McKinney to provide $100K in ‘guidance’ to Startup Stampede participant

Hey, startup entrepreneur – need another reason to apply for the next Startup Stampede? How about $100,000 in “brand guidance” from internationally known and awarded winning McKinney?

One of the emerging entrepreneurial companies picked for the second Startup Stampede incubator program will get the big branding boost from the Durham-based ad agency through a partnership announced Tuesday between McKinney and the AU.

“We’ve watched with pride as the American Underground has grown from a bold experiment — literally in the underground of our headquarters building — into the most vibrant startup ecosystem in the Southeast. We look forward to working with American Underground and their other partners to raise national awareness of what’s happening here in Durham,” said Brad Brinegar, Chairman and CEO of McKinney. ” And we’re excited by the opportunity to help promising consumer products startups unleash their full potential by harnessing the power of marketing to accelerate their growth, through our participation in the Startup Stampede.”

2018 program

The AU, which provide office space and other services for startups and emerging companies, will launch its second Startup Stampede in March of 2018. The program, which NC IDEA helped launch with a grant, runs two months.

Applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 1. Six firms participated earlier this year.

“This partnership will offer a Startup Stampede team a once-in-a-lifetime leg up by working with one of the world’s most creative advertising agencies to develop their brand and marketing strategies,” said Adam Klein, chief strategist for the AU, who will soon be taking on additional duties with corporate parent Capitol Broadcasting Company.

“In addition to the winner, all participants will benefit from the insight and experience offered by the McKinney team.”

Here’s a look at the Startup Stampede program:

Startup Stampede at-a-glance

What participants receive:

“Through our two-month program, we will help you design and build your online strategy to bring your product to the masses. From branding to e-commerce strategy to order fulfillment and logistics, our pool of talented mentors and gurus will inspire and kick you in the butt to build a long lasting and fast growing company.”

Specific areas of advice, mentorship and guidance include: