The Founders Cohort is the flagship program of the Access Georgia Foundation, designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs as they build, refine, and scale their businesses.
Founders gain access to capital, coaching, and meaningful connections through the structured cohort experience. The program combines one-on-one mentorship from experienced founders and industry experts with practical education focused on timely business challenges.
Throughout the cohort, founders strengthen their business models, refine their pitch, and expand their networks within the startup and investment ecosystem. The program culminates in a live Investor Showcase, where founders present directly to angel investors.
To date, the Access Georgia Foundation has invested $2.3 million in Founders Cohort companies.
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 and follows the same comprehensive program, designed to equip early-stage founders with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to grow their businesses.
This track is designed for pre-revenue or early-stage startups that are not yet meeting the revenue thresholds required for investment readiness. While Accelerator companies do not participate in the Access Investor Showcase, they receive the same guidance, education, and support needed 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 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, the Access Georgia Foundation contributes its extensive mentor network, 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 Georgia 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.
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.
