WAKE FOREST FOUNDERS PROGRAM
powered by The Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP)
Cohort #3 (Spring 2025) @ WFF Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase at The Loading Dock - WF
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 will be looking for 10 scaling businesses that are or going to be rooted in Wake Forest to participate in this industry-agnostic program for Cohort #4 (Fall 2025: September, October, November 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:
3 Weekend Intensives: September 13-14, 2025; October 11-12, 2025; November 15-16, 2025 (Pitch Competition Practices/Scrubs)
WFF Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase: December 10, 2025 @ The Loading Dock - Wake Forest (open to all businesses in Wake Forest, not just accelerator participants)
Alejandro Morales (Cohort #3) of STOA Business Systems pitching during the WFF Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase at The Loading Dock - Wake Forest
Startup Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase - Fall 2025
The next WFF Startup Pitch Competition and Entrepreneurial Showcase (Fall 2025) will be held at The Loading Dock - Wake Forest (525 S. White St.) on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST.
6-8 startup founders will compete for cash prizes and attendees will hear more about the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Wake Forest. At the event, there will be food and beverages available for guests. Admission is FREE and open to the public, but requires registration.
For those pitching, attendance at an in-person Pitch Practice/Scrub event on Sunday, November 16, 2025 is required as well.
HUGE thanks to our Spring 2025 event sponsors — ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc., St. John Properties, Benchmark Bank, The Loading Dock, The Town of Wake Forest, and The Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership.
Wake Forest Founders Collective - Social & Innovation Programming
As a part of a powered-by-partnership initiative, The Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, The Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership, and The Loading Dock have banded together to provide FREE and engaging monthly programming — starting in July 2025 — to ensure our small business and entrepreneurial community has the resources it needs to succeed.
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.
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) & #3 (Spring 2025) have completed their 12-week programs and we are establishing an alumni network to continue serving these burgeoning ventures.
Founders from the Wake Forest Founders network who pitched at the Spring 2025 WFF Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase.
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!!
