Eight startups were selected for the Madworks Winter Accelerator, the organization announced recently.

Arts + Literature Laboratory, Equability, Gift’n Grow, Nerdbugs, Puttable, Samsara, SideShift and Vadar Alpha will participate in the 11-week program that began Feb. 14 and runs through April 25 at StartingBlock.

The accelerator will provide participants with information on how to get their finances in order, run an effective board meeting, tackle legal issues, build strategic financial acumen and prepare the company for a strong, sustainable future.

The cohort participants also receive $6,500 in grant funding, a one-year membership to StartingBlock and connections with Madworks and StartingBlock staff as well as their network of mentors and experts.