GLENDALE, CA – Glendale’s Economic Development Division released a Request for Proposals (RFP) today, in search of qualified applicants for the operation and management of a Tech Accelerator. Made possible by a $1 million State grant procured by Senator Anthony Portantino, the Glendale Start-up Tech Accelerator will further support the growth of the local start-up ecosystem. The submission deadline for the RFP is Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 5 pm.
The City’s anticipated schedule for the selection of a qualified operator is as follows:
- February 6 – Pre-bid conference and site tour (250 N. Orange St.) from 10:00 am -12:00 pm.
- February 12 – Written questions are due by 5 pm.
- February 19 – Response to written questions will be issued.
- March 11 – Final proposals are due by 5 pm.
The goal of the Glendale Start-up Tech Accelerator is to provide potential high-growth start-ups with the necessary tools and support needed for their success in the Tri-City Region, which includes the cities of Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena.
The RFP welcomes proposals from a variety of qualified respondents, such as; individuals, private companies, venture capital firms, seed accelerators, industry groups, academic or research institutions, and co-working spaces. Collaborative proposals are encouraged, and proposals that include partnerships with Glendale-based entities or individuals are encouraged. In addition to the contract, the City will be offering the selected operator free of rent for three years at a City-owned retail space at 250 N. Orange Street.
Glendale has seen a flourishing number of high tech firms nestle within Glendale’s thriving innovation hub throughout the past four years. A recently adopted Tech Strategy in 2017, found that over 1,000 high tech firms that employ over 40,000 employees inhabit Glendale. To ensure continuous growth in this sector, the City has set initiatives through the development of networking events, enhanced marketing, and amenities such as co-working space, fiber optics networks, and access to public transit.
The Glendale Start-up Tech Accelerator will allow for the mentoring, marketing, networking, and investment opportunities for local start-ups, that are individually costly and often take years to access. Accelerators have shown to create a positive impact beyond individual companies by uplifting regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. The creation of an Accelerator Program is a vital part of the Tech Strategy, which calls for the creation of a high-quality workspace for the tech industry. Learn more about the Glendale Tech Strategy here GlendaleTechWeek.com.
The full RFP is available online at GlendaleTechWeek.com/Accelerator. Questions regarding the RFP can be directed to Jennifer Hiramoto at jhiramoto@glendaleca.gov or at (818) 548-2005.
