TechUnited:BetterConnected Challenge Newark

A startup competition to celebrate innovators & startups supporting main street businesses in Newark, New Jersey.

Brought to you by the TechUnited:BetterConnected Newark program founding partner, Audible.

WIN:

$25,000 Grand Prize

$10,000 towards Newark office space

1:1 Mentorship with Audible Executives

Press Features

Challenge Statement | Tech for Traction: Modernize & Grow Main Street

For Newark retailers and small businesses, how might technology:

Increase retail traffic and customer lifetime value
Provide main street businesses with digital access
Democratize access to capital and financial equity

Applicant Criteria

Applicant company must solve the Challenge Statement
Solution must be thoughtful about impact specifically for minority business owners
Equitable adoption or implementation of the solution is possible from inception
Implementation of the solution in Newark provides an opportunity for workforce development or training
Solutions can include software, hardware, or a combination of the two
Company has fundraised or generated revenue of $1M or less
Company is based in the US
Preference given to:
- Applicants willing to relocate or expand to, or are already operating out of, a Newark office or headquarters
- Companies based in NJ
- Solutions that will create new jobs in NJ

Application Thought-Starters

How can your solution be scaled to effectively impact thousands or millions of businesses operating in lower-income cities?
How did technology play a role in the development of your solution?
How does this solution address racial injustices or inequities?

Challenge Prize

$25,000 cash prize
$10,000 towards Newark office space
1:1 mentorship from Audible executives
NJ press features

Apply Now

About the BetterConnected Challenge Newark

How can technology impact our local businesses?

Together with Audible, the TechUnited:BetterConnect Newark program presents the BetterConnected Challenge Newark, promoting modernization & growth of main street businesses, propelled by technology & innovation. Applications will go live April 22, 2022 and close August 26, 2022.

Startups working on innovative solutions that can be implemented by main street retailers and small businesses are invited to apply.

We need innovation to support and accelerate the businesses of Newark. Apply today and let’s propel your solution.

If your company wants to join the TechUnited:BetterConnected Newark program to propel innovation in NJ, be in touch.

Apply Now

Watch the launch interview & apply to win the Challenge

Applications due August 26, 2022

Top Three Semi-Finalists are chosen after review by Judges to pitch at Propelify.

Semi-Finalists pitch and a winner is chosen at Propelify, October 6, 2022.

Submit your application

Semi-finalists match with exclusive mentors.

Finalists seleted.

Two $25,000 prizes are awarded at Propelify, October 6-7, 2021.

What is the TechUnited:BetterConnected Newark Program?

The TechUnited:BetterConnected program is a corporate alliance committed to fast-tracking innovation, igniting collaboration, and propelling the future of local businesses and communities.

Program members benefit from:

Exposure and recognition as a tech leader
Access to early stage startups & innovation
Integration into the full suite of experiences that the TechUnited products for members & the larger NJ business community

https://youtu.be/SUC-xWmNu3o

The BetterConnected program focuses on supporting the innovation community through:

Mentorship
Corporate pilots & partnerships
Educational forums
Networking events
Startup Challenges & innovation programs

“As an angel investor, the diverse events bring together entrepreneurs, investors and corporate executives so we can collaborate and thrive.”
GINA TEDESCOJumpStart Angels