Published February 12 2025
Application period opens for upcoming round
Startup 425 – a collaborative effort administered by the City of Bellevue to expand entrepreneurship throughout Eastside communities – celebrated the graduation of its first accelerator cohort in late January. The 15-week program is offered free to participants and provides much-needed support to burgeoning entrepreneurs navigating the venture-scale and small business startup process.
“Because this program is fully funded by the Port of Seattle and Amazon, future entrepreneurs are now able to gain the basic knowledge needed to launch their businesses without paying entry fees or giving up equity in their companies,” said Startup 425 coordinator Levi Reed. “The ability to access this curriculum at no cost provides a significant opportunity.”
The inaugural accelerator culminated in a Demo Day and graduation ceremony on Jan. 22 at Bellevue City Hall, which featured new businesses from all six of Startup 425’s partner cities. Graduates are now looking forward to applying their newly acquired knowledge to their real-world future business endeavors, with five new businesses presenting their respective companies during the graduation event.
“I came in with just an idea and walked away with a clear strategy and concrete steps to build my company,” said Aspen White, founder of Aerware AI. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend this program to any entrepreneur looking to level up.”
The second accelerator cohort, which begins on Monday, Feb. 24, is accepting applications through Friday, Feb. 21. Entrepreneurs looking to start everything from a restaurant to medical tech startup are encouraged to apply.
Based on the first accelerator’s success, Startup 425 is planning four additional cohorts through the end of 2026. More information and the application can be found at Startup425.org/accelerator.