Program Offers Essential Resources and Guidance for Founders Ready to Take Their Businesses to Market
Nashville, TN – November 6, 2024 – Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) announced today the addition of TakeOff, a new accelerator program designed specifically for early stage startups. Open to businesses across all industries, TakeOff is tailored to support founders who have recently launched or are on the verge of entering the market. With a focus on overcoming initial challenges, TakeOff equips entrepreneurs with the skills, strategies, and network they need to establish a strong foundation for growth.
The first TakeOff cohort will run from February through May 2025 and is open to founders seeking hands-on support, guidance from industry experts, and connections within a thriving entrepreneurial community.
“TakeOff is a significant addition to our programming that meets founders at the most pivotal and vulnerable point in their startup journey, when they launch,” said Dakota Simpson, VP, Programs. “We designed this evidence-driven curriculum to help entrepreneurs tackle the primary challenges that early-stage businesses face. Founders will gain both the critical knowledge and a network of peers essential for navigating hurdles unique to this phase. It’s more than just programming; it’s a strategic launch experience focused on setting founders up for long-term success.”
What TakeOff Offers
Throughout the twelve-week program, participants will engage in weekly sessions led by industry experts, peer-learning discussions, and exposure events, which provide valuable visibility to potential customers and investors. Program highlights include:
- World-Class Curriculum: Interactive sessions focused on addressing common challenges startups face, including Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and Product Market Fit (PMF), marketing, cash flow, and team development.
- Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and Mentor Support: Participants will have access to a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence, a Capital Expert-in-Residence, and a mentor to provide personalized guidance throughout the program.
- Peer Community and Founders Boards: Regular gatherings with fellow founders provide a supportive network for shared experiences, collaboration, and growth.
- Access to 200+ Volunteer Advisors: NEC’s extensive advisor network offers diverse industry insights to support startup success.
- Exposure Events: Opportunities to present to potential customers and investors, helping startups build their profile and gain valuable feedback.
- Free CoWork+ Membership: Each participant receives a complimentary CoWork+ membership during the program, valued at $400, giving founders access to NEC’s collaborative workspaces.
Cohort Details
- Dates: February – May 2025
- Schedule: Weekly sessions on Mondays from 1-3 pm CST
- Location: Nashville Entrepreneur Center
- Cost: $125 per month (four months total, $500)
- Benefits: Includes a free Nashville Technology Council (NTC) membership
Special thanks to our guiding partner Launch Tennessee. Applications for the TakeOff Accelerator are now open. Founders interested in participating are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot at ec.co/takeoff.
