Founders wear many hats, learning on the job to keep the dream alive. But even if they’re new to entrepreneurship, they’re expected to make high-stakes calls before having the experience, network or feedback loops to do so confidently.
Startup incubators and accelerators can help.
For companies in the idea stage, incubators provide the office space, shared administrative services and networks of accomplished founders you need to nurture the concept, while accelerators specialize in accelerating growth for those with MVPs and early customers.
Here are some of Utah’s top startup accelerators and incubators.
1. Convoi Ventures Accelerator
This program shepherds founders from idea to product-market fit in just eight weeks. Through personalized support, mentorship and VC introductions, 80% of graduates secure pre-seed funding within six months of completion.
Website: accelerator.convoiventures.com
Location: Orem
Remote friendly: Yes, with some in-person requirements
Equity requirement: No
Differentiator: Graduates raise, on average, $1M in pre-seed funding
2. Silicon Slopes Start School
Entrepreneurship can be lonely. In partnership with Mountain America Credit Union, ‘Start Squad’ students meet weekly to build together, work through curriculum covering the fundamentals of business and keep one another accountable.
Website: www.siliconslopes.com/start-school
Location: Lehi
Remote friendly: Yes
Equity requirement: No
Differentiator: Most mentors have built companies valued at $100M+
3. Sandbox
Built for the top students in university, Sandbox integrates with college, allowing founders to build without dropping out. Undergraduate seniors replace up to 18 credits with Sandbox, while postgraduate fellows earn a master’s degree while building full time for 12 months.
University Program
Website: web.sandbox.ing
Location: Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Utah State University, University of Utah, Boise State University, Northern Arizona University and University of Louisville
Equity requirement: No
Differentiator: Students earn academic credit toward their undergraduate degree
Fellowship
Website: web.sandbox.ing/fellowship
Location: Provo, UT (in-person only)
Cost: $6,300 per semester, 3 semesters
Equity requirement: No
Differentiator: Goes toward fully accredited Master of Computer Science degree; no undergrad required
4. Altitude Lab
Designed for life science startups, Altitude Lab cohorts lay the foundation for success over a two-year on-site program. Participants share private lab, coworking, and office space. Graduates have raised $185M since 2020.
Website: altitudelab.org
Location: Salt Lake City
Cost: $300-$2,250 per month, depending on membership tier
Differentiator: Wet and dry lab space, including molecular and cell bio labs, BSL-1 & BSL-2
5. The Grow Utah RAMP Accelerator
Specializing in consumer products, outdoor recreation and manufacturing startups, RAMP’s 10-week program connects entrepreneurs with mentors, manufacturing experts and specialists who’ve built and scaled product-focused companies. Participants have access to state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, supporting their growth from concept to company.
Website: growutah.com/ramp
Location: Northern UtahEquity requirement: No
Differentiator: Product-focused companies
6. The Mill at SLCC
Providing the workspace, education and resources to gain traction, The Mill supports entrepreneurs with a collaborative coworking environment. Resources include networking, funding and educational opportunities that help founders test ideas, refine business models, and grow with purpose.
Website: themillatslcc.com
Location: Sandy
Cost: $75-$300 per month, depending on membership tier
Differentiator: Strategic partnerships, including the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program
7. iHub
Part incubator, part coworking space, iHub supports early-stage startups and young entrepreneurs. Featuring mentorship from over 200 experienced leaders, a commercial kitchen and warehouse space, iHub has grown to over 400 members in just two years. Collaboration is part of the culture. Founders support one another as they navigate the challenges of growing a business together.
Website: www.ihubutah.org
Location: Provo
Cost: No membership fees
Differentiator: Accountability and community with 150+ events every year
8. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
A 12-week program focused on critical business skills that entrepreneurs can immediately implement in their businesses. Graduates exit with an actionable growth plan and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. Businesses must be at least two years old and have $75,000+ annual revenue.
Website: 10ksbapply.com
Location: Sandy and nationwide
Cost: Free
Differentiator: Not for novice entrepreneurs. Cohorts are limited to businesses with traction.
9. Y Combinator
The most famous startup accelerator in the world, Y Combinator provides early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, community, and $500,000 in seed funding. Cohorts move to San Francisco for an intensive three-month program before returning to their home state. Alumni companies are worth a combined ~$1.3 trillion.
Website: www.ycombinator.com
Location: San Francisco
Cost: 7% equity
Differentiator: Extensive track record
