Start-up Hustle Incubator in Rocklin

Hacker Lab in partnership with Sierra College

Rocklin, Calif.- For people who have always dreamed of starting a business, Hacker Lab in partnership with Sierra College is taking applications for six week intensive “Start-up Hustle Incubator” announced Eric Ullrich, Co-Founder, Hacker Lab. 

“Instead of trying to get geared up to launch a start-up business on your own, we are offering support and bringing together a community of entrepreneurs who can help Sacramento area start-ups,” said Ullrich. “The goal is to encourage participants to ‘hack’ their start-up by hustling to test ideas and build a business model in just one and a half months.”

First time entrepreneurs or seasoned vets can participate but the idea is to attract individuals and team members who want to create a brand new business, explained Ullrich. “It is a competition with support and prizes that will accelerate the winning team’s new venture,” said Ullrich. “We are particularly looking for innovative ideas to create a company that adds value to our society.”

All types of businesses representing any industry – tech start-ups, makers, manufacturers, app developers and services — are invited to apply. Only 20 will be selected to participate. “We’re looking for things that wow us and have the potential to add value and impact our society positively,” said Ullrich. “Students are encouraged to apply.” Teams can have one to five members.

The Hacker Lab powered by Sierra College located in Rocklin will host the competition, according to Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Director, Center for Applied Competitive Technologies, Sierra College. The City of Rocklin and Golden Sierra Job Training Agency are sponsors of the event. “We are seeking seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts and college faculty to be mentors and offer practical workshops for the start-up firms,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “By bringing together people and resources with support from Sierra College, we expect to impact economic development. The Sacramento region is a great place to start a business.”

Hacker Lab and Sierra College will bring resources to the fledgling firms that would be difficult to access on their in such a short period of time. “We will be providing mentorship, community connections, education and a proven start-up process to help these small firms on their journey from idea to reality,” said Ullrich.

The participating start-ups should be ready to truly hustle during the six week business marathon. “They should budget at least 15 hours per week per person,” said Ullrich. “If participants have the ability to dedicate more time, that is ideal.”

Competition participants will all benefit from guidance, resources and a supportive entrepreneurial community. The winning team will be awarded a prize package of additional start-up resources including legal, financial, accounting and marketing services. The winner will also have the opportunity to pitch to investors at the demo night event.