Rooted in the Community & Reaching for the Sky.

Wake Forest Founders

Rooted in the Community & Reaching for the Sky

Wake Forest Founders represents a collective led by the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership, the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Loading Dock.

We support entrepreneurs, startups, and scaling businesses in the Town of Wake Forest with meetups, special events, and our signature business accelerator program.


Learn More About the Program


Upcoming Events


Looking for More Info?

Think you might be a good fit for the WFF Accelerator Program, Pitch Competition, and/or have additional questions? Reach out to WFF’s Entrepreneurial Specialist, Clark Rinehart.



“Wake Forest is amazing: investing in our business owners & connecting us with each other to create a thriving community!”

— A Founder from Cohort 3 of the WFF Business Accelerator


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

    • 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!!

  • The Accelerator program will require roughly 12 weeks of time with 3 weekend intensives and 2-3 hours per week of “homework”.

  • You do not. However, we might ask to review your Business Plan, if you have it, in order to better understand your business.

  • 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.

  • Clark Rinehart, Entrepreneurial Specialist, at crinehart@wakeforestnc.gov

  • 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.

  • Participants are expected to establish or retain a presence for their business within the Town of Wake Forest.