[mlader]

Full Disclosure: I was one of the participants in the first Boston Startup School class.

One of the great benefits of the program was the plethora of networking opportunities that appeared via the instructors and the constant interaction with local startups. The program also focused on a diversity of skill sets & preparation for positions that are critical to the success of most startups: Marketing, Product Design, Sales & Biz Dev, and of course Software Development. We also had participants come in from all over the United States and the world, so I don't think drawing in top talent would be too difficult once the program has established itself. Even so, the program thrived on people with an entrepreneurial spirit and drive to learn & create rather than pure technical talent.

I'm not sure that BSS could have done well in a startup poor environment since it's success depended a lot on the participation of local startups. That's not to say, however, that a different program with a different business model couldn't succeed in such an environment.