Maryland StartUp Accelerator

Created for Maryland entrepreneurs by Maryland entrepreneurs, using Maryland-created technology.

It isn’t just an accelerator program; it’s a catalyst for your startup’s rise. 

Who supports the program? The Maryland StartUp Accelerator program is designed and supported by bwtech, Startup Grind Maryland™, and FounderTrac™.

Program Mission – to provide Maryland-based startup founders with the knowledge and skills they need to attract investment and thrive.

What is Maryland StartUp Accelerator?

Maryland StartUp Accelerator is an intensive, 12-week, virtual program for startup and early stage founders and CEOs, to place them in the best possible position to grow a highly successful company and raise outside capital. The program provides the tools, guidance, and resources required for success through the acclaimed FounderTrac process and guidance from experienced industry professionals, mentors, and advisors.

The program focuses on five key aspects of growth – leadership, marketing, sales, operations and finance – and provides a structure to help leaders put what they learn into actions that will grow their business. During each session, facilitators and the peer team will help guide, challenge, and help uncover specific paths to grow your business and become investment ready.

• Cost: FREE
• Location: Virtual
• Program Start Date: Tuesday, March 12
• Program End Date: Tuesday, May 28
• Pitch Competition Gala: June 4

Join us to experience a transformation that goes beyond the ordinary!

What is the Selection Criteria?

• Must be a Maryland-based company
• Must have a highly scalable business model
• The product uniquely solves a problem for a large addressable market
• The founders are accomplished people who thrive in a high-performance environment
• Less than $500,000 in annualized revenue
• Considering taking outside investment
• Have not participated gone through another Accelerator program
• Fully completed application

How Does the Maryland Startup Accelerator Program Work?

As a participant, you’re not merely signing up for a program; you’re embarking on a journey that will provide:

Investment Readiness: Acquire the expertise, insights, and connections necessary to make your venture irresistible to potential investors.

Education, Guidance, and Introductions: 12 weeks of intensive education, inspiration, and personalized introductions to resources, mentors, advisors, and investors critical to the success of your startup, ensuring you have the right support at every turn.

Gala Pitch Competition: Showcase your startup to a discerning audience, and open doors to potential investors, mentors, advisors, and financiers who can elevate your business to new heights.

Membership in the Startup Grind Global Community: Embrace the opportunity to be a lifelong member of the largest global community of innovators, technologists, and creatives, startups from concept to exit. It is truly a global community unlocking collaboration and growth opportunities on a global scale.

Free Admission to StartUp Grind Maryland events: Enjoy exclusive access at a fraction of the regular cost, expanding your horizons and connecting with like-minded innovators.

• Post Accelerator cohort Founders Forum events.
• Guaranteed admission to the Startup Grind Global Startup Program
• Curated Mentor & Investor Introductions
• Exhibition + Event Priority Access
• Member-Only Slack Community
• Educational programming, seminars, webinars, etc.
• Monthly Newsletter
• Global Brand Exposure
• Exclusive Partner Offers & Discounts
• Ongoing post-program cohort Founders Forums and cohort events.

2024 Maryland StartUp Accelerator Program Curriculum

What to Expect Upon Completion

Completing the program is not just a milestone—it’s a game-changer. At the end of this transformative journey, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of your business and a personalized roadmap and action plan for your venture, covering every aspect from sales and marketing to operations, finance, legal, and product development.

Questions?

Contact Marjie Cota, Director of Entrepreneurial Services or Chris Houg, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at bwtech and Director of Startup Grind Maryland.