According to Tracy Kitts, former COO of the National Business Incubation Association - After five years, businesses that were nurtured in a business incubator have a survival rate of 87% (source). This year will mark 5 years of AccelerateHER, our premier incubator program for women entrepreneurs in Denton, TX. Designed in partnership with Texas Woman’s University Center for Women Entrepreneurs (TWUCWE), AccelerateHER offers a unique blend of community and accountability while providing access to resources, coaching and mentorship. Over the past five years, we have supported 28 local women-owned businesses along their entrepreneurial journey and we’re looking forward to adding more women founders to our growing list of AccelerateHER alumni. As we prepare for the next cohort, here are some reasons you should consider applying if you’re a woman entrepreneur.
Participants of AccelerateHER enjoy a range of benefits, starting with a free workspace at Stoke for the 5-month duration of the program. This dedicated space allows entrepreneurs to focus on developing their business ideas in a conducive environment. They also gain access to expertise from staff, mentors, and the broader coworking community, including specialists in development, design, marketing, social media, and business development. Additionally, the program provides an extensive support network, connecting participants with mentors, veteran entrepreneurs, lenders, investors, and subject matter experts. These connections are invaluable for gaining insights and advice, opening doors to new opportunities, and fostering lasting relationships.
Being part of AccelerateHER means joining a supportive network of like-minded women. Tanya Smith from our 3rd cohort shares, "I loved getting to know all of the women, including the amazing staff in the program. Some of my favorite moments were simply talking around the table about our status and sharing heartfelt stories of our fears and biggest dreams." This sense of community is one of the core strengths of AccelerateHER, providing a nurturing environment where entrepreneurs can thrive and a safe space to ask questions or ideate.
Access to resources and mentorship is another cornerstone of AccelerateHER. Participants gain access to staff, mentors, and our coworking community, including experts in development, design, marketing, social media, and business development. Katherine Waddell of Faul Magic emphasizes, "There is definitely a sense of community in the cohort, and I love growing with and learning from not only the mentors, but each other, too."
AccelerateHER offers a wealth of resources and contacts to help startups succeed. Weekly workshops feature curated industry speakers who share their expertise and insights, providing participants with valuable knowledge and inspiration. One-on-one mentoring offers personalized guidance tailored to the unique needs of each business, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and accelerate their growth. Participants also benefit from business development opportunities, which include crafting effective business strategies and improving operations. Marketing exposure through Stoke's channels further boosts their visibility and reach, helping them attract customers and grow their brands. Last year, we held a headshot day where each member of the cohort had their headshot professionally taken by photographer, Juniper St. Butcher.
Accountability is key to the program, helping participants maintain momentum and achieve their objectives through workshops and group sessions. Our structured program ensures that participants stay focused on their goals while having the space to conceptualize new ideas. Madison Newman shared, “I feel so inspired by the women in my cohort. It is so refreshing to sit at a table with incredibly strong women who are facing the same challenges and fears that I am.”
Our alumni's success stories are a testament to the program's impact. Tanya Smith, from the 3rd cohort, shares how the program helped her upscale her livestream marketing business: "I used to think I could do it all by myself. Seeing how well Heather and the team work together like a well-oiled machine helped me understand the power of having a strong support system."
Madison Newman, from the 4th cohort, reflects on the supportive environment: "This cohort has created a space to be vulnerable with your business and really question what is working and what isn’t." The program's ability to create a safe space for entrepreneurs to explore and grow is a recurring theme among participants.
Katherine Waddell, also from the 4th cohort, highlights the community's role in her personal growth: "This program has also given me the space to slow down, evaluate my business, and plan for the future right as I was feeling burnt out." The sense of community and support is integral to the success of AccelerateHER participants.
Lillia Whittington, from the 1st cohort, exemplifies the lasting impact of the program. She expanded her influence in the digital DIY community and started the Denton Sewing Studio, where she teaches sewing and mending techniques. Since her time in the program, Lillia has become a Featured Janome Creator and amassed a following of 85K on TikTok. She is a sewing instructor at TWU, regularly teaches workshops at the DIME store in Denton, and every year she facilitates the ReUse Runway at the Redbud Festival. Her journey illustrates how the skills and connections gained during AccelerateHER can fuel long-term success.
Joining AccelerateHER means gaining invaluable resources, support, and community to help your business thrive. We encourage all women entrepreneurs to take this leap and apply. To be eligible for AccelerateHER, businesses must be at least 51% women-owned and for-profit. Participants are expected to attend weekly meetings in Denton, TX. Fill out the application before July 31, 2024 to be considered. Applications will be vetted in August, and the program will begin in September.
