NASHVILLE (AP) — The state is accepting applications for a competitive grant to support nine regional business accelerators across Tennessee.

According to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the grants will award $250,000 to a regional entrepreneurial accelerator in each economic development region.

The regional accelerators were announced in June as part of Gov. Bill Haslam's INCITE plan, designed to drive innovation across the state.

Tennessee has partnered with Startup America to form Startup Tennessee, which will form a network of the accelerators and mentor entrepreneurs.

Information is at www.tn.gov/ecd . Applications are due Sept. 30.