TAMPA, Fla. — The StartupBus garnered national attention after successful entrepreneurs launched their businesses from its tour.
"It really takes a solid pitch and it takes the wherewithal to say I'm not going to give up no matter what. That's how you win," said Nick Price, a co-conductor for the bus in Tampa.
The bus is a unique way for entrepreneurs to get their start. You can think of the 72-hour bus trip from Tampa to New Orleans as a boot camp.
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Entrepreneurs pitch a product or business and then develop a team. For those 72 hours, the team works to turn the business idea into a reality. Once in New Orleans, they will pitch to investors.
(Pro-tip: We're told to work in the hotel and sleep on the bus)
Successful StartupBus businesses include Instacart and Node.
The StartupBus will leave Tampa early in the morning on Wednesday, July 24. There is still a chance for you to get on the tour.
Marshall Davis lives in Tampa and works as a software developer. He plans to be on the bus on Wednesday.
"This is my first time so part of it is they don't tell you anything. All I know is I'm getting on a bus. I'll end up in New Orleans and hopefully I'll have something to show for it," said Marshall Davis.
Nick Price and Akira Mitchell are co-conductors for the bus in Tampa and will help those on their trip.
"You do have to a be a bit crazy to get on this bus last minute, but most of the people who get on the bus are a little crazy," says Price. " I think if you're willing to get on this bus last minute, it's a good opportunity to change your life."
Hillsborough County's Economic Development Innovation Initiative is a main sponsor for the Florida Bus.
If you know an entrepreneur who would like to get on the StartupBus, click here.
