First Think Big Accelerator Class Accepted into Microsoft BizSpark Programs

With the announcement of its first accelerator on September 25, 2012, Think Big Partners and the Think Big Accelerator program have also been accepted into the BizSpark Plus Partner Program in addition to their role as a BizSpark Network Partner with Microsoft Corp.  

Think Big Accelerator is a 22-week program in the Midwest for tech-focused, early-stage startups interested in launching a business faster, smarter and stronger.  Think Big Accelerator focuses on technology-based businesses with consumer-facing services, software, web services, apps and supportive solutions. 

As a member of the BizSpark Plus program, Think Big Accelerator will now be able to grant its six inducted startups access to BizSpark Plus, which provides a higher level of Windows Azure cloud access, setting up each entrepreneur for success in the cloud.  Microsoft BizSpark will also provide the six startups in the Think Big Accelerator program with consulting, insight, mentorship and expertise.  With Windows Azure cloud and BizSpark available for Think Big Accelerator startups, the partnership will provide the entrepreneurs with the essential tools needed to build, store, and network when building a profitable startup. 

Headed by Think Big Partners co-founder, Herb Sih, the cooperation with Microsoft aims to foster the growth of Midwest entrepreneurship, create a strong portfolio of startup stories and companies, and to create more successful businesses and jobs in the central region of the United States. 

“We are excited to have Think Big Partners join our BizSpark Plus Partner Program,” said Mark Relph, Senior Director, Strategic and Emerging Business Team at Microsoft. “Think Big Accelerator startups have the potential to spur business growth in the Midwest. With Windows Azure, startups can save the cost of investing in IT infrastructure and only pay for technology resources as they use them.  We look forward providing member startups with access to technology, resources and business connections.”

"The partnership we have developed with Microsoft will not only benefit the startups involved with the Think Big Accelerator program, but will also help to strengthen the entire Kansas City startup community," said Herb Sih, co-founder of Think Big Partners. "We are excited to already provide Midwestern startups with the benefits of the Microsoft partnership, such as the Azure Cloud and Windows 8 App Kickstarts for developers.  This is a great partnership for our startups, the accelerator and Kansas City entrepreneurs." 

To learn more about Think Big Accelerator, please visit www.thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator.