Startups and entrepreneurs with ties to Wisconsin universities will now have access to a new, free business training program from seed accelerator gener8tor, providing companies still in their earliest stages with access to mentoring and business advice.

gener8tor will hold the new program, called gBETA, three times a year in Madison or Milwaukee as an abridged version of its premier for-profit, three-month course. gBETA will last six weeks and will allow five companies access to free mentoring and advice from gener8tor’s expert network, as well as participation in an invite-only pitch session. Companies that participate will not receive any funding, but will learn how to revise their ideas to be accepted into other accelerators or funding opportunities.

The first class of gBETA, all started by University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates, will debut their ideas Aug. 13. The class is made up of:

  • EnsoData, a software platform that helps analyze sleep patterns to better identify sleep apnea;
  • WeightUp Solutions, an app and wristbands that track a user’s weightlifting workouts;
  • Tixora, an online hub for selling and buying intercity bus tickets;
  • Cheddah, a mobile app that gives users cash at nearby restaurants for completing surveys; and
  • Wintermute, a software platform that sets up a virtual phone line between apps on mobile and web.

The program also includes free, public events on Thursdays where people can gather to discuss entrepreneurial topics and issues to help more companies and ideas achieve commercial success. Learn more about gBETA companies and register for upcoming sessions.