NYSERDA recognizes a need for executive level mentoring and management advice for start-up, seed, and early-stage clean energy companies in New York State to help them gain viability, grow their business, and create revenue and jobs.
Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) programs are an effective means to provide a broad range of high-level advice and assistance to early-stage companies to enable their growth. As such, NYSERDA is now offering the NYSERDA Entrepreneurs-In-Residence program, facilitated and managed by High Tech Rochester (HTR), to companies who receive NYSERDA funding and participate in other NYSERDA programs. View the list of NYSERDA EIRs
HTR is a non-profit economic development organization driving growth of high tech startups in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region, with a long history of entrepreneurial experience. This includes the management of two business incubators, a regional Technology Commercialization program, and its own EIR program, which it has been running since 2004. HTR has helped over 250 very early stage opportunities obtain over $30MM in Angel and VC funding.
What is the goal of the program?
The goal of the NYSERDA EIR program is to support NYSERDA associated early-stage companies through specific projects and/or mentoring and strategic advice, managed by an experienced EIR. The outcome of these engagements should be demonstrated progress in achieving milestones which ultimately will lead to revenue and job growth.
How does the program work?
NYSERDA identifies a company that could benefit from executive level assistance and approves their involvement in the EIR program. Once approved, HTR will work with the company to understand their specific needs, then provide a pool of qualified EIRs to select from based on those needs.
The engagement will be project driven, and therefore have a predetermined timeline, with project appropriate milestones generated by the company, HTR, and the EIR.
Potential areas of assistance
Companies may receive assistance under this program in the following areas, including but not limited to:
- Business plan writing
- Business plan/investor presentations
- Marketing approaches/implementations that are appropriate for the targeted markets
- Staffing for growth
- Budget and finance management
- Resource planning
- Management selection, strategic partnering
- Seeking additional financing/funding sources
- Operations planning
- Technology development planning
- Board composition and management
How do companies participate in the program?
If a company that has NYSERDA funding or is participating in a NYSERDA program is interested in participating in the EIR program, contact your NYSERDA Project Manager to inquire about being approved for participation.
Alternatively, you may contact the NYSERDA EIR Program Project Manager, Mike Shimazu, at 1-866-NYSERDA / (518) 862-1090, ext. 3478; mhs@nyserda.org
How to become an EIR?
Ideal EIRs are experienced executive level managers who have been involved in technology-based enterprises, preferably including startups, with the ability to relate previous experiences, skills, and acquired knowledge appropriately to a client. Click here to view the EIR position description.
If you are interested or know someone who has the right qualifications, contact the HTR Program Director, Doreen Kula call at 585-214-0581.
