The wider ecosystem
Join the ecosystem.
Accelerators, incubators, universities, coworking spaces, angel groups, public advisers and founder communities already do great work. Join them. WE works alongside, for the long run.
A company takes years, and no single program covers all of them. The people who last use many: a batch in year one, a community around them, a lender or a public adviser when the time comes, a research partner, an investor group. This page lists the ones WE could verify, so you can join the ones that fit.
Independent programs; no affiliation implied unless stated. Each entry was checked against the program’s own page in October 2026. Programs change; confirm details with the program before you apply.
A founder at the center, eight kinds of program in orbit
No program is the whole answer. Each one suits a stretch of the journey, a kind of company or a kind of founder. Pick the ones that fit this year, and expect the mix to change. Join them. WE works alongside, for the long run. 64 programs are listed below.
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Accelerators and cohort programs
Time-boxed programs that take a group of companies through a batch of mentoring, peers and a closing showcase.
20 programs
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Incubators
Places and programs that give an early company space, equipment, advice and a community while it forms.
5 programs
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University and research programs
Programs run by universities and research funders to move ideas out of the lab and into the market.
7 programs
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Coworking and community spaces
Shared workplaces and regular gatherings where founders meet each other and the wider local scene.
5 programs
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Angel groups and investor-relations programs
Groups of individual investors, and programs that organize pitches, forums and demo days where founders meet them.
5 programs
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SBA resource partners
Local advising and training networks supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal agencies.
6 programs
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Government and community funding
Federal research awards, manufacturing help, loans and community lenders that fund companies on public terms.
8 programs
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Founder communities
Networks, programs and lenders built for particular groups of founders: women, veterans, immigrants, Latino and multicultural founders, and rural founders.
8 programs
How to choose
Start with what you need now. Each line below leads to the kind of program that most often fits.
| What you need | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I have an idea and want peers and a deadline. | Accelerators | A batch gives a rhythm, a group of peers and a closing showcase. |
| I need a lab, a shop or a real place to build. | Incubators | Incubators hold facilities and a community while the company forms. |
| I am a student, researcher or alumnus with technology. | University | University programs turn research into customers, often through the school. |
| I want to work around other builders. | Coworking | A shared space and weekly gatherings cost little and open many doors. |
| I have a product and early traction, and want investors. | Angels and investors | Angel groups put many individual investors in one room. |
| I want practical advice close to home. | SBA partners | SBA partners advise on plans, finance, certification and contracting. |
| I do research, make physical goods or need a loan. | Government and funding | Public awards, manufacturing help and community lenders fund work on understood terms. |
| I want peers who share my background. | Founder communities | Programs for women, veterans, immigrants, Latino and multicultural, and rural founders. |
The directory
Each category starts with a few programs. Open its full list to see every entry: what the program offers, who it is for, where it is, how it runs, and the page we checked. Filter below, or jump to a category.
Jump to: Accelerators , Incubators , University , Coworking , Angels and investors , SBA partners , Government and funding , Founder communities
Accelerators and cohort programs (20)
Often a fit for: Founders with a first product or a strong team who want speed, peers and an investor audience.
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Y Combinator
A funded batch in which each company works with a dedicated YC partner, with a kick-off and a batch each season.
Visit Y Combinator (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
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Startup School (Y Combinator)
A self-paced online course on how to start a startup, with co-founder matching and weekly progress tracking.
Visit Startup School (Y Combinator) (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
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Techstars
Mentorship-driven accelerator programs with access to networks and capital, run in cities and by industry vertical.
Visit Techstars (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
All 20 accelerators and cohort programs
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Y Combinator
A funded batch in which each company works with a dedicated YC partner, with a kick-off and a batch each season.
- Who it is for
- Early-stage startups invited to interview after applying.
- Format
- Batches run in each season; the Winter batch runs January to March.
- Where
- San Francisco (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Y Combinator (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Startup School (Y Combinator)
A self-paced online course on how to start a startup, with co-founder matching and weekly progress tracking.
- Who it is for
- Early-stage founders, people turning a side project into a company, and the curious.
- Format
- About seven weeks at one to two hours a week.
- Where
- Online (Online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Startup School (Y Combinator) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Techstars
Mentorship-driven accelerator programs with access to networks and capital, run in cities and by industry vertical.
- Who it is for
- Early-stage startups; verticals include health, finance, space and defense, and critical infrastructure.
- Format
- Programs of about three months.
- Where
- Boston, Boulder, Chicago, Columbus, London, New York, Tokyo and a program open to teams anywhere (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Techstars (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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500 Global
Flagship accelerator and regional programs for founders, plus programs for investors, mentorship, venture education and events.
- Who it is for
- Globally ambitious founders building fast-growing technology companies.
- Format
- Programs vary by region; some events are by invitation.
- Where
- United States and a global network (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit 500 Global (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Antler
Pre-seed capital, a network and a local team for founders ready to build, plus scale-up capital through Antler Elevate.
- Who it is for
- Founders ready to build at pre-seed, and breakout technology companies seeking Series A and later capital.
- Format
- Delivered through local offices; see the program page for the current format.
- Where
- Offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Antler (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Entrepreneur First
Co-founder matching, a residential retreat and a cohort for individuals who want to build a company, with support through first revenue and demo day.
- Who it is for
- Individuals who have outperformed their peers and want to build a company, with an idea or without one.
- Format
- Office space for three months in San Francisco, or nine months in London, Bangalore and San Francisco.
- Where
- London, Bangalore and San Francisco (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building
- Open to
- Open to all founders
- Stated terms
- The program states an investment of up to $250K once a company is formed; read its page for the full terms.
Visit Entrepreneur First (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Alchemist Accelerator
A six-month accelerator with coaching, investor access and fundraising support for technical founders building enterprise companies.
- Who it is for
- Technical founders building enterprise or B2B companies, including AI software and deep tech.
- Format
- Six months, with an in-person kick-off week in the Bay Area and a virtual demo day.
- Where
- San Francisco Bay Area; founders can join from anywhere (In person and online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders
- Stated terms
- The program states a single-digit equity grant, typically 5 percent, and an optional investment.
Visit Alchemist Accelerator (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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HAX
Pre-seed investment and hands-on engineering support for hard-tech startups, with industrial-grade space and a technical team.
- Who it is for
- Pre-seed startups solving hard problems with hard tech: energy, advanced compute, transportation, health tech and manufacturing.
- Format
- Founders join one of the program locations; applications go through the SOSV site.
- Where
- San Francisco, New York and Newark (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit HAX (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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gener8tor
Investment accelerators, shorter coaching programs, skills accelerators and corporate and sustainability programs.
- Who it is for
- Startups, creatives, career seekers and corporations, depending on the program.
- Format
- A twelve-week investment-for-equity program, and four- or seven-week coaching programs.
- Where
- More than 50 communities (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders
- Stated terms
- The investment accelerator is an investment in exchange for equity; other programs differ.
Visit gener8tor (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Founder Institute
A structured program for founders with an idea: ten sessions, mentor feedback, an AI-assisted curriculum and a funding day.
- Who it is for
- Founders with an idea who want to build a company, including solo founders.
- Format
- Ten sessions and a funding day, run in cohorts.
- Where
- More than 200 cities, with online cohorts (In person and online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building
- Open to
- Open to all founders
- Stated terms
- The program describes an entrance fee and a small equity pledge to a collective; read its page for the current terms.
Visit Founder Institute (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Startupbootcamp
About thirty industry-specific accelerators, including programs for energy and climate, food and agritech, health, mobility, and a program for female founders.
- Who it is for
- Startups in the industry each program names.
- Format
- Three-month accelerators, mostly hybrid.
- Where
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Georgia, Australia, Italy, Mexico City, South Africa and Saudi Arabia (In person and online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders, Women
Visit Startupbootcamp (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Creative Destruction Lab
An objectives-based program run by a nonprofit, organized in streams, with mentors.
- Who it is for
- Seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies that aim to scale massively.
- Format
- Streams at sites in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia; applications for 2026/27 are open.
- Where
- Seventeen sites including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Seattle, London, Berlin and Paris (In person)
- Stage
- Building, Launching
- Open to
- Researchers and scientists
Visit Creative Destruction Lab (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Village Capital
Accelerator programs, resources and tools, with impact investments in equity, debt and revenue share, delivered with local partners.
- Who it is for
- Impact startups in climate innovation, economic mobility and equitable access to essential services.
- Format
- Accelerator programs with locally led partners.
- Where
- Network of local partners (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders
Visit Village Capital (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Seedcamp
Seed investment with advice, support and a network for early-stage founders.
- Who it is for
- Early-stage founders with ambitious plans.
- Format
- An early-stage investor with a founder network; see its page for how to apply.
- Where
- London, United Kingdom (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Seedcamp (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Dreamit Ventures
Customer sprints and investor sprints for early-stage cybersecurity startups, with an active partnership on customer acquisition and fundraising.
- Who it is for
- Pre-Series A U.S. cybersecurity companies with early signs of product-market fit.
- Format
- Quarterly customer sprints and investor sprints.
- Where
- United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Dreamit Ventures (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Endeavor
Entrepreneur programs, a global community of mentors and local boards, and co-investment through the Endeavor Catalyst Fund.
- Who it is for
- High-impact entrepreneurs who are scaling businesses.
- Format
- Selection into a global network of entrepreneurs.
- Where
- Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States and Canada (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Endeavor (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Google for Startups
Accelerators for growth-stage startups, Startup School online lessons, AI immersion programs, forums, workshops and API sprints.
- Who it is for
- Startups from early stage to growth stage, depending on the program.
- Format
- A mix of programs, live-streamed lessons and digital events.
- Where
- Online and in person, by program (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Google for Startups (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Microsoft for Startups
Cloud credits, AI models and developer tools, technical resources and access to Microsoft’s customer network for go-to-market help.
- Who it is for
- Startups building, scaling and selling their products.
- Format
- An online benefits program.
- Where
- Online (Online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Microsoft for Startups (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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AWS for Startups
Cloud credits through AWS Activate, technical guidance, go-to-market support and investor connections.
- Who it is for
- Startups at any stage, from an early idea to pre-IPO.
- Format
- An online benefits program with credits that offset usage.
- Where
- Online (Online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit AWS for Startups (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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NVIDIA Inception
Technical courses, preferred pricing on select hardware and software, cloud credits, a venture-capital connection network and go-to-market opportunities.
- Who it is for
- AI startups that are incorporated, have a developer and a website, and are under ten years old.
- Format
- Membership by application; the program states it has no deadlines or cohorts.
- Where
- Online, with events in various cities (Online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit NVIDIA Inception (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
Incubators (5)
Often a fit for: Teams that need a lab, a shop, a campus or a steady community more than a short sprint.
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Newlab
Labs, shops, pilot sites and workspaces, commercialization projects with industry and government partners, and access to venture capital and grant funding.
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1871
A nonprofit innovation hub with programs, innovation labs, events, resources and a job network.
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Capital Factory
The Texas Fund makes cash investments in deep and frontier tech companies, and All Access is a network and membership program.
Visit Capital Factory (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
All 5 incubators
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Newlab
Labs, shops, pilot sites and workspaces, commercialization projects with industry and government partners, and access to venture capital and grant funding.
- Who it is for
- Startups building critical technology.
- Format
- A venture platform that combines physical facilities, partner projects and capital.
- Where
- Brooklyn, Detroit, New Orleans, Montevideo and Riyadh (In person)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Newlab (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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1871
A nonprofit innovation hub with programs, innovation labs, events, resources and a job network.
- Who it is for
- Early-stage and growth-stage startups, and corporate innovators, through membership tiers.
- Format
- Physical and virtual membership with programming and events.
- Where
- Chicago (In person and online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit 1871 (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Capital Factory
The Texas Fund makes cash investments in deep and frontier tech companies, and All Access is a network and membership program.
- Who it is for
- Ambitious founders working on hard problems, from seed to Series C.
- Format
- Two vehicles: a fund, and a membership program of about a hundred companies a year.
- Where
- Texas (In person)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Capital Factory (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Activate
A fellowship that builds the mindset, skills and network scientists need to turn hard technology into real-world impact.
- Who it is for
- Scientists who want to become entrepreneurial leaders.
- Format
- A fellowship; applications for the 2026 cohort were open when checked.
- Where
- United States, with local communities (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building
- Open to
- Researchers and scientists
Visit Activate (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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STATION F
A startup campus with equipped workspaces, programs and housing, home to more than a thousand startups.
- Who it is for
- Startups from early stage through growth; the Founders Program is one of the campus programs.
- Format
- On-campus programs and workspaces.
- Where
- Paris, France (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit STATION F (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
University and research programs (7)
Often a fit for: Students, faculty, alumni and researchers with technology that needs customers and a commercial path.
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NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps)
A seven-week training program that helps researchers move basic research toward commercialization, hosted by I-Corps Hubs and Nodes.
Visit NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
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Berkeley SkyDeck
An accelerator program with specialized deep-tech tracks, an incubator for early-stage teams with a University of California founder, and open work areas.
Visit Berkeley SkyDeck (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
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StartX
Mentorship, resources, tools, networking events, vetted partners and investors, and the Stanford alumni network.
All 7 university and research programs
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NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps)
A seven-week training program that helps researchers move basic research toward commercialization, hosted by I-Corps Hubs and Nodes.
- Who it is for
- Scientists and engineers with NSF-funded or other basic research ready for commercialization.
- Format
- Teams of about twenty to thirty per cohort, seven-week curriculum; national and regional team tracks.
- Where
- United States, through Hubs and Nodes (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building
- Open to
- Researchers and scientists, Students and alumni
Visit NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Berkeley SkyDeck
An accelerator program with specialized deep-tech tracks, an incubator for early-stage teams with a University of California founder, and open work areas.
- Who it is for
- Startups from all industries; the Pad-13 incubator needs at least one founder affiliated with the University of California.
- Format
- About twenty startups selected every six months; partner programs run for three months.
- Where
- Berkeley, California (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders, Students and alumni
Visit Berkeley SkyDeck (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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StartX
Mentorship, resources, tools, networking events, vetted partners and investors, and the Stanford alumni network.
- Who it is for
- Stanford founders.
- Format
- Apply, interview with admissions, then join the kick-off.
- Where
- Stanford, California (In person)
- Stage
- Building, Launching
- Open to
- Students and alumni
Visit StartX (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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MIT delta v
A summer accelerator with funding, a partner network for mentorship and workshops, and partner perks, ending in a demo day.
- Who it is for
- Founders already building full time, with a demo-able prototype and early interest from customers or partners.
- Format
- About three months, from June to a September demo day.
- Where
- Cambridge, Massachusetts (In person)
- Stage
- Building, Launching
- Open to
- Students and alumni
Visit MIT delta v (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Harvard Innovation Labs
Advising, expert office hours, on-demand learning, funding opportunities, events, coworking and a wet lab.
- Who it is for
- Students from all Harvard schools, alumni founders, and biotech and life science ventures.
- Format
- Membership, workshops, accelerators and coworking.
- Where
- Greater Boston (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Students and alumni
Visit Harvard Innovation Labs (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship
Investor and startup venture forums, pitch competitions, the Rice Business Plan Competition and startup programs.
- Who it is for
- Startups, investors, corporations and students.
- Format
- Forums, competitions and programs through the year.
- Where
- Houston, Texas (In person)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders, Students and alumni
Visit Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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CREATE-X (Georgia Tech)
A startup class, prototyping grants and mentorship, and a launch program with seed funding and in-kind services.
- Who it is for
- Georgia Tech students at all levels, and faculty, researchers and alumni in the launch program.
- Format
- Classes, grants, funding and events, with an annual demo day.
- Where
- Atlanta, Georgia (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Students and alumni
Visit CREATE-X (Georgia Tech) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
Coworking and community spaces (5)
Often a fit for: Anyone who works better around other builders, from the first week to the first hire.
-
CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center)
Flexible workspace and private offices, lab space, meeting rooms and event spaces, and advisory services for ecosystems.
Visit CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
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WeWork
Private offices, coworking memberships with access across many locations, day desks, meeting rooms and event spaces.
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Industrious
Coworking and flexible office space, including private offices, team suites, meeting rooms and virtual membership.
Visit Industrious (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
All 5 coworking and community spaces
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CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center)
Flexible workspace and private offices, lab space, meeting rooms and event spaces, and advisory services for ecosystems.
- Who it is for
- Startups, scale-ups, enterprises, institutions and researchers.
- Format
- Memberships in managed innovation campuses.
- Where
- Cambridge, Boston, Philadelphia, Providence and St. Louis, plus sites in Europe, the Middle East and Asia (In person)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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WeWork
Private offices, coworking memberships with access across many locations, day desks, meeting rooms and event spaces.
- Who it is for
- Freelancers, small businesses and large enterprises.
- Format
- Memberships from a day desk to a private office; the page lists no standard rates.
- Where
- 600 locations in 34 countries (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit WeWork (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Industrious
Coworking and flexible office space, including private offices, team suites, meeting rooms and virtual membership.
- Who it is for
- Hybrid workers and teams of up to about twenty.
- Format
- Memberships by the desk, office or suite.
- Where
- North America, Europe, Asia and Australia (In person)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Industrious (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Impact Hub
Collaborative spaces, programs, connections and shared knowledge for entrepreneurs working on social and environmental change.
- Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs, corporates, public institutions and investors.
- Format
- Membership in a network of locally run hubs.
- Where
- More than 50 hubs in more than 70 countries (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders
Visit Impact Hub (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Venture Café Global Institute
Weekly Thursday gatherings that connect innovators, plus services that help cities launch their own gatherings.
- Who it is for
- Innovators and the people who support them.
- Format
- Weekly gatherings at each location.
- Where
- Sixteen locations in Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Venture Café Global Institute (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
Angel groups and investor-relations programs (5)
Often a fit for: Companies with a working product and early traction that are ready to raise from many small investors.
-
Angel Capital Association directory
A searchable list of member angel groups and platforms, filterable by state and area of focus.
Visit Angel Capital Association directory (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
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Golden Seeds
A national angel network, founded in 2004, that invests in U.S.-based women-led startups.
Visit Golden Seeds (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
-
TCA Venture Group (formerly Tech Coast Angels)
An angel group of about 400 members that funds seed, bridge and early A-round companies.
Visit TCA Venture Group (formerly Tech Coast Angels) (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
All 5 angel groups and investor-relations programs
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Angel Capital Association directory
A searchable list of member angel groups and platforms, filterable by state and area of focus.
- Who it is for
- Founders looking for angel groups, and investors interested in joining.
- Format
- A directory; each group sets its own process, so ask about any costs of presenting before you apply.
- Where
- United States and member organizations elsewhere (Online)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Angel Capital Association directory (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Golden Seeds
A national angel network, founded in 2004, that invests in U.S.-based women-led startups.
- Who it is for
- Women entrepreneurs at the early stages of launching companies.
- Format
- Apply through the entrepreneur portal; optional office hours.
- Where
- Nine chapters with members in 28 states and Washington, D.C. (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Women
Visit Golden Seeds (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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TCA Venture Group (formerly Tech Coast Angels)
An angel group of about 400 members that funds seed, bridge and early A-round companies.
- Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs seeking funding, with priority for California-based founders and companies across the U.S. and Canada considered.
- Format
- An online application for funding.
- Where
- Southern California (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit TCA Venture Group (formerly Tech Coast Angels) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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New York Angels
An angel investment group with a calendar of events and an application for funding.
- Who it is for
- Founders seeking angel funding.
- Format
- Apply for funding through the group’s public profile page.
- Where
- New York City (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit New York Angels (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Wefunder
A platform for companies that raise money by selling ownership shares to investors under Regulation Crowdfunding, Regulation A and Regulation D offerings.
- Who it is for
- Private companies and startups raising capital from many investors.
- Format
- Offerings run through affiliated broker-dealers and funding portals.
- Where
- Online (Online)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Wefunder (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
SBA resource partners (6)
Often a fit for: Owners at any stage who want practical advice close to home, from a first plan to government contracting.
-
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Business advising and training from a national network of about a thousand centers, usually hosted by universities and state economic development agencies.
Visit Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
-
SCORE
Mentoring from experienced business volunteers, plus workshops and online resources.
-
Women’s Business Centers
Training, counseling and technical assistance for business owners, with a focus on women and underserved entrepreneurs.
Visit Women’s Business Centers (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
All 6 SBA resource partners
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Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Business advising and training from a national network of about a thousand centers, usually hosted by universities and state economic development agencies.
- Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners at any stage.
- Format
- One-to-one advising and workshops; ask your local center what it provides.
- Where
- Every U.S. state and territory (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
SCORE
Mentoring from experienced business volunteers, plus workshops and online resources.
- Who it is for
- Aspiring and current small business owners.
- Format
- Mentoring by chapter, in person or remote, as described on the SBA resource page.
- Where
- Local chapters across the United States (In person and online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit SCORE (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Women’s Business Centers
Training, counseling and technical assistance for business owners, with a focus on women and underserved entrepreneurs.
- Who it is for
- Women and other entrepreneurs who face barriers to business ownership.
- Format
- Local centers with counseling and classes.
- Where
- Centers across the United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Women, Under-resourced founders
Visit Women’s Business Centers (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)
Business training, counseling and mentoring for veterans, service members and military spouses.
- Who it is for
- Veterans, service members and military spouses who want to start or grow a business.
- Format
- Regional centers.
- Where
- Regional centers across the United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Veterans and military families
Visit Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs)
Help for businesses that want to sell to the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and state and local governments.
- Who it is for
- Businesses entering or growing in government contracting.
- Format
- Local counseling and events.
- Where
- Local offices across the United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Boots to Business
An entrepreneurship training for transitioning service members and spouses, offered through the SBA’s veteran programs.
- Who it is for
- Transitioning service members and military spouses.
- Format
- A training course; see the SBA page for current delivery.
- Where
- Military installations and online (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building
- Open to
- Veterans and military families
Visit Boots to Business (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
Government and community funding (8)
Often a fit for: Technical teams with research to do, manufacturers, and owners who need a loan on understood terms.
-
SBIR and STTR (America’s Seed Fund)
Federal research and development awards to small businesses, in phases; Phase I runs about six to twelve months and Phase II about twenty-four.
Visit SBIR and STTR (America’s Seed Fund) (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
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NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
A national network of centers that help small and mid-sized manufacturers with growth, workforce and supply chain challenges.
Visit NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
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SBA loan programs (7(a), 504, microloans)
Loans made by approved lenders and backed in part by the SBA, including 7(a), 504 and microloan programs.
Visit SBA loan programs (7(a), 504, microloans) (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
All 8 government and community funding programs
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SBIR and STTR (America’s Seed Fund)
Federal research and development awards to small businesses, in phases; Phase I runs about six to twelve months and Phase II about twenty-four.
- Who it is for
- U.S. small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential.
- Format
- Agency solicitations with their own deadlines and eligibility rules.
- Where
- United States (Online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Researchers and scientists
Visit SBIR and STTR (America’s Seed Fund) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
A national network of centers that help small and mid-sized manufacturers with growth, workforce and supply chain challenges.
- Who it is for
- U.S. manufacturers.
- Format
- Local MEP centers in every state.
- Where
- Every U.S. state and Puerto Rico (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
SBA loan programs (7(a), 504, microloans)
Loans made by approved lenders and backed in part by the SBA, including 7(a), 504 and microloan programs.
- Who it is for
- Small businesses that meet SBA and lender requirements.
- Format
- Apply through a participating lender; each lender sets its own terms.
- Where
- United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit SBA loan programs (7(a), 504, microloans) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
SBA Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs)
A program in which privately owned and operated investment funds are licensed by the SBA to invest in small businesses.
- Who it is for
- Small businesses seeking investment capital from a licensed fund.
- Format
- Each fund has its own focus and process.
- Where
- United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit SBA Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
Grants.gov
The central place to find and apply for federal grant opportunities.
- Who it is for
- Organizations and businesses looking for federal grants.
- Format
- A searchable listing of opportunities; eligibility is set by each notice.
- Where
- United States (Online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Grants.gov (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Kiva U.S.
Crowdfunded loans of $1,000 to $15,000 for small business owners, made with a zero-interest rate.
- Who it is for
- Small business owners, including those who have had trouble getting a loan.
- Format
- Apply online and share your story with lenders.
- Where
- United States (Online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders
Visit Kiva U.S. (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
Accion Opportunity Fund
A nonprofit lender that makes small business loans and offers coaching.
- Who it is for
- Small business owners who face barriers to traditional financing.
- Format
- Apply online; loan terms vary.
- Where
- United States (Online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders, Latino founders
Visit Accion Opportunity Fund (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
ECDI
Microloans, business training and technical assistance, with programs for veterans and women.
- Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs in Ohio and nearby states, including immigrant and refugee business owners.
- Format
- A community development lender with local advisors.
- Where
- Ohio and neighboring states (In person and online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders, Immigrant founders, Veterans and military families, Women
Visit ECDI (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
Founder communities (8)
Often a fit for: Founders who want peers with a shared background and programs designed around it.
-
Immigrants Rising
Entrepreneurship resources and a community for undocumented founders.
Visit Immigrants Rising (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
-
BGV Foundation
Programs that support under-resourced, multicultural founders.
Visit BGV Foundation (external site). Opens the program’s own site.
-
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (Syracuse University)
Entrepreneurship and career programs for veterans, service members and military families.
All 8 founder communities
-
Immigrants Rising
Entrepreneurship resources and a community for undocumented founders.
- Who it is for
- Undocumented immigrants who want to start or run a business.
- Format
- Online resources, programs and events.
- Where
- United States, online (Online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Immigrant founders
Visit Immigrants Rising (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
BGV Foundation
Programs that support under-resourced, multicultural founders.
- Who it is for
- Under-resourced multicultural founders.
- Format
- See the foundation’s site for current programs.
- Where
- United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders
Visit BGV Foundation (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (Syracuse University)
Entrepreneurship and career programs for veterans, service members and military families.
- Who it is for
- Veterans, service members and military families.
- Format
- Training and community programs; see the institute’s site for current offerings.
- Where
- United States, online (In person and online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Veterans and military families
Visit Institute for Veterans and Military Families (Syracuse University) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI)
Annual research on U.S. Latino entrepreneurship and an education scaling program with Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education.
- Who it is for
- Latino business owners; the scaling program sets revenue or funding thresholds on its page.
- Format
- An immersive education program of roughly eight to nine weeks; check the page for the current length.
- Where
- United States (In person and online)
- Stage
- Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Latino founders
Visit Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)
Entrepreneurship and technology ecosystem support for rural communities.
- Who it is for
- Rural entrepreneurs and the communities that support them.
- Format
- Community programs and research.
- Where
- Rural United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Rural founders
Visit Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
Springboard Enterprises
Accelerators for women-led health and technology companies, with pitch events.
- Who it is for
- Women-led companies.
- Format
- Accelerator programs and pitch events.
- Where
- United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Women
Visit Springboard Enterprises (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
1 Million Cups
Weekly community gatherings where entrepreneurs present to peers, run by the Kauffman Foundation.
- Who it is for
- Local entrepreneurs.
- Format
- Weekly local gatherings; check the foundation’s page for your area.
- Where
- Communities across the United States (In person)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit 1 Million Cups (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
-
Kauffman FastTrac
Entrepreneurship training programs from the Kauffman Foundation.
- Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs at any stage.
- Format
- Training delivered through local partners.
- Where
- United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Kauffman FastTrac (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
Public research awards have their own guide: SBIR and STTR.
Every program here is independent. WE lists it because founders may want to consider it. No affiliation, partnership or endorsement is implied, and none is stated for any entry.
Programs across the years of a company
Companies that last rarely finish with one program. The bars show when each kind of program often fits. WE works alongside the whole way, as the long-running thread, for as long as the work is useful.
The same timeline as a table
| Kind of program | Often fits |
|---|---|
| Accelerators | Year 0.5 to year 2 |
| Incubators | Year 0 to year 3 |
| University | Year 0 to year 2 |
| Coworking | Year 0 to year 6 |
| Angels and investors | Year 1.5 to year 5 |
| SBA partners | Year 0 to year 10 and beyond |
| Government and funding | Year 1 to year 8 |
| Founder communities | Year 0 to year 10 and beyond |
| WE | Alongside, from year 0 to year 10 and beyond |
The directory in numbers
Counted from the entries below. One program can fit more than one stage or group.
- 64verified programs
- 8kinds of program
- 19with an online option
By kind of program
By stage of company
Built for particular founders
Questions
Does WE run a program like these?
Do I have to choose between WE and an accelerator?
Is any of these programs endorsed by WE?
How were the entries chosen?
What does a program take in return?
Which program should I join first?
A program I know is missing. Can it be added?
Still under review
Some kinds of program do not yet have an entry because WE could not confirm a current, active page: programs for founders over 50, state economic development offices, and several programs for Black founders. WE adds them as each is verified.
Join them. Then build for the long run.
Tell WE where your company is. A readiness review says plainly whether the work fits, and which of these programs would help most right now.