Whitefish startup competes in statewide contest

Whitefish tech startup Tourbase is set to compete with 11 other Montana-based startups in the second-annual Early Stage Montana Statewide Showcase on Nov. 7 in Missoula.

Early Stage Montana is a nonprofit that “provides training and mentorship to accelerate the growth of emerging Montana technology business,” according to a press release about the contest from the Montana Technology Acceleration Association.

This is the second year the association has hosted a competition for Montana-based tech startups to pitch business ideas and vie for $50,000 in funding.

Tourbase in Whitefish is a “cloud-based software for turnkey reservations, transactions and guest communications for tour managers, operators and outfitters.” They are the only Flathead Valley representative in the competition, which also features tech startups from Bozeman, Billings, Livingston and Missoula.

Prior to the showcase, competitors participated in Early Stage Montana’s “HyperAccelerator,” a free, weeklong training course. The HyperAccelerator provides intensive training on the keys to success for tech startups.” Tech leaders from across Montana also offer free mentorship to the participants.

“The type of world-class training we provide is incredibly important for new companies as they get started,” Early Stage Montana founder Pat LaPointe said in the press release. “It also helps pave the way for long-term, sustainable success.”

The statement also reported the participants in the first showcase “have already attracted over $8 million in investments and created more than 20 high-paying jobs around the state.”

To attend the showcase or gift a registration to a student, visit www.earlystagemt.org

The event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Wilma Theatre in Missoula.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.