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Program Details

The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator (CA) is a structured, cohort-based entrepreneurship programme tailored for early-stage founders seeking to launch, strengthen, and scale an existing business or startup. Entrepreneurs selected for the 2026 CA Virtual Cohort will engage in a full suite of online sessions delivered throughout April, combining peer-to-peer learning with a customised curriculum focused on the needs of early-stage ventures and student entrepreneurs.

The Virtual CA Programme concludes with the CA Virtual Pitch Competition Semi-Final Round. During this stage, founders will pitch their ventures for the opportunity to advance to the In-Person Cohort and attend the WBENC National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Selected finalists will benefit from direct engagement with CA mentors, structured networking opportunities, and visibility through a dedicated exhibition booth. The programme culminates in the CA Pitch Competition Final Round, where participants will compete for micro-seed funding to support their business growth.

Virtual

The Virtual CA Programme will be delivered on Monday and Wednesday evenings throughout April. All sessions will be conducted in Eastern Time.

• Wed, April 01 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET
• Mon, April 06 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET
• Wed, April 08 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET
• Mon, April 13 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET
• Wed, April 15 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET
• Mon, April 20 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET
• Wed, April 22 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET
• Mon, April 27 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET
• Wed, April 29 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET

In-Person

Participants in the In-Person Cohort will be selected from the top finalists of the Virtual CA Pitch Competition Semi-Final Round. Founders advancing to this stage must be available to attend all required sessions, including the 2026 WBENC National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, from June 15–18.

Thanks to the support of Collegiate Accelerator corporate partners, all travel, accommodation, and conference registration costs for the In-Person Cohort will be fully covered. Participants will also receive a stipend to support food, beverage, and incidental expenses.

• Fri, May 08 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET (virtual session)
• Wed, June 03 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM ET (virtual session)
• Sun, June 14 | Travel Day (in-person)
• June 15-18 | WBENC National Conference (in-person)
• Fri, June 19 | Travel Day (in-person)

Who Should Apply?

The programme is open to startup founders and business owners who are currently enrolled full-time or part-time at a recognised college or university, as well as recent graduates (within the past 12 months). WBENC seeks applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, value peer learning, and are eager to expand their professional networks. Applicants must be willing and able to participate fully in all programme activities.

Applicant Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be enrolled full-time or part-time in a recognised college or university, or have graduated within the past 12 months (as of December 2024).

• Applicants must be the owner, founder, or controlling shareholder of the business venture; only one founder per company may participate.

• The business must have been operational for a minimum of six months; revenue generation is not required.

• Applicants must commit to attending all scheduled programme sessions, including virtual components and in-person activities if selected. Failure to participate fully will result in disqualification.

CA 2026 Application Deadline

The application for the 2026 Collegiate Accelerator Programme closes on Monday, March 2 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.