Tech park taking applications for Tech Park U

Louisiana Technology Park’s class for rising entrepreneurs, Tech Park U, is accepting applications until Dec. 9 for the limited number of seats in its 2012 class. The eight-week program begins Jan. 10 and provides promising tech entrepreneurs the education and facilities to help turn their ideas into businesses. Now in its sixth year, the program has attracted entrepreneurs from all over south Louisiana, including the Greater Baton Rouge area as well as New Orleans and Mandeville. Notable Tech Park U graduates include current Tech Park members Ultix Technologies and Cellcontrol. Applicants must show their willingness and desire to turn their tech dream into a reality. Once accepted, each entrepreneur or team pays $200 to participate in the program. This includes office space, support services, and office resources including their own cubicle with phone (including long-distance services, voicemail and call forwarding), high-speed Internet access, email, secretarial support, free use of fax, printers and copy machines, as well as a 24-7 secure access office and meeting space, for the entirety of the program. Students with a valid school ID can register for a reduced rate of $100. Classes will meet every Monday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At the end of the program, the members will compete in a business plan writing competition, with the winner to receive a $2,000 grant and possible acceptance into the tech park’s business incubator. Applicants can apply here. Those accepted into the program will be notified by Jan. 3.