Get in on the action in Jacksonville

A startup business competition partially backed financially by Shad Khan, owner of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, seeks companies for its spring 2014 program.

The program, KYN, runs a 16-week accelerator and apprenticeship camp for selected companies. It's held in KYN's downtown Jacksonville office, so Gulf Coast entrepreneurs, if chosen, must run their business there for at least the four months. Companies, according to KYN, will be chosen based on the uniqueness and viability of the business — though special consideration is given to applicants currently in Jacksonville or willing to relocate. The program is open to companies based in the Southeast that have two or more co-founders and are already operational.

Each startup chosen will receive $35,000 in seed funding and $50,000 in tools and resources to aid its long-term business plan, according to a release. “Great ideas are generated every day, but all too often the people with these game-changing ideas do not have access to the resources, guidance and funding required to make the leap from idea to viable business,” KYN co-founder Elton Rivas says in the press release.

The program provides mentors, developers, and designers, in addition to the funds. Companies in the program can also work together and share ideas. The deadline for applications is Nov. 30. For more information and to apply, click here.