Need room to grow? CIC is seeking local startups for its 35for75 program

The Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), based out of 3675 Market St., is opening applications up for another cohort of its 36for75 program, which will house local startups for 75 days while they grow, and encourage collaboration between local entrepreneurs.

The 2020 campaign started earlier this year, and had to go virtual when the pandemic hit Philadelphia. CIC remained open for its clients who were engaged in COVID-19 research, and in June, reopened to others with new safety protocols. CIC extended the program three more months to give additional time to the 2020 cohort to connect with each other and collaborate.

For the 2021 cohort, CIC is seeking out 36 “life-altering, risk-taking entrepreneurs” who need a safe workspace and support. Entrepreneurs who are from underrepresented communities and industries that are not already represented by CIC clients (like foodtech, fintech, software developers and international companies) are especially encouraged to apply.

“Philadelphia is a majority minority city, yet people of color continue to be underrepresented in tech, business, education and the leadership pipeline,” CIC Philadelphia Director Sally Guzik said in a statement. “COVID-19 has slowed momentum for all entrepreneurs. Given the significant opportunity gap that already existed for minority VC-funded ventures and the disproportionate way the pandemic affected Black, Latinx and low-income communities, supporting these small businesses should be a very real concern for all Philadelphia leaders.”

The 2020 cohort formed already acted-on connections, CIC said. Black-owned food delivery startup Black and Mobile’s founders Aaron and David Cabello met fellow cohort member Nicodemus Madehdou at this year’s opening breakfast. The three collaborated, and Madehdou’s dev shop, JumpButton Studio, released the new Black and Mobile app this summer.

“We’ve found that by creating a curated cohort of companies which represent diverse industries with their own diverse backgrounds, the cohort is more successful,” Guzik said. “Competition isn’t what drives the success of the model, but rather collaboration. Each year, we’re most proud of our work when companies share what they were able to accomplish together.”

Applications are open through Nov. 30, and interested entrepreneurs must make a one-minute video responding to one of three different prompts addressing their business idea, network or commitment to Philadelphia. Chosen entrepreneurs will receive full CIC membership for 75 days including access to wellness and concierge services, conference rooms, fully stocked kitchens and programing and networking opportunities.

The 2021 programming will be a mix of in-person and virtual, 36for75 Manager Minna Hyon said.

“Rather than being reactive as we had to be this year, our programming will involve opportunities to connect in different ways that are more intentional,” Hyon said. “This cohort will also benefit from and be able to tap into the enhanced community relationships we built this year in reaction to the crisis.”