Xtern Startup Assistance Program

TechPoint’s partnership with IEDC for early-stage Indiana-based companies to gain access to rising tech talent.

What is IEDC's Xtern Startup Program?

For 10 years, Xtern has helped bring fresh tech talent to Indiana, but the companies that have benefitted most are larger, more established companies. Young startups, some bootstrapped for funding, don’t always have a budget or other resources to take advantage of this program.

With a $300,000 investment in the Xtern program, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) will match 50% of the upfront cost (typically $4,000) for qualifying startups participating in Xtern and up to 50% of the student’s salary.

Startups may be able to qualify for additional assistance, making it as low as $2,000* to host an Xtern.

*Qualifying startups can apply for assistance through Employment Aid Readiness Network (EARN) Indiana to cover up to 50% of an intern’s wages (more info below).

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Startup Program Eligibility

Your startup qualifies for the IEDC Startup Assistance Program if it meets the following criteria:

Headquartered in Indiana.
Has been in business no more than 10 years, with preference given to those in operation for 5 years or less.
Has 25 or fewer employees, with preference given to those with fewer than 10 employees.
Is focused on creating innovative solutions that will help Indiana thrive in the Digital Age in sectors like agriculture, education, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

If your company does not fall under the above criteria but your team is interested in hosting an Xtern, please visit TechPoint’s Xtern Employer page to learn how you can participate.

Our intern and recruiting system is well developed and has served us well over the years. Teaming up with Xtern has been a way to really enhance our approach. We can offer the Xtern experience to candidates we recruit, which gives the students an even more full summer with housing options. It also lets us connect with students in other regions, extending our reach and helping us access a diverse pool of candidates.

-Raman OhriPresident & CEO, SEP

EARN Indiana Wage Assistance

In addition to IEDC’s Startup Assistance Program, your company may be eligible to cover up to an additional 50% of its intern’s wages through EARN Indiana.

In order to receive matching funds, certain minimum criteria must be met:

Internship must provide experiential learning
Internship must be paid
Internship must be at least 8 weeks
Intern must work 12 to 20 hours a week during academic year (12 to 40 hours during summer)
Intern activities may not be political or sectarian
No more than 25% of intern’s work can be administrative in nature.
No more than 50% of your workforce may be interns
Federal Work-Study funds or other grants may not be received for the internship position

You can confirm eligibility by registering as an employer with Work and Learn Indiana.

Timeline for Xtern Program

Employer Recruitment

Companies can reach out to the TechPoint talent team using this form here, and we will also reach out to companies to gauge interest and opportunity.

Company Commitment

Confirm attendance at our virtual Xtern Spring Finalist Day (March 3, 2022). Xtern applications are being reviewed by our team as well as university professors and industry professionals during this time.

Xtern Finalist Review

Feb 8 – 29 – Companies review resumes, work sample assessments, and application information for all Xtern finalists to determine their lists of preferred candidates.

Schedule Determined

March 1 – Companies submit their interview preferences. TechPoint team creates the schedule for Xtern Finalist Day.

Fall Finalist Day

March 3 – Applicants and companies participate in a full day of interviews before ranking their preferences. The TechPoint team makes matches and announces offers at the end of the event.

Offer and Acceptance

Companies send official offer letters with details about salary, start dates, and expectations. Xterns review offers and accept or decline by March 22. Xterns must inform both companies and the TechPoint team.

Ongoing Matching

Companies receive continued support and matching if needed. TechPoint continues to communicate with the class of 2023 Xterns to ensure retention. Companies are encouraged to occasionally reach out to help Xterns prepare for the summer.

Xterns Arrive

The Xtern program starts in May 2023 and Xterns will work for your company for the following 10 weeks.

Employer Applications open until February 17.

Want to learn how you can apply for IEDC’s Xtern Startup Assistance Program? Click here to book 15 minutes with a member of our engagement team to walk you through it.

Or, are you ready to commit? Sign up before February 10 for Spring Finalist Day via the link below to commit to hiring one or more 2023 Xterns.

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