“We are very appreciative to have HPG join the sponsorship group for Triangle Startup Factory,” says Dave Neal, managing director, Triangle Startup Factory. “We have worked with the HPG team in many situations over the years with entrepreneurial companies and look forward to continuing that through this relationship.”

Through the Triangle Startup Factory, early-stage companies receive $50,000 in seed capital as well as office space and hands-on mentoring. The 12-week program helps the budding entrepreneur build a minimum viable product, identify the right customers, and validate market. After successful completion of the program, participating companies are eligible for additional funding, up to $150,000.

“Programs like the Triangle Start-Up Factory are important to providing economic growth and stability in N.C.,” says Brooks Malone, partner, HPG. “The HPG team has extensive experience working with bootstrapped and venture-backed technology companies with a practical, hands-on approach to help them grow.”

As a locally owned and managed firm, HPG has assisted national companies in establishing operations in N.C. and N.C. businesses in expanding to become national and international enterprises. With a unique understanding of the taxation, accounting and financial management needs of privately held and family-owned businesses, HPG accountants have guided the growth of manufacturers, retail and service businesses as well as technology companies from startup to ownership transition, be it IPO, next generation ownership or sale to employees or other investors.

About Hughes Pittman & Gupton, LLP (HPG):
Celebrating its 30th year, HPG is a Triangle-based CPA firm serving the financial management needs of local, multi-state and international businesses, as well as their owners. More than just an accounting firm, HPG assists clients in looking beyond the bottom line^sm by being the right people, right value and right firm^sm to achieve each client’s definition of success. HPG is a member of CPAmerica International and an affiliate member of the Crowe Horwath International alliances of CPA firms. The firm leverages this to provide national and global accounting resources to its clients. The firm has developed specialized teams of accounting, audit, tax and management advisory CPAs to address the unique needs of owner-managed, investor-backed, and privately held companies that include:

• Manufacturing and distribution businesses
• Technology and life science organizations
• Healthcare services and providers
• Real estate development (architect, engineering, construction and property management firms)
• Retailers and consumer services providers

In addition, HPG offers ERISA and Sarbanes-Oxley audit services and provides family wealthcare services for business owners, executives and multi-generational wealth families.

HPG has remained committed to advancing a thriving Triangle community since its founding in 1983. Focusing on the Triple-P approach (People, Profit, Planet) to sustainability, the firm has received recognition and accolades for its efforts including:

• Recognition by the Triangle Business Journal as one of the largest CPA firms headquartered and staffed in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina
• Recognition as one of the top 100 Best Accounting Firms to Work For in the country by Accounting Today
• Recipient of the 2009 Large Entrepreneurial Business Award by the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
• Recipient of the 2010 Integrity in Business Award by the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
• Being the first accounting firm in the world to earn Green Plus certification by the Institute for Sustainable Development

For more information, visit www.hpg.com.