ERC Intake Form

ERC Intake Form

This form collects information to help us understand how you’d like to be involved with the ERC and how you can contribute to our entrepreneurial community. Whether you bring expertise, offer professional guidance, or provide hands-on support to founders, your responses help us connect you with the right opportunities, resources, and people. By sharing your details, you become part of a network designed to foster growth, collaboration, and meaningful connections across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
How do you wish to participate in the ERC?

Founder: Founders are why we are here! If you are looking to connect with the Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC) for guidance, mentorship, or access to resources that can help you grow, please select Founder here.

Partner: Partners are integral collaborators in the ERC’s mission, contributing to a shared vision of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem anchored at the VTCRC. Together, we cultivate a dynamic environment where founders, innovators, and startups gain access to mentorship, resources, and a connected community designed to accelerate growth and deepen belonging to an entrepreneurial community.

Service Provider: Service Providers are collaborators and domain experts who can contribute to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem anchored at the VTCRC. Through guidance and professional services, they help founders navigate the journey from idea to impact.

Mentor: ERC Mentors are experienced entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators who walk alongside founders as they build and grow. They offer strategic guidance, emotional support, and real-world insight — helping founders navigate uncertainty, celebrate progress, and stay grounded in their purpose.
Select all that apply:
Founder Information
Founder Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Founder 2 Name (if applicable)

First NameLast Name
Founder 2 Email (if applicable)
example@example.com
Founder 2 Phone Number (if applicable)
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Founder 3 Name (if applicable)

First NameLast Name
Founder 3 Email (if applicable)
example@example.com
Founder 3 Phone Number (if applicable)
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Are you a first time founder?
Are you a student?
Are you a Virginia Tech alum?
Are you involved in research at any institution of higher education?
Business Information
Business Name
Business Website (Please type "none" if not applicable)
Business Mailing Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Business Stage
Stage of business
Industry and Focus Area
What industry is your business in? Please select all that apply:
Business Overview
Briefly describe your business idea or product:
What problem does your business solve?
Who is your target audience?
Current Needs and Goals
What are your immediate business goals? (e.g., funding, product development, hiring)
What specific challenges are you facing?
What resources are you interested in (check all that apply)?
Business Structure
When was your company founded?
What is your company's legal structure?
Are you commercializing technology?
Do you have any IP protection currently in place?
Is your company affiliated with a university tech transfer office?
Team and Employment
How many full-time employees does your company have?
How many part-time or contract employees does your company have?
Are you currently hiring?
Basic Information
Name

First NameLast Name
Company/Organization Name
Title
Email Address
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Are you any of the following?
LinkedIn Profile
Company Website
ERC Mentor Role and Commitment

At the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC), the ERC serves as a resource for research-driven innovation and Commonwealth-wide impact. ERC Mentors are invited to co-create within this ecosystem by supporting startups and emerging ventures through structured mentor engagements – lending their expertise, empathy, and encouragement.

ROLE OF MENTORS

ERC Mentors are experienced entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators who walk alongside founders as they build and grow. They offer strategic guidance, emotional support, and real-world insight — helping founders navigate uncertainty, celebrate progress, and stay grounded in their purpose.

We believe mentorship is a relationship, not a transaction. Mentors are invited to show up as whole people: to listen deeply, share vulnerably, and help founders feel seen, supported, and capable.

MENTOR COMMITMENTS

These commitments reflect the spirit of the ERC and the kind of culture we’re building together. They’re not rigid requirements, but shared values that guide how we engage.

Strategic Support and Relational Mentorship
- Offer tailored guidance that meets founders where they are — whether they’re refining a pitch or rethinking their purpose.
- Participate in mentorship engagements that fit your availability and style: one-time consultations, multi-month mentorship tracks, or long-term mentorship.
- Provide honest, compassionate feedback that helps founders grow in confidence and clarity.
Emotional Presence and Vulnerability
- Listen actively and empathetically to founders’ stories, struggles, and aspirations.
- Share your own journey — including the pivots, failures, and lessons learned.
- Help founders build resilience by modeling authenticity and emotional intelligence.
Connection and Community
- Support mentees in building networks, accessing resources, and connecting with investors or partners.
- Attend kickoff events, networking sessions, or informal gatherings to foster community and belonging.
- Collaborate with other mentors and ERC staff to provide holistic support.
Reflection and Learning
- Share engagement notes and reflections to help ERC track progress and improve programming.
- Offer feedback that helps shape the mentorship experience for future founders and mentors.
MENTOR BENEFITS

Mentoring at the ERC isn’t just a way to give back — it’s a chance to grow, connect, and co-create the future of innovation in Virginia. As an ERC Mentor, you’ll gain:
- Meaningful relationships with emerging founders, fellow mentors, and ecosystem leaders.
- Recognition as a trusted mentor across ERC communications, events, and digital platforms.
- Access to exclusive networking opportunities, including roundtables, pitch events, and community gatherings sponsored by the ERC and its partners.
- A front-row seat to the next wave of innovation and a chance to personally shape it.
IDEAL MENTOR PROFILE

We welcome Mentors who bring not only expertise, but heart. The ideal ERC Mentor is someone who:
- Has 5+ years of experience in entrepreneurship, executive leadership, venture capital, or industry innovation.
- Understands the emotional and strategic journey of building something from scratch and is eager to walk alongside founders as they do the same.
- Communicates with clarity, empathy, and curiosity and understands that good mentoring is as much about listening as it is about advising.
- Has experience in business strategy, fundraising, product development, or technology innovation (preferred but not required).
- May be a Virginia Tech alum, regional business leader, or someone deeply connected to the Commonwealth’s innovation ecosystem.
- We value lived experience, not just credentials. If you’ve built something, failed at something, or mentored someone through a tough pivot: you belong here.
By submitting this form, I confirm that I have reviewed and agree to the outlined role and commitments, and consent to having our information included in the private virtual ERC directory. I understand that I will work directly with the ERC team to determine the specific ways we will engage with and provide services to founders and startups.
Type(s) of professional services provided (select all that apply):
Please provide a description in your own words of the services available to a business owner. This will be used for your organizational profile.
Please provide your organization's logo

Cancelof
ERC Service Provider Role and Commitments

At the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC), the ERC serves as a resource for research-driven innovation and Commonwealth-wide impact.

ROLE OF SERVICE PROVIDERS

Service Providers are collaborators and domain experts who can contribute to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem anchored at the VTCRC. Through guidance and professional services, they help founders navigate the journey from idea to impact.

PROVIDER COMMITMENTS

Rather than a list of tasks, we offer the following as shared commitments that reflect the spirit of the ERC. These are not mandates, but invitations to co-create a space where founders thrive.

SUPPORT INNOVATION
- Champion early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Offer services utilizing your existing best business practices to help remove barriers to entry
COLLABORATION AND VISIBILITY
- Partner with coaches, mentors, and faculty to provide holistic support.
- Allow ERC to highlight your contributions and expertise in our communications and outreach.
FEEDBACK AND REFLECTION
- Share reflections with ERC team about what’s working, what’s challenging, and what’s emerging.
- Help us evolve the ERC by offering feedback that strengthens our programming and community culture.
PROVIDER BENEFITS
- Invitations to specific networking events
- Opportunities to speak at informational sessions/programs
By submitting this form, our organization confirms that we have reviewed and agree to the outlined role and commitments, and consent to having our information included in the private virtual ERC directory. We understand that we will work directly with the ERC team to determine the specific ways we will engage with and provide services to founders and startups.
PARTNER COMMITMENTS

These commitments reflect the spirit of partnership at ERC. They’re not rigid requirements, but shared values that guide how we build together.

Programmatic Collaboration
- Co-create programming that reflects the needs and aspirations of our founder community. This could include, but is not limited to workshops, speaker series, student competitions and programming.
- Coordinate calendars and content to reduce duplication and amplify collective impact.
- Share subject-matter expertise, mentors, and guest speakers to enrich ERC offerings with a wide array of voices and lived experience.
Space and Shared Presence
- Use ERC space for meetings, office hours, and events that foster connection and support for founders.
- Coordinate with the ERC team to ensure thoughtful use of shared space.
- Help maintain a welcoming, flexible, and founder-friendly environment.
Resource Sharing and Referrals
- Refer founders, innovators, and students across organizations to ensure they receive holistic support.
- Where possible, integrate tools, data, or services (e.g., grant databases, prototyping equipment, startup guides) into ERC’s digital or physical platforms.
Communication and Planning

Participate in gatherings to align goals, share updates, and reflect on impact.
Share news, stories, and successes to amplify visibility and celebrate community wins.

Ecosystem Building
- Help shape a culture of aspiration and founder-first thinking across the ERC.
- Collaborate on ecosystem-wide efforts such as innovation mapping, talent retention, and funding strategies.
- Promote ERC programs and events through your channels to build shared momentum and reach.
PARTNER BENEFITS

Partnership at ERC is about more than visibility — it’s about connection, contribution, and co-creation. As an ERC Partner, you’ll gain:
- Elevated visibility through ERC communications, marketing, and events.
- Expanded reach and impact through cross-promotion and shared programming.
- Direct access to the VTCRC innovation ecosystem and its growing pipeline of startups.
- A seat at the table in shaping regional entrepreneurial strategy alongside university and industry leaders.
  Use of ERC space for programming, convening, and community engagement.
By submitting this form, our organization confirms that we have reviewed and agree to the outlined role and commitments, and consent to having our information included in the private virtual ERC directory. We understand that we will work directly with the ERC team to determine the specific ways we will engage with and provide services to founders and startups.
Additional Information
How did you hear about the ERC?
Any other information you'd like to share?
The Innovations Monthly Digest keeps you connected to COgro Coworking + Labs and the Entrepreneur Resource Center. Would you like to subscribe?
Marketing Permissions
Should be Empty:

ERC Intake Form

How do you wish to participate in the ERC?

Founder Information

Business Information

Business Stage

Industry and Focus Area

Business Overview

Current Needs and Goals

Business Structure

Team and Employment

Basic Information

ERC Service Provider Role and Commitments

PARTNER COMMITMENTS

Additional Information