2014 marks the year we launched the nation's foremost startup accelerator for creative entrepreneurs - designers, app developers in arts and design, gamers and animators, musicians, filmmakers, and more. So, what does the first cohort have to say about their experience? Take a look and consider if you or someone you know would benefit from the Creative Startups experience.

5. “I now have a framework for
my business.
And I've learned to
think big.”
~ Karen Graves

6. “Going through this
process and sharing it with
other start ups and pros
alike has given me more
confidence.”

7. “The mentors were top-
notch, the structure of the
programming was nearly
flawless, and the amount I
learned in one week was
incredible.”

9. “There was an incredible
amount of valuable information
and insight shared.
The environment, mentors and
organizers were very
supportive, honest and helpful
with suggestions.”
~ Warren Montoya

10. I'll always
be grateful
for it.”
~ Meg Wright
“No hyperbole: This was a life- and
career-changing experience...

11. “The Creative Startups
accelerator made it accessible to
see and understand the entire
life of a startup, and what it
takes to build one successfully.”
~ Joe Cardillo

12. “The entrepreneurial
cohort was full of really
amazing people with a
wealth of knowledge.”
~ Sydney Alfonso

13. “The program surpassed my expectations in terms
of the organization, mentors, compassion,
connections to community, willingness to help,
knowledge of all areas in entrepreneurship.”
~ Christine Petrozzo

14. “The excellent mentors
were available during
the entire
Creative Startups
experience.”
~ Eric Manolito

15. “I didn't expect to
learn so much and
make so many great
contacts in such a
short period of time.”
~ Jordi Castells

16. “I am here because I love supporting new
entrepreneurs. Creative Startups has a really
exciting energy, and an impressive diversity of
businesses and people.”
~Kevin Johnson
Best-selling author
CEO of Johnson Media
Creative Startups Mentor

17. “The most important thing I learned was
entrepreneurial thinking - for business development,
product ideas, how to approach a market.”
~ Reinhard Lorenz

18. “The quality of mentorship and
network connections surpassed
my expectations. The relevancy
and impact was also great
surprise. I was also blown away
by the other entrepreneurs.”
~ Azin Mehrnoosh

19. “The mentor network is
incredible. It is great to
meet such high level,
successful, smart and
approachable people-
really top notch folks.”
~ Sean Di’Ianni

20. “The most important thing learned is that
my team works well together under
pressure!”
~Judith Cummings