BOULDER - The Innovation Center of the Rockies in Boulder will provide mentorship to entrepreneurs and startups in Golden who receive a scholarship from the city of Golden's Economic Development Commission.

The commission is offering scholarships to local innovators and small startup companies to participate in the Innovation Center of the Rockies' Early Stage Business Program. The scholarships are intended to increase economic expansion in Golden by evaluating and supporting entrepreneurs who are starting new businesses and investigating viable technologies with large market potential.

The center's program helps startup companies overcome strategic obstacles, build their teams and refine their approach to raising capital with their pitch prep program. The center's staff will work with each entrepreneur to identify key challenges facing the company and handpick individuals with relevant experience and expertise to act as volunteer advisers.

To be eligible, applicant companies must be located within Golden's city limits or have at least one member of its executive team residing in Golden.

Applications are available by emailing edcomm@cityofgolden.net and are due by May 31. The EDComm scholarships cover up to one-half of the ICR monthly program cost up to a maximum of $2,400.

At least three scholarships will be awarded, and winners will be announced in early June. The scholarship award is contingent upon being accepted into the ICR program.

"The partnership with the city of Golden's Economic Development Commission is a great example of a city serious about supporting its entrepreneurs and local businesses," said ICR program manager Eric Gricus. "We are excited to start working with the city and its entrepreneurs."

For more information, visit the EDComm section on the city of Golden's website at www.cityofgolden.net or email edcomm@cityofgolden.net.