StartUp Rutland Expands gener8tor Partnership with Two New Programs
Rutland, Vt. – Building on the success of its inaugural accelerator program in 2024, StartUp Rutland will expand its programming to deliver two new startup accelerator programs in 2025: gALPHA in the spring and gBETA in the fall. The 2024 program supported five high-potenti startups and gained national attention. StartUp Rutland, an initiative of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR).
The gALPHA program is a free four-week, workshop-based initiative designed to help entrepreneurs and innovators to validate their ideas and take their concepts from idea to prototype. The gBETA program, a free seven-week accelerator, provides intensive coaching and connections to gener8tor’s network of mentors, customers, corporate partners, and investors. The gBETA program is open to startups and entrepreneurs nationwide, with a special focus on supporting Vermont-based startups and those considering relocation to Rutland, while the gALPHA program is dedicated to Vermont-based innovators and early-stage founders.
The inaugural gBETA StartUp Rutland accelerator program, held in the fall of 2024, received over 50 applications from across the U.S. and internationally. The five selected companies—Tacitl Aprexis Health, Brightwater Tools, SkinGenius, and Cathoven—demonstrated significant grow potential, collectively raising more than $600,000+ in venture capital and showcasing their innovations to an audience of investors and community members at The Paramount Theater.
“Following the success of last year’s cohort, we’re excited to expand our work at both StartUp Rutland and gener8tor, bringing even more opportunities for entrepreneurs in Vermont,” said Mose Cassaro, Director at StartUp Rutland and gener8tor. “Adding gALPHA in the spring allows us to reach innovators at an earlier stage, giving them the tools and mentorship to develop their ideas into scalable startups. Together, these programs will continue driving economic growth and innovation in Rutland and Vermont.”
With three Vermont-based startups and two from out of state, the program helped accelerate business growth and expand startup activity in Rutland. Vermont-based gBETA participants received $20,000 in startup support capital, including year-round office space at The CoWorks. Out-of-state gBETA participants are also eligible for this funding by relocating to Rutland or engaging local vendors and service providers as part of their operations.
“StartUp Rutland programming, matched with the quality of life available in our region, will be a magnet for the founders of the future. We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with gener8tor with innovative and transformative business development,” said Cooper Babbitt, Operations Director for CEDRR.
Key Program Highlights: gALPHA StartUp Rutland Timeframe: 4 weeks (April 3 - May 1)
gALPHA Program Kickoff: April 3, 2025
Format: Workshop-based pre-accelerator (Hybrid options for founders outside of Rutland County)
Eligibility: Open to early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators statewide exploring venture backable ideas (Vermont Based)
Program Focus: Helping participants validate their ideas and develop prototypes/MVP to GTM
Key Program Highlights: gBETA StartUp Rutland Timeframe: 7 weeks (September 4 - October 23)
gBETA Program Kickoff: September 4, 2025
Format: Hybrid accelerator program in Rutland, VT
Eligibility: Open to early-stage startups with high growth potential looking to scale quickly (Nationwide)
Program Focus: Intensive coaching and connections to mentors, investors & partners
Applications for gALPHA are now open: Apply at gener8tor.com/galpha/startup-rutland
Both programs are free and equity-free, providing entrepreneurs with hands-on mentorship, workshops, and access to gener8tor’s extensive network of industry leaders, investors, and corporate partners. StartUp Rutland remains committed to fostering innovation by supporting Vermont-based startups and encouraging out-of-state entrepreneurs to relocate to the region.
About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, worker employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences more than 41 communities across 22 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
About gBETA
gBETA is a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. This accelerator supports five startups per cohort and requires no fe for startups and takes no equity. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised more than $809M in capital and created more than 4,900 jobs across the U.S. and Canada.
About gALPHA
gALPHA is a free, four-week program that provides hands-on guidance to entrepreneurs, researchers, and students to develop an idea into a startup. Participants receive mentorship, coaching, and the opportunity to connect with a network of industry leaders, investors, and experts.
About StartUp Rutland
StartUp Rutland is an initiative launched by Chamber & Economic Development of Rutland Region (CEDRR), which serves as both an early-stage venture capital fund, and an accelerator and incubator. StartUp Rutland’s goal is to attract and retain high-growth startups and founders in Rutland, Vermont, and empower local entrepreneurs with a hands-on approach through an acceleration and incubation program. Their investment philosophy is driven by a triple bottom line approach, evaluating not only financial returns but also the positive impact on people a the region.
