The law firm of Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC will donate $5,000 as a RAMP Ignitor Contributor in support of the new RAMP technology business accelerator opening in downtown Roanoke.
“Spilman believes that RAMP is part of a bright future for Roanoke, one that involves a growing science and technology base,” said Hugh Wellons, a member of the firm. “We work with a number of technology startups in this region, and we fully expect RAMP to succeed. We are excited and proud to support this accelerator.”
RAMP’s mission is to propel high-potential startups to expand and create jobs in the STEM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Health) fields. Founding partners in the initiative include the City of Roanoke, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, and Virginia Western Community College.
RAMP, which stands for Regional Acceleration and Mentoring Program, first cohort of companies through March 31, is accepting applicants for its The program is expected to start in June 2017.
The program’s model, based on best practices garnered from existing successful business accelerators, will concentrate initially on advancing three to five technology- or life science- focused companies. Companies accepted into RAMP will work closely with multiple mentors to focus on building, testing, improving, validating product-market fit, and launching their product for the market.
RAMP participants will benefit from the mentoring program, networking opportunities, business education and access to capital. The inaugural program includes an intensive “boot camp” that culminates in a $5,000 prize for the accelerator company offering the best jobs- creation strategy.
To be considered for RAMP, applicants must: Agree to locate their company, rent-free, inside the accelerator for a six-month residency; Have a minimum viable product, preferably with sales traction; Work full time on their startup during the program; Have a product or service employing workers in the STEM-H field, with scalability potential and be willing to consider operating their company in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region after graduation.
About Spilman Thomas & Battle
Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC is a full-service, regional law firm serving local, regional, national and international businesses. Founded in 1864, Spilman has offices in Roanoke, Virginia; Winston-Salem, NC; Charleston, Morgantown and Wheeling, WV; and Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, PA
About Ramp
RAMP’s mission is to propel high-potential startups to expand in the Roanoke – Blacksburg region and create jobs in the STEM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Health) fields. The program is housed in the recently renovated Gill Memorial Building, 709 S. Jefferson St., along the downtown Roanoke Innovation Corridor.
