Program Expectations

Quick details

• All programming takes place in person and is mandatory. 
• Scheduled programming occurs a minimum of two days per week, with a maximum of four days per week. 
• The cohort meets every Friday for lunch and to share progress on milestones. 
• Founders have daily access to program leaders. Ventures who take advantage of 1:1 sessions experience the best results. 

See complete programming and mentorship details below.

The StarTUp Accelerator is an intensive eight-week experience built for founders who are ready to make meaningful progress on their ventures.

Before applying, founders should understand that the Accelerator requires active participation, openness to feedback and a commitment to doing the work between sessions.

Who should apply?

Applicants do not need to be affiliated with Towson University. Both solo founders and founding teams are encouraged to apply. The StarTUp Accelerator is designed for early-stage founders who:

• Have launched or are actively building a venture
• Have begun validating a real problem and target customer
• Have demonstrated some evidence of traction, customer discovery or market demand
• Are ready to test assumptions and make changes based on what they learn
• Can commit meaningful time to their venture throughout the eight-week program
• Are willing to actively participate in a cohort and contribute to the progress of other founders
• Are ready to set measurable goals and be accountable for achieving them

Program Commitment

The Accelerator is a working program, not simply a series of workshops. Founders are expected to participate fully in required programming and arrive prepared to work on their ventures. Founders can expect a combination of:

• In-person programming at the StarTUp at the Armory
• Founder workshops and working sessions
• Individual coaching and mentorship
• Peer accountability
• Meetings with subject matter experts
• Customer discovery and venture-building work
• Ecosystem and networking opportunities
• Pitch development and practice

What You’ll Work On

Each venture enters the Accelerator with different challenges, but the program helps founders strengthen the core areas required to build a sustainable company. Areas of focus may include:

• Customer discovery and validation
• Business model development
• Riskiest assumption testing
• Market and competitive positioning
• Messaging and brand positioning
• Financial and operational readiness
• Metrics and traction
• Go-to-market strategy
• Founder leadership
• Pitch development

Goals and Accountability

At the beginning of the Accelerator, founders establish measurable goals for what they intend to accomplish during the eight-week program.

Throughout the program, founders regularly assess progress, identify barriers and determine their next most important actions. The expectation is progress, not perfection. Progress may include:

• Customer discovery completed
• New customers or users
• Revenue growth
• Product or MVP development
• Partnerships
• Market validation
• Improved operational or financial readiness
• Fundraising readiness
• Other venture-specific milestones

Mentorship and Founder Support

Founders receive access to StarTUp staff, experienced entrepreneurs, alumni founders, mentors and subject matter experts throughout the program. Founders are expected to take ownership of these resources by asking questions, seeking feedback and acting on what they learn.

Funding

Accepted ventures receive a $10,000 equity-free stipend designed to support their participation and venture development during the Accelerator. Additional payment details and requirements are provided to accepted founders before the program begins.

Workspace

Accelerator founders have access to the StarTUp at the Armory and its workspace and resources throughout the program. The Armory serves as the home base for the cohort — the place where you work, collaborate, meet mentors and build alongside other founders.

StarTUp Accelerator Showcase

Following the summer program, founders participate in the StarTUp Accelerator Showcase, where they have the opportunity to share their ventures and progress with Towson University, business leaders, investors, ecosystem partners and the broader community. The Accelerator Showcase is a mandatory event.

Is the Accelerator right for you?

The StarTUp Accelerator is best suited for founders who have moved beyond an initial idea and have begun validating their venture with customers, users or the market. If you’re still exploring an idea, need help reaching an MVP, or aren’t yet ready for an intensive eight-week program, another StarTUp program may be a better fit.