Flatley issues its ‘challenge’ again

Third annual Flatley Challenge offers space, assistance to high-tech startups

Sometimes all a young company needs to get ahead is a bit of a boost.

That’s where the Flatley Challenge can help.

John J. Flatley, CEO of the Braintree, Mass.-based John Flatley Co. and owner of the Nashua Technology Park and Nashua Office Park at Gateway Hills, has announced the launch of the third annual Flatley Challenge.

Each year, Flatley sponsors the challenge, which gives young high-tech companies a shot at free rent for one year for up to 5,000 square feet of office space at the Nashua Technology Park and Nashua Office Park at Gateway Hills, and up to $10,000 in fit-up, connectivity and related costs.

First, however, participating companies must provide some information, including a business plan, history, job growth potential and long-term business goals.

“I saw a need for startups in New Hampshire to be given a chance to succeed,” Flatley said. “One way to do this, from my perspective, was to provide promising companies free incubation space and a small monetary incentive. As part of the Nashua community, I wanted to do what I could as a property owner to help promote and grow employment in New Hampshire.”

Winners of the challenge also have the opportunity to interact with tenants such as Dell, Skillsoft, Aspen Technology and Benchmark Electronics.

Previous winners include networking firm Plexxi Inc., VGo Communications, Pilera Software, creators of an online property management solution, and cloud-based email delivery service provider SMTP Inc. All four remain part of the Gateway Hills community.

“It has been phenomenal for Pilera Software,” president Ashish Patel said of winning last year’s challenge. “I am extremely thankful to have access to this space at a critical point in Pilera’s growth. It has allowed us to hire and bring on more people without having to worry about where they will be sitting to do their job.”

Patel said the company allocated its budgeted rent money – now freed up – to hiring another employee.

“The most rewarding aspect is the fact that the Flatley Challenge gives these companies the boost they need to get their business off the ground – and in turn, strengthening our community,” Flatley said.

To take part in this year’s Flatley Challenge, interested companies must submit an application letter by Oct. 31. Submissions should include an executive summary, an existing business plan, a history of the business, its proposed or existing product line, the characteristics of the potential market, a marketing plan, an organization of the business and management team, existing and projected financial resources, long-term business goals and job growth potential for the next three to five years.

Finalists will be invited for a personal interview before a review panel in early December, and the winning applicant will be notified by Dec. 31.

Questions about the Flatley Challenge should be directed to Kathleen McLaughlin at the Gateway Hills Welcome Center, 200 Innovative Way, Nashua, N.H., by phone at 603-598-7500, or by email at Kathleen.mclaughlin@jflatco.com.