A New Accelerator in Milwaukee
The Milky Way Tech Hub accelerator is part of Jet Constellations, a Black-woman-led technology company based in Milwaukee, and they’re accepting applications until May 15, 2021.
The Milky Way Tech Hub is a national program aiming to connect tech entrepreneurs with consultants, and local and national industry business leaders. Its goal is to build disruptive and transformative technology companies. Participants of the accelerator will learn how to write a business plan, how to build a powerful case for funding, how to scale their business model, develop collaborative teams, and drive revenue growth.
Founder of Jet Constellations Nadiyah Johnson started the company because she realized that there wasn’t enough effort in striving for diversity and inclusion in Milwaukee’s tech field. Johnson aspires to be the solution.
The accelerator program’s goal is to recognize Milwaukee as a tech ecosystem where Black people and POC can succeed in the industry.
What is the Milky Way Tech Hub?
The Milky Way Tech Hub works with the Milwaukee community to provide workshops, panels, talks, and design thinking sessions. Johnson said she hopes Milwaukee will become the most inclusive tech hub in the nation.
“We have several programs to help Black, Brown, and underrepresented people to make some headway in the startup space,” Johnson said. “It’s vital that we are in the rooms and that our ideas are being monetized. This program helps us be a part of that economy.”
The Milky Way Tech Hub accelerator starts in July and will last for two weeks. By the end of the program, the participants can be offered up to $25,000 to push their ideas to the next level. There will also be experts who will be guiding the participants through workshops and mentorships. Johnson also noted that she added intellectual property to the program.
“What’s common in today’s tech world is that creative individuals have great ideas, but they get swooped into the larger companies. By leveraging intellectual property, it helps to make these smaller startups competitive again,” she said. “This will bring up more topics such as design, creativity, and how to build disruptive products. This will set up startups for success and prepare them for investor conversations.”
Bringing A Spotlight to Milwaukee and Wisconsin
The program is beneficial to not only the participants but also the Milwaukee community as a whole. Johnson wants to emphasize showing the world the works of Black and POC techies. She also wants people in and out of the state to know what exists in Milwaukee’s tech industry and put the state of Wisconsin on the map.
“We plan to stay in touch with participants and follow them on their journey,” Johnson said. “So that we can continue to highlight the work that they are doing. Also, to help them be more visible. Because it’s good for their business, but also for the younger generations to see what’s possible, like the saying goes, ‘You can’t do what you can’t see.’ All of our efforts are for the community.”
For more information and to apply for The Milky Way Tech Hub accelerator, click here.
