Scale Your Vision in 2026: The Westchester Innovation Network (WIN) Wants You
Building on four years of incredible success, applications are now open for the 2026 Westchester Innovation Network (WIN) cohort.
The BCW WIN is a no-cost, high-impact opportunity designed to introduce innovators from around the world to the New York metro area. Our goal is simple but powerful: we match innovative startups with local businesses, universities, and municipalities to co-create beta tests.
Whether you are looking to gather data, educate prospective customers, or secure your first major partnership, WIN provides the access you need.
Real Impact, Real Connections
The WIN program doesn’t just promise exposure; it delivers tangible partnerships.
For Michael Berlingo, CEO of Starteryou, the program was instrumental in building the relationships that underpin his business model.
“Both WIN and BCW were incredibly helpful because they would get on calls with me. They gave me introductions. They assigned people who could be potential mentors, and they helped facilitate a lot of conversations. This entire company was built on networking, so if you’re able to help with that, you really had a big impact,” said Berlingo.
Sergio Alfonso, CEO of Right Route, found that WIN cut through the red tape often associated with securing pilot programs.
“WIN was a great experience. We initially met with a vendor that runs last mile shuttles. He suggested to reach out to [a school bus company] and that process was seamless. He heard us, he liked the idea, and then within a couple of days we met in person,” said Alfonso.
For Ori Eldarov, CEO of OffDeal, the program provided a gateway to Westchester’s diverse small business community, helping them refine their market approach.
“We’re grateful to the BCW WIN for connecting us with Westchester’s vibrant small business community. These connections have been invaluable in helping us refine how we serve business owners exploring their options… It’s part of why we’ve been able to drive such amazing outcomes,” said Eldarov.
Why Westchester?
When you join WIN, you aren’t just joining a program; you are entering an elite ecosystem. Westchester County is home to a highly educated workforce and world-famous brands like IBM, PepsiCo, Mastercard, and Regeneron, alongside seven colleges and universities.
WIN matches innovators with a prospective client or beta-test partner best suited to their specific needs, giving them a foothold in New York City’s northern suburbs.
Join the 2026 Cohort
We are ready to help you write the next chapter of your company’s story. Apply Here for the 2026 WIN Program.
For additional questions about the application process, contact Luiz Aragon at LAragon@TheBCW.org.
More News
The Business Council of Westchester is proud to join Westchester Magazine in celebrating its 25th anniversary and a quarter-century of telling the stories of the people, businesses and communities that make Westchester such an extraordinary place to live and work. To commemorate this milestone, Westchester Magazine is recognizing influential leaders who have helped shape the […]
The Business Council of Westchester extends its sincere appreciation to our Supporting Sponsors for their generous support of the 2026 Annual Dinner: Celebrating Leadership & Legacy. This signature evening brings together leaders from across Westchester’s business, nonprofit, education, healthcare and civic communities to celebrate the individuals and organizations whose leadership, vision and commitment continue to […]
The Business Council of Westchester is proud to celebrate BCW member Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) for being named to City & State New York’s 2026 Hall of Fame: 20 Years of Impact in New York, recognizing organizations and leaders whose achievements have helped shape New York over the past two decades. Created in […]
Become A Member
Join the county’s largest and most influential business organization today.
JOIN NOW!