I. ITEN Site Help

1. What's the purpose of ITEN? 

The IT Entrepreneur Network (ITEN) is a not for profit initiative of the IT Coalition and Innovate St. Louis started in April of 2008 to be a catalyst for the emergence of a thriving and robust entrepreneurial community that creates successful IT ventures.

2. Blog Entries

We try to have a variety of blogs on our site: the Director, one or more mentors and an entrepreneur or two.  If you are interested in writing a blog for ITEN, please contact the Director. 

3. Creating a connection

If you're a Start Up Company in ITEN and want to initiate a connection with a mentor, please follow the instructions for Mentor Match.    Other than that, did you know that you can "connect" to other users on the website?  To request a connection, log into the site (you must be a registered user).  Click the FIND OTHERS link in the top right corner.  When you find someone to "connect", click their name.  You will be taken to their profile.   You will see a CONNECTIONS link to the right on the profile page.  Hover over CONNECTIONS and select REQUEST A CONNECTION.  Once the person accepts your connection, you will be able to message them directly through the site and you can also see your connections when you click your own USER PROFILE.

4. How can I help?

Thanks for asking!   We do need your help.  There are many ways in which you can help out!  If you have the skills and experience to be a mentor, please apply: www.itenstl.org/mentors.    If you would like to become a sponsor, check out:  www.itenstl.org/sponsors.    Mentors and sponsors are essential to keep ITEN running, if you believe you can help us let us know!   If you have more time to donate, we also post specific needs for focused help with the ITEN program under the Opportunities link on the menu bar: http://www.itenstl.org/opportunities.  

5. How come I can't find a list of all the ITEN companies? 

We've made a decision to allow each company to decide if they wish to have their name listed or not.  Check out www.itenstl.org/news for the latest on some of ITEN's companies.  If you are looking for job opportunities, go to www.itenstl.org/opportunities. 

 6. I'm just cruising your site; what might be useful to me?  

Why don't you first peruse our blogs www.itenstl.org/blogs and read up about what's going on around ITEN.    Also make sure to check out the wealth of info we have available in our Links section www.itenstl.org/useful-links.  

7. I've run into an error message while browsing the website, what should I do? 

Let us know if there's anything on the site that needs fixing.  Contact us at www.itenstl.org/contact-us.  

 8. If I donate to ITEN where does the money go? 

Funds are used to run our programs that support the creation of technology companies that create employment opportunities for more of our citizens.   Ultimately, we will create a self-sustaining and growing community of entrepreneurs and companies that will give back so much to the region.  If we can keep supporting ITEN and enabling it to grow, we will see many tangible results within 5 years of the start of the program  (by 2013). 

9. Who is on the site? 

Once you are logged into the site, you will see a FIND OTHERS link in the top right corner of the screen.  Click that link and you will see users registered on the ITEN website. 

To become a mentor, you must first register on this website.  Once you are registered, go to the MENTORS tab www.itenstl.org/mentors and Apply to be a mentor.  You will be interviewed by the ITEN director.  Once approved to be a mentor, you will be given "mentor" access to the website, and you're on your way.

2. I'm a mentor and no companies have asked me to mentor, am i doing something wrong?

First make sure that your user profile including the section on mentor expertise is filled out and up to date.  Then let us know at www.itenstl.org/contact-us and we'll assist you in getting started with a company or two.

3. Why should I think ITEN is worth my time?

Mentoring in ITEN is a very satisfying experience.   You'll get to work with some very smart folks who are trying to start interesting companies.  They'll really appreciate your input and expertise, and in many cases will put your advice to work.  You'll be part of a large and growing team of mentors who believe we can made a difference in our region by supporting and leveraging the wide pool of IT talent already present within our community, but largely under-appreciated and under-utilized.

1. How much does it cost to belong to ITEN?

All ITEN services and programs are offered at no charge to Start Up Companies accepted into the program.

2. I'm a startup company how can I use ITEN's services to my best advantage?

ITEN has many programs and services that will help you navigate the successful launch of your venture.   To get started, you must first register on the site.   Then click on the link to apply to become a start up at www.itenstl.org/startup.  

3. Why should I think ITEN is worth my time?

ITEN has a large cast of experienced mentors who can help you take your company to the next level.  If you need help, then you've come to the right place.   We have a great list of people we've already helped who are pleased to be excellent references for ITEN.   If you're a start up that provides or uses IT in the core of your business, you'll find no other program as effective for you as ITEN.