> Reasonable to require $345k within the 1st 3 years to qualify? Too much capital? An international founder probably wants to come to the states for funding an

> Reasonable to require $345k within the 1st 3 years to qualify? Too much capital? An international founder probably wants to come to the states for funding and scaling. Having pre-conditions on both scale and funding seems like a chicken and egg. Requiring funding rules out all bootstrapped businesses which are likely candidates. > $500k annual revenue The conditions feel like they select for small businesses like restaurants but filter out the potentially massive ones e.g. pre-revenue consumer facing like Facebook / WhatsApp or R&D heavy businesses like Biotech. Neither of these may see revenue in the first few years but have evidence potential in user growth, engagement or scientific achievement. > Is winning pitch events or other competitions a good indicator of potential for rapid growth and job creation? > Does getting into an incubator show a potential for success? If a founder is wanting to relocate from a non-startup friendly region then neither of these are may have been available. IMHO both competitions and second-rate incubators are "playing at business" and distractions from the truly necessary steps.