WAKE FOREST Founders Program
Entrepreneurial Programming + Accelerator
The town of Wake Forest is keen on leveraging the resources within our community to grow businesses. It’s in our DNA. Building on the success of our Pilot program in 2023, the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP) is excited to announce our ongoing efforts through the Wake Forest Founders (WFF) Program in connection with Innovate Carolina and Dr. Tim Flood from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School! As we did in 2024, we will have structured innovation and social programming in downtown Wake Forest along with direct support to local founders through a cohort-based accelerator and Founders-In-Residence coaching.
In terms of the more intensive WFF Accelerator, we’re currently looking for 10 scaling businesses that are or going to be rooted in Wake Forest to participate in this industry-agnostic program for Cohort #3 (Spring 2025: March, April, May 2025). The Accelerator program will offer access to thought leaders in the region, core entrepreneurial curriculum + training, legal support, access to capital networks, and pitch scrubs, among other offerings. Dr. Flood will be our primary guide, as Accelerator Manager, and have several Founders-In-Residence for additional mentoring throughout the year. There will be a network of Town stakeholders and entrepreneurial experts involved as well.
Participation in the Accelerator Program requires a (1) Wake Forest address and (2) filling out a simple application (see below). The structure of the Accelerator will include 3 weekend intensives with the formal programming occurring on Saturdays (full day) and Sundays (half day), along with weekly group virtual sessions, ongoing individual coaching, subject-specific work sessions, mentorship, pitch scrubs, and direct support throughout the Spring.
Here’s the schedule:
Virtual Kickoff Meeting: February 24, 2025
3 Weekend Intensives: March 15-16, 2025; April 12-13, 2025; May 17-18, 2025
Startup Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase: May 28, 2025
Apply for the WFF Accelerator: APPLY HERE!
Think you might be a good fit for the Program and/or have questions? Reach out to WFF’s Entrepreneurial Specialist, Clark Rinehart.
Still unsure? Review our FAQs and Program benefits below to learn more.
We look forward to helping you grow in Wake Forest!
Cohorts #1 (Spring 2024) & #2 (Fall 2024) have completed their 12-week programs and we are establishing an alumni network to continue serving these burgeoning ventures.
WFF Cohort #1 Celebration Dinner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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The Accelerator program will require roughly 12 weeks of time with 3 weekend intensives and 2-3 hours per week of “homework”.
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You do not. However, we might ask to review your Business Plan, if you have it, in order to better understand your business.
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Refining your business’ products/services and goals, additional buisness training and support, new mentors in your corner along with greater access to the entreprenurial ecosystem in Wake County.
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Clark Rinehart, Entrepreneurial Specialist, at crinehart@wakeforestnc.gov
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In-person gatherings will take place in downtown Wake Forest, typically at The Loading Dock - Wake Forest (525 S White St.). The exact locations will be posted on this page under the event heading. However, coaching sessions will be both in-person and virtual.
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Participants are expected to establish or retain a presence for their business within the Town of Wake Forest.
How will Wake Forest Founders help me grow my business?
Market Research to define your customer and market opportunity
Creation/Revision of your Value Proposition & Mission Statement
Access to Capital and Financing Options
Establish specific and obtainable goals and measure success
Mentorship, collaboration, and support
Build and/or Refine Pitch Deck through Pitch Practice & Scrubs
Sales, Marketing, Website, & Social Media Strategies
Beta Testing Opportunities
Regular Office Hours with knowledgeable staff (both in-person & virtual)
Legal strategies to best position your business for success
And much more!!
