Submission deadline is fast approaching, August 8^th to be exact. To help you understand what we’re all about, we turned to a former sprout and successful entrepreneur, James Kappan.

James is the founder of our fifth Sprout, Proposable. This subscription software makes creating, delivering and analyzing web-based sales proposals easy and efficient. Since his months in “the box,” James is successfully managing Proposable, and has a lot to say about how working with SproutBox has helped make his vision a reality.

What made you decide to work with SproutBox to launch Proposable?

Sproutbox offers to fund entrepreneurs based on the quality of the idea presented and the resourcefulness of the entrepreneur.

What was it like going through the application process and selection weekend?

The application process was surprisingly straightforward and fun. It helped me put some more “meat” around the idea I had been thinking about for so long. The weekend was cool, but sort of stressful as you are presenting your idea to a very top-notch group of investors and entrepreneurs. It was great meeting everyone and seeing that Bloomington is a cool town.

How do you feel SproutBox has helped your business in terms of development?

Sproutbox provided everything I needed to make Proposable a reality. From the intense planning sessions to the rapid code writing, the entire team did a stellar job of moving from the idea stage to the working site stage.

What was the atmosphere like in “the box?”

The best way I can describe the box is that it’s like your favorite uncle’s basement. Comfortable chairs, games, food and just enough distraction to make it feel like you’re not at “work”. It’s a great place for collaboration among the team.

How did the SproutBox team support you during the transition process?

They provided guidance and strategy right out of the gate. The transition process was the hardest part of the process, as you now have to actually make your idea make money. This was challenging at first, as the project needs time and development to become a stable platform.

What did you most benefit from working with SproutBox?

I think I benefited most from having so many minds to glean from. I tried to learn as much as I could from each person on the team. I realized the value in having others who think very differently from me.

What advice do you have for those who are interested in working with SproutBox?

Really understand and communicate what pain your idea solves. If you can effectively communicate the pain that your ideas solves, then your idea will sell itself.

If you would like to apply to be our next Sprout, applications are due August 8^th.

Apply at http://www.sproutbox.com/apply

We are excited to announce the selection of our newest Sprout, myJibe!

MyJibe is web-based personal finance software built for individuals as well as financial planners, financial advisors, banks and credit unions.

Founders Mike Langellier and Brandon Dewitt have substantial backgrounds in financial services and software from their experience at Experian (formerly Baker Hill), where they managed client relationships and software development.

“Millions of people subscribe to envelope-style budgeting, but the software is lacking. Because there’s no good existing software, financial planners and advisors have an incredibly hard time running their businesses, as much of their clients’ financial documentation is in word documents, paper forms, and excel spreadsheets. As an advisor why can’t I pick up the phone and call my client so we can view their financial plan together in real time? Why can’t I be alerted now if my client goes off track from his savings goals rather than finding out 6 months down the road? We’re solving these problems with myJibe.” – Mike Langellier

“For many, managing finances effectively means–or should mean–not only software like myJibe; it should also involve sound financial advice. As a result, we are looking for the best financial professionals and inviting them to partner with us in this mission. That way we can confidently refer users when they need help and together we can create a win-win-win scenario for everyone involved.” -Brandon Dewitt

Mike and Brandon are on a mission. They have launched SaveIndiana.us to bring together financial professionals and Hoosiers looking for better personal finance software and credible financial advice. If you know a good financial planner, financial advisor, bank or credit union, or are interested in the mission, go to SaveIndiana.us and follow @SaveIndiana on Twitter.

While you’re at it, follow @myJibe and head over to myJibe.com to sign up for e-mail updates about the myJibe “secret sauce” as the product nears launch.

If you’d like to be the next Sprout, please be sure to apply by August 8th.
Click here to apply!

Proposable.com is now live! We are so excited to unveil this game-changing sales platform to the world. The Proposable team has put in late nights, long days, and blood sweat and tears into this project (well.. not too much blood was spilt, actually) but now they’re open for business.

Proposable was released Thursday evening (2/11/10) and was immediately covered by the most well-read tech blogs, including TechCrunch and TheNextWeb.

Read the Techcrunch article here.

Click here to read TheNextWeb coverage.

Proposable offers revolutionary sales intelligence and a ridiculously simple platform for creating, delivering, and analyzing all your sales material online. Tell the salespeople in your life that they never again need to ask questions like, “Did they open my email?”, “What sections did they look at?”, and “How interested are they?”. Proposable has the answers.

Everyone gets a free 30 day trial – No credit card required.
Try it for yourself now at http://www.proposable.com.