We are one step closer to finding an operator to run Glendale’s city-funded business accelerator program. During a special session on Tuesday, the city council gave the Economic Development Division permission to move forward with a request for proposal (RFP).

The RFP will help the city find an operator to launch a tech startup accelerator. The purpose of the accelerator will be to support new companies in Glendale through mentorship, networking, investment opportunities, and office space. California is helping propel the initiative with a million dollars in funding, which will go to the operator over a three-year term.

Councilmember Paula Devine spoke about the significance of the accelerator program, saying that it represented an excellent opportunity to support Glendale’s economy.

“It is important to get local talent into a net and grow it and help it succeed,” said Devine.

Businesses who want to operate the accelerator program can respond to the RFP January of 2020.

The RFP is a big step in a journey that started back in 2016 with the first Glendale Tech Week. The now annual city-organized, week-long event shows the city’s commitment to growing the tech sector. Each year, thousands of members of the tech community attend the event. It has been our privilege to sponsor the event every year since its inception.

We will continue to support the city’s tech endeavors, and it is our goal to help with the accelerator program in any way we can.