New startup program launches for Latino entrepreneurs---

Google for Entrepreneurs and Manos Accelerator have created a new partnership focused on increasing the number of Latinos represented in the entrepreneur community. Based in San Jose, the newly-created Manos Accelerator is a mentorship-driven accelerator program that provides hands-on education, business resources, infrastructure, and deep mentorship for promising startup companies.

"We want to create a vibrant community of Latino entrepreneurs that attracts the brightest and most talented," said Edward Avila, co-founder and CEO of Manos Accelerator. We want all aspiring Latino entrepreneurs in the US and Latin American countries to know that they now have a place to go for turning their innovative ideas into reality."

Manos Accelerator works closely with Latino entrepreneurs to enable them to build, launch, and finance their businesses, while helping to cultivate a more vibrant technology eco-system among the Latino community.

"For decades, Silicon Valley has been known as the model for entrepreneurship, but there has been an ongoing gap for Latinos to be active participants in this startup ecosystem," said Dr. Jerry Porras, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. "Manos Accelerator has designed a robust program where they identify and mentor aspiring Latino entrepreneurs who are creating innovative solutions to real-world problems."

"Latinos are incredibly innovative but severely underrepresented in hi-tech," said Rich Garcia, co-founder of Blyve.com and mentor at Manos Accelerator. “The Manos Accelerator program will provide the much sought after mentorship, resources and support needed for the Latino entrepreneurial community."

"We have already received an outpouring of support from the Latino community,” said Carlos Rosario, Associate of Novak, Druce, Connolly, Bove + Quigg LLP and mentor at Manos Accelerator. “We look forward to working with bright Latino talent."

Manos Accelerator is not only focused on accelerating the growth of the technology eco-system, but also filling a critical talent gap in the startup market - the development of Latino entrepreneurs.

"We are excited to be partnering with such a great organization to provide resources to increase the number of Latino entrepreneurs in the global tech community," said Mary Grove, Director of Global Entrepreneurship Outreach at Google. “Our mission with Google for Entrepreneurs is to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship around the world and we believe in supporting the current and future entrepreneurial leaders in our communities.”

Manos Accelerator is inviting early-stage entrepreneurs from around the nation to apply for the Fall 2013 session in San Jose. During the three-month program, Manos Accelerator will connect Latino startup teams with seasoned mentors, corporate executives, angel investors, venture capitalists and a network of technology and business contacts in Silicon Valley. In an intense, collaborative environment, each team will refine its business, products or services while learning from mentors, speakers, domain experts and through close interaction with other startup teams in the Manos Accelerator community.

Manos Accelerator is now accepting online applications on their website. For details, go to www.manosaccelerator.com. The deadline for submissions is July 31st, with a final announcement of the first class on August 2nd.

"I applaud Manos Accelerator for identifying and promoting Latino entrepreneurs to showcase their products, new ideas and businesses to the world," said Mario Lopez, actor, television personality and host of EXTRA TV. "Manos Accelerator is making a difference and attracting more Latinos to the hi-tech world. They are a game changer!"