UpStart, the program created by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation to help aspiring minority and female entrepreneurs gain the skills needed to be successful in business, is accepting applications for its Fall 2016 program, organizers announced recently.

“We are always impressed at the range of experience and diversity of our applicants,” UpStart Program Coordinator Katie Rice said. “It’s great to see where people are with their business ideas at the beginning, and what they are able to gain from the program to help them go out and take the next steps in making their ideas viable businesses.”

According to the website, participants will connect with area professionals and other aspiring entrepreneurs, gain skills needed to launch a business and establish strategic goals and next steps.

The free program runs for 11 weeks, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6 and ending Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Applications are due by July 15 and can be filled online.