http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-nyse-big-startupsm-a-nationwide-jobs-growth-initiative-connects-startups-and-entrepreneurs-with-corporate-america-to-accelerate-new-business-funding-and-success-2012-03-21
NEW YORK, Mar 21, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The NYSE Big StartUp(SM), a nationwide jobs-growth initiative designed to connect young companies and entrepreneurs with corporate America, was launched today by NYSE Euronext (NYX) in collaboration with Accion, Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and The Startup America Partnership. The program calls on the nation’s corporate community to lend support, experience and resources to startups and small companies to improve procurement, networking, business development, training, marketing and information sharing. Yelp YELP -1.55% , LinkedIn LNKD +0.13% and Microsoft MSFT -1.08% are among the first corporations to participate in this endeavor. In addition to information and events to be provided as part of the initiative, a microfinance program called the Accion NYSE Job Growth Fund, started with a $1.5 million commitment by NYSE Euronext, will provide small businesses and startups with the capital and support they need to grow.
The NYSE Big StartUp is unique in its comprehensive approach to promoting job growth through small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs. The program helps to promote the increased demand for goods and services that these growing companies need, while also mobilizing the corporate sector to contribute knowledge, expertise and funding where it can be critical to job creation.
“America is looking for ways to create jobs and we believe part of the answer lies in nurturing the small business community,” said Duncan L. Niederauer, Chief Executive Officer, NYSE Euronext. “Business leaders cannot wait for Washington to have all the answers, so our idea, The NYSE Big StartUp, is aimed at encouraging bigger companies to help small companies. NYSE Euronext is uniquely positioned at the center of capital markets to bring our community and partners together to fuel job growth. We are calling on established companies to direct their purchasing power to small companies. In addition, we are launching new training, mentoring and education programs for entrepreneurs, as well as the Accion NYSE Job Growth Fund to help ensure that capital is available to those least able to access it from traditional sources.”