The Access Founders Cohort is the flagship program of the Foundation. The program supports early-stage entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, connections, and coaching – all leading to a dynamic Investor Showcase. Founders get a chance to refine their pitch and meet angel investors who want to help companies grow.
To qualify for the Founders Cohort, companies must meet the following criteria:
Access Founders Cohort Timeline
March – Applications Open
May – Applications Close, Due Diligence
June – Founders Cohort Finalists Announced
August – Mock Rounds, Investor Showcase
Dates subject to change
The Accelerator Cohort runs alongside the Founders Cohort, following the same comprehensive program designed to equip early-stage founders with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to grow their businesses. The key difference is that Accelerator Cohort companies are pre-revenue or not yet meeting the minimum revenue thresholds required for investment readiness, so they do not participate in the program’s final investor showcase. This track provides emerging startups with the same guidance and support as the Founders Cohort, helping them build a strong foundation to reach their first revenue milestones and prepare for future investment opportunities.
The Access Foundation is proud to partner with the Center for Black Entrepreneurship (CBE) on the newly launched LIFT National Program—an expansion of the successful LIFT Atlanta initiative. This virtual, 16-week accelerator supports ambitious founders across the United States who are building innovative, STEM-based companies and seeking to Access CBE’s expertise, mentorship, and national network from anywhere in the country.
Through this partnership, Access contributes its extensive mentor network—the program’s signature strength—connecting founders with experienced leaders, investors, and operators who provide practical guidance and strategic insight. Together, CBE and Access are advancing inclusive entrepreneurship and creating pathways for early-stage innovators nationwide to build sustainable, high-growth ventures.
The Access Foundation is proud to partner with Georgia State University’s Perimeter College Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (PCHIE) to support the Perimeter College Innovation Challenge (PCIC) – a campus-wide competition that inspires students to turn creative ideas into real-world solutions.
Through this collaboration, Access provides mentorship and strategic guidance from various entrepreneurs and business leaders. Together with PCHIE, we aim to equip students with the tools, confidence, and community needed to move from concept to execution.
This partnership reflects Access’s ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive entrepreneurship and building pathways for emerging innovators at every stage of their journey.
Mentorship is at the heart of the Access Foundation’s mission. Our mentors provide guidance, expertise, and accountability that help early-stage founders turn ideas into investor-ready ventures. Mentoring is integrated across all our programs and partnerships, ensuring that every founder benefits from hands-on support, industry insight, and strategic connections at every stage of their journey.
Looking ahead to 2026, Access aims to expand its national mentorship network, connecting more experienced professionals with emerging entrepreneurs across diverse industries and regions. By growing this community, we strengthen the impact of our programs, deepen founder success, and continue building an inclusive, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
