Accelerator

The Program curriculum

Our curriculum brings founding teams on an amazing 8-week journey ending in a live Demo Day. This curriculum phase is based on Lean Startup principles and designed to give teams hands-on learning each week with a local business leader who is an expert on the topic. Each week, business leaders will workshop at least one cohort company, while other companies observe and participate.

The topics covered include:

  1. Lean Startup Crash Course
  2. Customer Discovery & Development
  3. Startup Team & Organizational Development
  4. Product-Market Fit
  5. Customer Acquisition & Marketing
  6. Corporate &Legal
  7. Fundraising & Financing
  8. Pitching presentation


Schedule

Weekly Session (Generally on Wednesdays)

10:00 - Arrival, Pitch Practice, Meetings

10:30 - Cohort Check-in

12:00 - Lunch & Learn

13:30 - Mentor-Led Workshop

15:00 - Done


Cost & Commitment

$500 per startup. (Scholarships available)

Accepted companies are required to participate in all weekly sessions, attend extra workshops as determined during on-boarding, give full time effort (~40 hours/week) to the company, and connect at least weekly with mentors.

Example of previous cohort companies

Nimble Compensation - https://www.nimblecompensation.com/

Conversion Plan - https://www.convplan.com/

Custom Cult - https://customcult.com/

Think Ubiquitous - https://www.think-ubiquitous.com/

Fruitstand Tech - https://fruitstand.tech/

Frequently asked questions

What do I get in this program?

  • Weekly accountability and mentorship
  • Crash course in lean startup methodology
  • Weekly Community Lunch
  • Coworking space in with business incubation partners during regular business hours Monday – Friday
  • Access to conference rooms and other amenities for customer discovery and meeting needs
  • Access to the ActivateNM mentor network consisting of seasoned professionals and entrepreneurs
  • Access to Global Accelerator Network benefits including a perks platform, global exchange program, and many other connective benefits.
  • A community of practice which will support your venture!

Do I have to attend all the sessions?

It is requested that you are present in-person for all the weekly sessions and special events such as Demo Day. Remember this is a cohort-based program; therefore, it is important to show up and collaborate with your cohort. If you are not able to attend, please plan to send another team member to represent the company.

What if I can’t afford the costs?

Some participants are eligible to receive a scholarship to participate. Scholarships will be granted based on financial need.

What if my startup idea fails?

There are a number of reasons a company may exit early. Failing to make progress for consecutive weeks or otherwise invalidating a core business hypotheses may lead to an exit path. We celebrate failure and help you stay in community.