A program to evaluate ideas and assist in launching new technology businesses

Wellspring Worldwide and the Riverside Center for Innovation (RCI) have collaborated to create the Services for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) program. Our proven business launch process brings together experts in entrepreneurship, software development, hardware design, and healthcare to provide no-cost assistance to emerging companies in the Pittsburgh region.

The SEED program enables entrepreneurs and innovators to partner with experienced advisors and engage in development projects lasting 6-8 months. The primary goal of these rapid prototype and business plan development projects is to enable entrepreneurs and inventors to make more informed decisions on the feasibility (business and technical) of entering or expanding their business in one or more markets. Each project endeavors to launch entrepreneurial teams on the best path to create a prototype or develop their final product.

The SEED program's revolutionary approach applies proven methods for evaluating and launching successful companies. This program is not a workshop or seminar, individuals in the program work with senior management at a company that excels in introducing new innovations to businesses, research institutions, and hospitals around the world.

We serve three areas where we have deep domain knowledge and experience:

  • Healthcare IT
  • Software Products and Web Services
  • Consumer Hardware and Robotics

There is no up-front cost to SEED participants. Operating expenses for the SEED program are supported through foundation and university sponsorship.

Business Planning
Business Planning: The goals of the business planning services are to develop strategies for market entry and sustained firm growth. For entrepreneurs in an early stage, we assess the feasibility of the entrepreneur's idea with regard to the technology and market attributes.
Engineering and Development
Engineering and Development:Our engineers work with participants to manage everything from software architecture to sourcing hardware components. This work is essential to quickly developing a prototype or improving the reliability, cost, and usability before commercialization.
Product Design and Usability Testing
Product Design and Usability Testing:The SEED staff manages direct consumer studies and works with experienced product designers to accelerate learning from prototypes and evolve inventions into successful commercial products.
Office Space and Infrastructre
Office Space and Infrastructre:Each company accepted into the program can be provided with office space, internet access, servers, and desktop computers as needed. In addition, our staff works with a number of local services providers to ensure competitive rates and service for accountants, attorneys, commercial banks, and payroll processors.

Contact Us

It's time to find out how Wellspring can help you. Contact us to view a software demo, apply to our start-up program, or learn more about our many services.

Request information >

SEED program brochure >

Or call:
+1-412-481-2511
(HQ)

+44 (0)7713 075 715
(Europe)

Plant a SEED in your community!
We will work with you to define the entrepreneurship support program that best fits your goals, regional strengths, and assets. We start with an evaluation of a community's capabilities and establish comparisons to successful programs in similar regions. Wellspring can then help design the program, assess the cost and opportunity, and even recruit staff. Contact a representative today to start building your economic future!
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