The Access Georgia Foundation (Access) is accepting applications for its 2026 Founders Cohort and Founders Accelerator Programs, two programs designed to support founders at different stages of growth.
The Founders Cohort, now in its sixth year, is designed for startups with strong traction preparing for investor conversations. Participants work closely with mentors to refine their capital strategy and prepare to pitch their product or service to established angel investors at the Access Investor Showcase in August.
To qualify for the 2026 Founders Cohort, companies must meet the following criteria:
- Early stage, Seed, Seed+
- Post Revenue (min annual revenue/ARR of $100K or recent monthly run rate/MRR of $10K during the last three months).
- Actively fundraising and can submit a “roughly right” term sheet as part of the online application process.
- Can provide proformas, financials, and full company data upon request.
- Can provide a Business Plan summary, Business Model Canvas, and Pitch Deck
The Founders Accelerator is the Founders Cohort’s sister program. It is tailored for earlier-stage founders building toward investor readiness. The program focuses on refining business models, strengthening financial strategy, and developing go-to-market plans.
The Accelerator is designed for companies that:
- Have launched or are nearing launch
- May not yet meet the Founders Cohort revenue requirements
- Are building toward investor readiness
- Want structured mentorship and strategic guidance
Top Accelerator companies may be invited to present at the Investor Showcase.
The deadline for both applications is April 30, 2026.
For more information or to submit an application, visit: https://accessgaf.org/programs/
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About the Access Georgia Foundation: The mission of the Access Georgia Foundation is to provide education, mentoring, and capital for early stage entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and small business owners in all industries and stages to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. Since its founding, the program has invested over $2.3 million into 17 companies and engaged over 85 mentors who have provided over 1,600 hours of mentorship. Learn more at accessgaf.org.
