Startup accelerators play a vital role in taking growth-ready startups to the next level.

Business incubators on the other hand provide space and connections to the emerging startups (mostly pre-seed and seed-stage) to ramp up and find product-market fit.

4th Sector Innovations, or 4th SI founded by Kevin Meredith, is both a startup accelerator and a business incubator located in Ontario, CA.

1. Instantaneous Accelerator

One of the flagship programs of 4th Sector Innovations is the ‘Instantaneous Accelerator’ which is a non-dilutive three-month program to help commerce and logistics startups. It helps scale logistics and commerce startups that have attained meaningful customer validation and are looking to grow.

4th SI helps startup founders to scale their ventures and bring angel investors and venture capitalists on board. By the end of the program, startups can expect to step on the gas pedal and scale beyond the local needs.

Key Questions Answered by team 4th Sector Innovations

Below you’ll find answers to some of the key questions startup founders usually ask before applying to Fourth Sector Innovations.

Why Should I Join 4th Sector Innovations?

Working with 4th Sector Innovations will massively increase your chances of having a successful business in the logistics and commerce/e/Commerce sector. It is one of the few startup accelerators of the region that are vertical focused.

This makes it easy for its management to connect you to relevant angels, VCs, and partners. You receive coaching and mentoring while working through a robust curriculum to help you develop and grow your business. Working alongside other founders on a cohort-basis will make you more likely to succeed.

How Much Does it Cost?

The city of Ontario sponsors this accelerator program meaning there is no cost and the accelerator does not require any equity stake. You will be provided with mentors, coaching, resources, and desk space to work.

What Should you Expect?

You will join a cohort that will meet once a week to go through the curriculum and discuss progress. You will also meet with your mentor or coach once a week. In between you will work on advancing and validating your idea by meeting with potential customers and industry personnel. The program take 3 months to complete.

Why Have an Industry Focus?

4th Sector Innovations chose an industry focus that compliments its location. Being in the Inland Empire means it is in the hub of logistics and e-Commerce distribution hotspot. With Amazon, Walmart, Stater Bros and other big retailers in the area, any logistics startup won’t find it difficult to get the initial traction,

Having a focus area (supply chain and logistics) allows 4th Sector Innovations to create stronger industry contacts and to collect better resources for the accelerator’s portfolio companies.

Does 4th Sector Innovations Invest in Startup Companies?

4th Sector Innovations does not have an investment fund currently. Instead, it provides resources to help startup founders to validate their idea and be able to pitch it to others for possible investment.

Application Process

• Initial application – After your initial application, the management determines if you meet the requirements of Instantaneous accelerator program. Once that’s the case, you will be moved to the secondary application phase.
• Secondary application – Select start-ups will be asked to provide additional details their venture
• Interview – One-hour discussion to ensure shared alignment and expectations
• Final cohort selection – A maximum of 12 teams

Applicants should be ready to pitch their startup via virtual meeting/s. Apply here [Instantaneous Accelerator Program].

2. The Interphase Incubator

Who is it for?

Startups that are:

• Pre-seed
• Commerce & Logistic Startup / Supply Chain & Retail eg, transportation technology, e-commerce service, warehouse management software/platforms
• Can dedicate time1h/week for virtual cohort meetings + at least 5h/week on furthering your venture

How does it work?

Interphase Incubator is a six-month, cohort-based curriculum helping early-stage ventures. You should expect the following:

• Identify needs
• Interview stakeholders
• Test assumptions
• Gather critical data
• Prepare for seed funding

If you are selected to be part of the incubator by 4th Sector Innovations, your team will get a free working space at Beyond Cowork in downtown Ontario. During the course of your incubation, the team at 4th Sector Innovations will help you forge relationships with local government and provide access to technology.

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