Prepares Entrepreneurs to Attract Investment and Fast-Track their Startup’s Growth.
Presented in partnership with Startup Grind Maryland and FounderTrac.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level and become investment-ready?
STARTUP Accelerator is a 14-week, virtual program designed to place you in the best possible position to grow a highly successful company and raise outside capital.
Powered by Maryland entrepreneurs and backed by bwtech@UMBC, Startup Grind Maryland, and FounderTrac™, this program is your launchpad to growth. It offers the tools, support, and resources required for success through the acclaimed FounderTrac process, with expert guidance from experienced mentors.
- Program Start Date: January 8, 2025
- Virtual Meetings: Weds, 5:00-6:30 pm, every two weeks. Off weeks are reserved for working with mentors.
- Pitch Showcase: April 9, 2025
- Cost: Free
How the Program Works
The program is based on a detailed understanding of the five key elements of growth: leadership, marketing, sales, operations, and finance – the pillars that drive revenue and profitability. During each session, facilitators, mentors, and fellow cohort members will guide, challenge, and help uncover specific paths to grow your business and become investment-ready.
There are six formal sessions, one every two weeks. The off weeks are reserved for working on assignments and meeting with mentors. The program ends with a virtual showcase event where you present your pitch to an audience of potential investors and influential industry leaders, with curated introductions and matchmaking.
Selection Criteria
- The company must be focused on Innovation and technology development and commercialization.
- The company and founder must be located and operating in Maryland.
- The product uniquely solves a problem for a large addressable market and can potentially be a highly scalable business model.
- The founders are accomplished people who thrive in a high-performance environment
- Must have an initial prototype at a minimum and less than $500,000 in annualized revenue
- No service providers, non-profits, or other traditional small businesses.
Why You Should Apply:
- Investment Readiness: Acquire the expertise, insights, and connections necessary to make your venture irresistible to potential investors.
- Expert Guidance: Dive deep into leadership, marketing, sales, operations, and finance with industry professionals
- Exclusive Access: Access to personalized mentorship, curated introductions, and connections with key industry leaders
- Pitch to Win: Showcase your startup to potential investors, advisors, and financiers who can elevate your business to new heights.
- Membership in the Startup Grind Global Community: Become a member of the StartUp Grind Community and unlock global growth opportunities.
2025 STARTUP Accelerator Program Curriculum
- The program meets every other Wednesday from 5-6:30 pm.
- Off weeks are reserved for working on assignments and meeting with mentors.
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.
Supercharge your startup journey with STARTUP Accelerator today!
Meet Cohort ONE, 2025!
Brought to you by:
FounderTrac is a Maryland-based company and technology platform designed to accelerate and derisk the company-building process and deliver significantly more innovation to the world.
Startup Grind Maryland is a state-wide community whose mission is to educate, inspire, and connect our community members with the resources they need to go as far as in their entrepreneurial journey as possible.
bwtech@UMBC is a dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship hub that supports startups and technology companies through incubation, research collaboration, educational programs, expert mentorship, and strategic connections in Maryland and beyond.
Questions?
Sponsors
