The Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs is officially accepting applications for the third-round program. The deadline to submit applications is June 20.

The program is intended to provide start-up companies with funding, education and mentoring. At the end of the program the companies are able to market themselves to potential investors.

The program is supported by local investors and mentors as well as economic development organizations including the Region 9 Economic Development District, the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center, as well as the First Southwest Bank.

SCAPE runs two sessions a year. Each start-up receives an equity investment along with free office space to work out of. At the end of the program, the companies present their investor presentations as a sort of graduation.

For more information, visit goscape.org or contact Elizabeth Marsh 317-0880.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com