SAN JOSE, Calif/PRNewswire/ -- Today, Google for Entrepreneurs and Manos Accelerator, a newly created startup accelerator based in San Jose, California, announced a new partnership focused on increasing the number of Latinos represented in the entrepreneur community.
Manos Accelerator is a mentorship-driven accelerator program that provides hands-on education, business resources, infrastructure, and deep mentorship for promising startup companies in the heart of downtown San Jose.
"It made perfect sense to establish Manos Accelerator in the Capital of Silicon Valley. We want to create a vibrant community of Latino entrepreneurs that attracts the brightest and most talented. We want all aspiring Latino entrepreneurs in the US and Latin American countries to know that they now have a place to go for turning their innovative ideas into reality," said Edward Avila, Co-founder and CEO of Manos Accelerator. "I'm very excited to have Google for Entrepreneurs in our corner as a partner who shares our vision and has a successful track record of supporting similar organizations from around the world."
"For decades, Silicon Valley has been known as the model for entrepreneurship. But there has been an ongoing gap for Latinos to be active participants of this startup ecosystem," said Dr. Jerry Porras, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. "Manos Accelerator has designed a robust program where they identify and mentor aspiring Latino entrepreneurs who are creating innovative solutions to real-world problems."
Manos Accelerator is not only focused on accelerating the growth of the technology ecosystem but in filling a critical talent gap in the startup market - the development of Latino entrepreneurs.
"We are excited to be partnering with such a great organization to provide resources to increase the number of Latino entrepreneurs in the global tech community. Our mission with Google for Entrepreneurs is to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship around the world and we believe in supporting the current and future entrepreneurial leaders in our communities," said Mary Grove, Director of Global Entrepreneurship Outreach at Google.
"I applaud Manos Accelerator for identifying and promoting Latino Entrepreneurs to showcase their products, new ideas and businesses to the world," said Mario Lopez, actor, television personality and host of EXTRA TV. "Manos Accelerator is making a difference and attracting more Latinos to the hi-tech world. They are a game changer!"
Manos Accelerator invites early-stage entrepreneurs from around the nation to apply for the Fall 2013 session in San Jose, CA. During the 3-month program, Manos Accelerator will connect Latino startup teams with seasoned mentors, corporate executives, angel investors, venture capitalists and a network of all-star technology and business contacts in Silicon Valley. In an intense, collaborative environment, each team will refine its business, products or services while learning from mentors, speakers, domain experts and close interaction with other startup teams in the Manos Accelerator community.
Manos Accelerator is now accepting online applications on their website. For details, please go tohttp://www.manosaccelerator.com . The deadline for submissions is July 31 st, with a final announcement of the first class on August 2 nd.
About Manos Accelerator, LLC
Manos Accelerator is a mentorship-driven accelerator program that provides education, resources and guidance for promising startup companies led by Latinos. Manos Accelerator works side-by-side with Latino entrepreneurs to enable them to build, launch, and finance their exceptional businesses, while helping to cultivate a more vibrant technology ecosystem among the Latino community. For more information, go to http://www.manosaccelerator.com.
About Google for Entrepreneurs.
Google for Entrepreneurs empowers entrepreneurs around the world through programs, partnerships, and Google products. With over 50 programs in 110 countries, Google for Entrepreneurs seeks to grow entrepreneurial communities and to equip entrepreneurs with skills and resources to pursue their big ideas. To learn about the programs, or to grow your own skills through free online courses, visit Google.com/entrepreneurs or on Google+ at google.com/+GoogleForEntrepreneurs.
SOURCE Manos Accelerator, LLC