Business Accelerator for Early-stage Collegiate Founders and Recent Graduates

The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator (CA) is a multifaceted, cohort-based, entrepreneurial program designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who are looking to establish, grow, and scale their existing business or startup venture.  

Founders accepted into the 2026 CA Virtual Cohort will participate in all virtual sessions taking place throughout the month of April including peer-to-peer connections and tailored curriculum designed to advance early-stage entrepreneurs and business owners. The CA Virtual Program will culminate in the CA Virtual Pitch Competition Semi-Final Round, in which founders will compete for a chance to attend the WBENC National Conference, in Salt Lake City, UT. 

While in Utah, founders comprising the In-Person Cohort will connect with their CA mentors, engage in meaningful professional networking opportunities, showcase their ventures in a dedicated booth on the expo floor, and will compete in the CA Pitch Competition Final Round for a chance to win micro-seed funding.

WBENC CA Featured Articles: 

 

PROGRAM TIMING

Applications Open Now Through March 2, 2026 

APPLY NOW
2026 Collegiate Accelerator Corporate Supporters
Program Timing

The 2026 WBENC Collegiate Accelerator program will operate in two phases, offering both Virtual & In-Person opportunities. Applications are Open through March 2nd, 2026. 

Virtual

The Virtual CA Program will take place every Monday & Wednesday evening in April (see dates and times below). Please note, all programming will be held in Eastern Time. 

In-Person

The In-Person Cohort will be determined by the top finalists who place in the Virtual CA Pitch Competition Semi-Final Round. Founders who advance to the In-Person Cohort must be available to participate in all sessions outlined below, including the 2026 WBENC National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, from June 15-18. Through the support of Collegiate Accelerator Corporate supporters, all travel, lodging, and registration expenses will be covered for the CA In-Person Cohort to attend the WBENC National Conference, along with a provided stipend for F&B and incidentals. 

 

Collegiate Accelerator
Participating in the Collegiate Accelerator program was truly transformative. Surrounded by inspiring women business owners, I found a supportive community eager to share their wisdom. The pitch competition honed my public speaking skills, and the connections I made with my cohort are invaluable. This program has empowered me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams with confidence and determination.
Latia Boney
Founder | B.E. Connected
Latia Boney
The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator provided such a great learning opportunity and supportive network for me. I had dedicated mentors who really took time out of their day to help me find resources for ingredients and packaging suppliers, introduce me to other entrepreneurs, and encourage me to think of alternative ways to pursue business opportunities.
Jamie Kim
Founder | Jamie's Farm
Jamie Kim
The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator helped my brand, Gently Soap, make connections that before I had only dreamed about on my vision board. I was able to learn which of my goals were viable options for 2022 and which ones I had to pump the breaks on. I made connections that opened my eyes to spaces and opportunities that I had no idea about and was even afforded the opportunity to pitch my brand on the National conference stage. I was able to connect with the other girls in my cohort and celebrate their wins as well. I want to do this program again and again.
Kristen Dunning
Founder | Gently Soap
Kristen Dunning
The Collegiate Accelerator Program has opened my eyes to my potential as a woman entrepreneur. It takes work to start this journey when you are young; still, when you are surrounded by like-minded individuals, you are stretched to capacities you could not have thought existed. The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator program gave me hope and seeing the success of my peers helped extinguish the fire of limitations and doubt in my venture and contributed towards my growth. Thank you for planting the seed of momentum in me, I will forever be grateful.
Faella Bell
Founder | Blue Ribbean
Faella Bell
I can say with confidence that attending the WBENC conference and being supported by the WBENC Collegiate Accelerator community has been a steppingstone in helping my business achieve success. This program is overflowing with valuable resources and connections to help get your business off the ground and successful.
Tiffany Gil
Founder and CEO | Shezza
Tiffany Gil
"The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator pushed me to think beyond the limits I once set for myself. It taught me that preparing for bigger opportunities means showing up with a bigger vision. One bold enough to scale, lead, and serve at the highest level."
Lia Moore, Coolavo
Lia Moore, Coolavo
How to Apply

Who Should Apply? 

Startup founders and/or business owners who are enrolled full-time or part-time in a recognized College or University (or a recent graduate as of the past 12 months) are encouraged to apply for the 2026 WBENC Collegiate Accelerator (CA) Program.  

The Collegiate Accelerator is seeking applicants who are committed to entrepreneurship and innovation and are passionate about forming peer connections and growing their professional networks. Applicants must be dedicated to fully participating in all CA programming dates (outlined above). 

Applicant Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Applicant must be enrolled full-time or part-time in a recognized College or University or has graduated within the past 12 months (graduate as of Dec 2024). 
  • Applicant must be an owner, founder, or controlling shareholder of participating venture / company; one (1) founder will be accepted per business venture / company. 
  • Applicant’s business venture / company must have been in operation for at least six (6) months but does not have to be revenue generating.  
  • Applicant must be available and committed to attending all Collegiate Accelerator program dates listed above including the virtual dates, as well as the in-person dates if chosen to advance to the In-Person Cohort. Inability to attend or participate in the entire program will result in ineligibility and a void application. 

Applications Open Now Through March 2, 2026 

APPLY NOW

 

 

 

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Tuition & Fees

Through the support of our valued Corporate and Government sponsors, all travel, lodging, and registration expenses will be covered for all CA program participants for the 2025 WBENC National Conference, along with a stipend for F&B and incidentals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participating Colleges & Universities

More than 100+ colleges and universities across the U.S. have helped identify prospective students for this program. Join us! Contact us at NextGen@wbenc.org for details on how to get involved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Information

Email us at NextGen@wbenc.org or by contacting Avery Trump at atrump@wbenc.org.