software development, but with an extra layer of business and entrepreneurship training. Graduates will then continue with Zip Code via an incubator to help them grow, supporting the tech community in Delaware beyond the talent pipeline.
On Monday, June 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the inaugural class of TECHPRENEURS will present their startup concepts on Facebook Live during a virtual demo day. This event is free and open to the public.
RSVP here
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