About the Program

Wake Forest Founders is where bold ideas meet real-world support — where entrepreneurs and innovators join a community that guides them step by step to build, launch, and grow their vision.

Through mentorship, strategy, and collaborative energy, participants catalyze ideas into action and become part of a thriving network of Wake Forest creators.

See the upcoming events

Powered by partnership, The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, The Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership, and The Loading Dock - Wake Forest have banded together to provide free and engaging monthly programming. Talks and meet ups canvas technology, business relationships, strategy—you name it! Industry subject matter experts share their wisdom to ensure our small businesses and entrepreneurial community have the resources they need to succeed.

Social and Innovation Programming

The town of Wake Forest is keen on leveraging resources within the community to grow our businesses. It’s in our DNA, and the Wake Forest Founders Accelerator is the centerpiece.

The structure of the 12-week Accelerator will includes

  • 3 in-person, weekend intensives with the formal programming occurring on Saturdays (full day) and Sundays (half day)

  • Weekly group virtual sessions (one evening per week)

  • Ongoing individual coaching, subject-specific work sessions, pitch scrubs, and mentorship

Think you might be a good fit for the WFF Accelerator Program? Have additional questions? Reach out to WFF’s Entrepreneurial Specialist, Clark Rinehart.

The Business Accelerator

Community of Innovators

Drawing on the big city energy and small town charm of our entire community, the Wake Forest Founders Collective celebrates it’s

  • Local founders and business people

  • Coworkers at The Loading Dock - Wake Forest and neighbors in and around our historic downtown

  • Alumni of our WFF Business Accelerator program

  • Countless other people who live in, work in, or just love this amazing town

We come together to support innovation and entrepreneurship, to expand opportunities, and to foster sustainable growth.  Interested in learning more?   Please sign up for our newsletter or stop by The Loading Dock - Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Area Chamber to say hello! And, be sure to check in with our Business Accelerator Alumni.

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, weekly online meet ups, and 2-3 hours per week of “homework”.

  • You do not. However, we might ask to review your business plan in order to better understand your business.

  • Refining your business’ products/services and goals, additional business training and support, new mentors in your corner along with greater access to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Wake County.

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

  • In-person gatherings 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.