The StarTUp Accelerator is an annual, eight-week, cohort-based fellowship designed for early-stage founders from both the Towson University community and the broader public. This intensive summer program provides a collaborative environment where participants work full-time to accelerate their ventures. Founders operate out of the StarTUp at the Armory, engaging with mentors, program alumni, and fellow cohort members to fast-track their business development.
Program Benefits and Offerings
• Financial Support: Accepted ventures receive a $10,000 equity-free stipend, intended to serve as a seed fund.
• Mentorship: Participants gain access to expert mentorship, including daily interaction with program leaders and support from Mentor Fellows, who are alumni founders.
• Founder-Focused Workshops: The program includes sessions on a range of topics essential for early-stage ventures.
• Support Network: Founders become part of a built-in support system, fostering collaboration within the cohort.
• Workspace: Fellows and their teams have access to workspace and resources at the StarTUp at the Armory.
Eligibility and Ideal Candidates
• Affiliation: Applicants are not required to be affiliated with Towson University.
• Commitment: Candidates should not have a full-time job or another daily, full-time commitment outside of their venture.
• Team Structure: While solopreneurs are welcome to apply, ventures with a team are often able to accomplish more during the program.
• Venture Stage: Applicants should have demonstrated some traction in areas such as revenue, users, market validation, and/or fundraising.
Program Structure and Commitments
• Format: All programming is mandatory and takes place in person.
• Schedule: Scheduled programming occurs a minimum of two days and a maximum of four days per week.
• Weekly Check-ins: The cohort meets every Friday for lunch to share progress on milestones.
• Access to Leadership: Founders have daily access to program leaders, and ventures that utilize one-on-one sessions typically experience the best results.
Programming, Events, and Milestones
• Weekly Programming: Sessions cover founder-centric topics such as leadership, company culture, pitching, equity, sales, and fundraising.
• Expert Speakers: Subject matter experts and other founders are invited to speak, with some available to work directly with the cohort.
• Acceleration Time: The majority of time is dedicated to founders building and selling their ventures, collaborating with peers, and meeting with the StarTUp team.
• Networking: Fellows are expected to attend social and networking events to connect with industry leaders and other entrepreneurs.
• Milestone Tracking: On day one, each founder sets a 15-week traction goal. Progress is discussed during Friday check-ins to foster mutual support.
• StarTUp Accelerator Showcase: A culminating pitch and networking event is hosted each September, connecting founders with university, business, and community leaders.
Funding and Mentorship Details
• Stipend Details: The $10,000 stipend has no equity requirement. Accepted ventures should expect payment within six weeks after the cohort begins.
• Ongoing Mentorship: Each fellow has daily access to program leaders and mentors for coaching. This relationship is expected to continue beyond the fellowship, both as a cohort and with the StarTUp ecosystem.
Application Information
• Application Period: Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 cohort.
• Deadline: The submission deadline is March 29.
• Information Sessions: Prospective applicants can attend an info session to learn more.
• Session 1: March 11, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• Session 2: March 24, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
This accelerator offers a structured and supportive pathway for early-stage founders seeking to refine their business models, achieve significant growth, and launch their ventures within a dynamic and collaborative space. Interested parties are encouraged to review the application details and attend an informational session to learn more about the opportunity.