Wake Forest has earned national attention not just for its charm and quality of life, but also for its vibrant community spirit. Recently named the Best Suburb to Move To in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, the town’s combination of opportunity, small-town character, and supportive neighbors is helping to fuel a thriving entrepreneurial scene. At the center of that growth is the Wake Forest Founders Collective, a partnership-driven program dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs launch, grow, and succeed.
The Wake Forest Founders Collective is part of the broader Wake Forest Founders Program (WFF). The Collective is a powered-by-partnership effort that brings together the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP), the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Loading Dock - Wake Forest to support entrepreneurship and small business growth. “Our mission is to ensure that the burgeoning Wake Forest entrepreneurial ecosystem has the resources and connections it needs to continue growing,” said Clark Rinehart, Entrepreneurial Specialist for the Collective.
The Wake Forest Founders Program first launched several years ago in partnership with Innovate Carolina through UNC–Chapel Hill, which helped coordinate early programming and establish a foundation for entrepreneurial support. Over time, Rinehart and his team transitioned to a model rooted in local collaboration, partnering with the Chamber and The Loading Dock to build on that foundation. “The Chamber and The Loading Dock were already doing great work in terms of programming and supporting the business community,” said Rinehart. “Our efforts together as a Collective allow us to do more, do it more frequently, and specifically focus on topics that we’ve learned our startups and earlier-stage companies really need to scale.”
That collaboration has produced tangible results. The Wake Forest Founders Program now leads two 12-week accelerator cohorts annually, providing structured programming for companies ready to refine their business models and grow quickly. “Some might come to a programming event, and that then inspires them to apply for the accelerator or pitch at our bi-annual competition,” said Rinehart. “Others might just attend sessions that address a particular challenge they’re facing as a founder. We designed it so there’s room for engagement at every stage.”
Now underway with its fourth cohort, the accelerator program continues to evolve. “Just like growing a startup, the WFF team has gotten better at curating the accelerator and flexing to customize it based on each cohort’s members,” said Rinehart. “Our original plan was solid, but Dr. Tim Flood has done an amazing job adapting the curriculum and refining it each time.” The results speak for themselves; new products, partnerships, and business pivots have all emerged from past participants, several of whom have returned to mentor new cohorts.
The bi-annual Wake Forest Founders Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase has also become a cornerstone event for the community. “The WFF Pitch Competition has grown far beyond what we originally thought it would be,” said Rinehart. “The prize money has increased from $5K to $10K, attendance continues to rise, and we now feature founders from across Wake Forest — not just those who have come through the accelerator program.”
For those interested in getting involved, applications are now open for the Fall 2025 Wake Forest Founders Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase, taking place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:00–7:30 PM at The Loading Dock – Wake Forest (525 S. White St.). The application window runs from Monday, November 3, through Wednesday, November 19, at 5:00 PM EST, and all Wake Forest-area startups are invited to apply, not just those who have participated in Wake Forest Founders programming. The evening will spotlight the area’s growing startup culture and award $10,000 in total cash prizes to participants. The community is encouraged to come out to support these local founders and experience the energy of Wake Forest’s thriving entrepreneurial community firsthand. Reserve your spot to attend and support.
For Madie Pike, Community Experience Manager at The Loading Dock – Wake Forest, joining the Founders Collective has only strengthened what her organization does best. “The Loading Dock has always been about bringing people together to do meaningful work,” Pike said. “Partnering in the Founders Collective enhances that mission by connecting our community to a broader network of like-minded individuals and resources. It gives our members access to mentorship, new opportunities, and visibility beyond our walls.”
Pike added that the partnership creates “a true ecosystem for our community — a place where there’s no wrong door to find guidance, support, or collaboration.” She’s also seen the benefits firsthand. “We’ve seen a wide range of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and remote workers get involved, from early-stage startups and creative agencies to established nonprofits and service-based professionals,” Pike said. “Whether it’s meeting a co-founder down the hall, landing a client through a networking event, or scaling into a private office, our environment is designed to support that growth journey.”
Julie Kruse-John, Vice President of Operations and Public Affairs for the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, echoed that sentiment. “The Chamber’s mission is to represent business, serve community, and enhance the quality of life — and our partnership in the Founders Collective embodies all three,” said Kruse-John. “By aligning strengths across organizations, we can offer more content-rich, experience-driven programming and further embed the Chamber into the very fabric of Wake Forest’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Kruse-John added that feedback from members has been “overwhelmingly positive,” with many praising both the quality of the content and the community atmosphere. “There’s a shared understanding that we’re all working toward the same goal: helping local businesses succeed,” she said. “Whether you walk into the Chamber, WFBIP, or The Loading Dock, you’ll find a community ready to help your business grow.”
Looking ahead, she sees more collaboration on the horizon. “There’s tremendous opportunity to expand Founders Collective programming through new series, varied class times, and topic tracks that meet businesses where they are,” said Kruse-John. “Wake Forest is a community positioned for exponential growth, and this partnership allows us to shape that future together.”
Rinehart agreed that this partnership is about more than programming; it’s about creating a foundation for long-term success. “It’s hard to run a small business, particularly in the early stages,” he said. “Giving founders access to free, public resources and meaningful relational connections early in their development cycle gives them the best opportunity to succeed.”
Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership, said the Founders Collective reflects the very spirit that has earned Wake Forest national recognition. “The collaboration between the Chamber, The Loading Dock, and WFBIP perfectly captures what makes Wake Forest special,” said Cannon. “It’s a place where people invest in each other’s success, and the Founders Collective is helping that spirit thrive. As Travel + Leisure recently highlighted, people are drawn here for the sense of connection, and this partnership ensures that extends to our entrepreneurial community.”
