The StartUp Accelerator™ Program – to help entrepreneurs prepare for investment and propel their startup’s rise!
Created for Maryland entrepreneurs by Maryland entrepreneurs, using Maryland-created technology. It isn’t just an accelerator program; it’s a catalyst for your startup’s rise.
Applications will open in November 2024 for a January 2025 start.
Who supports the program? The StartUp Accelerator program is designed and supported by bwtech, Startup Grind Maryland™, and FounderTrac™.
Program Mission – to provide Maryland-based startup founders with the knowledge and skills they need to attract investment and thrive.
What is the StartUp Accelerator Program?
The StartUp Accelerator Program is an intensive, 12-week, virtual program for startup and early stage founders and CEOs, to place them in the best possible position to grow a highly successful company and raise outside capital. The program provides the tools, guidance, and resources required for success through the acclaimed FounderTrac process and guidance from experienced industry professionals, mentors, and advisors.
The program focuses on five key aspects of growth – leadership, marketing, sales, operations and finance – and provides a structure to help leaders put what they learn into actions that will grow their business. During each session, facilitators and the peer team will help guide, challenge, and help uncover specific paths to grow your business and become investment ready.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: Virtual
- Program Start Date: Tuesday, March 12
- Program End Date: Tuesday, May 28
- Pitch Competition Gala: June 4
Join us to experience a transformation that goes beyond the ordinary!
What is the Selection Criteria?
- Must be a Maryland-based company
- Must have a highly scalable business model
- The product uniquely solves a problem for a large addressable market
- The founders are accomplished people who thrive in a high-performance environment
- Less than $500,000 in annualized revenue or demonstrated a prototype ready product
- Fully completed application
How Does the StartUp Accelerator Program Work?
As a participant, you’re not merely signing up for a program; you’re embarking on a journey that will provide:
Investment Readiness: Acquire the expertise, insights, and connections necessary to make your venture irresistible to potential investors.
Education, Guidance, and Introductions: 12 weeks of intensive education, inspiration, and personalized introductions to resources, mentors, advisors, and investors critical to the success of your startup, ensuring you have the right support at every turn.
Gala Pitch Competition: Showcase your startup to a discerning audience, and open doors to potential investors, mentors, advisors, and financiers who can elevate your business to new heights.
Membership in the Startup Grind Global Community: Embrace the opportunity to be a lifelong member of the largest global community of innovators, technologists, and creatives, startups from concept to exit. It is truly a global community unlocking collaboration and growth opportunities on a global scale.
Free Admission to Startup Grind Maryland events: Enjoy exclusive access at a fraction of the regular cost, expanding your horizons and connecting with like-minded innovators.
- Post Accelerator cohort Founders Forum events.
- Guaranteed admission to the Startup Grind Global Startup Program
- Curated Mentor & Investor Introductions
- Exhibition + Event Priority Access
- Member-Only Slack Community
- Educational programming, seminars, webinars, etc.
- Monthly Newsletter
- Global Brand Exposure
- Exclusive Partner Offers & Discounts
- Ongoing post-program cohort Founders Forums and cohort events.
Meet the StartUp Accelerator Program Cohort ONE!
2024 StartUp Accelerator Program Curriculum
What to Expect Upon Completion
Completing the program is not just a milestone—it’s a game-changer. At the end of this transformative journey, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of your business and a personalized roadmap and action plan for your venture, covering every aspect from sales and marketing to operations, finance, legal, and product development.
Questions?
Contact Marjie Cota, Director of Entrepreneurial Services or Chris Haug, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at bwtech and Director of Startup Grind Maryland.
Sponsored by:
Maryland Starup Accelerator™ is made possible by the support of our sponsors.