Program Overview:
The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator is a multifaceted entrepreneurial program focused on the advancement of collegiate female founders.
Collegiate female entrepreneurs accepted into the 2024 cohort will participate in a five-day, growth-based accelerator designed to guide emerging business owners through their startup phase.The Collegiate Accelerator includes a Mentorship Program that will connect student participants with seasoned women-owned businesses alongside mentors from leading Corporations in a 2:1 mentorship model.
The 2024 cohort will travel to Denver, Colorado from March 16 - March 22, 2024, for two-days of peer connections, professional networking, and targeted educational curriculum focused on the fundamentals of growth for startups. While in Denver, program participants will also attend the WBENC National Conference, known as the largest event of its kind for women-owned businesses.
Student founders will have an exclusive opportunity to showcase their service or product to more than 4,000 attendees during Demo Day. Additionally, the 2024 cohort will participate in the WBENC Collegiate Accelerator Pitch Competition in which seed capital grants will be awarded to the most disruptive and innovative businesses.Take your venture to the next level and join the CA alumni community of 200+ female founders by applying today!
Eligibility Criteria:
- Enrolled full-time or part-time in a recognized College or University, or a recent graduate (must have graduated within the past 12 months).
- (1) Female Founder participant per company – applicant must be an owner, founder, or controlling shareholder.
- Company must have been operating for at least three months but does not have to be revenue generating.
- Participants must agree to attend the entirety of the program in Denver, CO as well as the virtual Closing Ceremony. The program schedule is outlined below and on the program website; inability to attend and participate in the entire program will result in ineligibility
*Through the support of our valued Corporate and Government sponsors, all travel, lodging, and registration expenses will be covered for 2024 program participants, along with a stipend for F&B and incidentals.
Please reach out to nextgen@wbenc.org with any questions!
Application Deadline: Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:59pm PT