Accelerators - Entrepreneur Center

Applications close June 30

Accelerate Your Startup with the Support You Deserve

From validating an idea to preparing for scale, our accelerators are designed to meet you where you are—and take you further.

Apply by June 30

Idea to business plan

PreFlight
Digital Course

Build, evaluate and optimize your business concept, resulting in a business plan that will have you ready to launch. Our virtual course for early-stage entrepreneurs.

Start building

business plan to launch

TakeOff

Achieve go-to-market faster. Our program for Nashville-based founders in any industry with a validated business plan looking to launch in the next 2-3 months or who have recently launched. After a successful pilot in 2024, this is a NEW program for the EC to help you launch well.

Ready to launch?

Launch to Scale

Inflight

Further your traction and go from momentum to milestones. Our program for Nashville-based, high-growth founders in any industry looking to accelerate their success and make meaningful connections.

Accelerate now

Empowering Black Founders to Thrive

Twendé

Grow your professional network alongside a community of founders of color. A weekly in-person program with the opportunity to learn and participate in procured in-person events.

Join a community

FinTech Accelerator

Project FinTech

A 12 week accelerator for pre-seed and seed stage fintech startups offering founders the benefit of community, curriculum, and connection with dedicated support from subject-matter experts who want to help founders achieve commercialization.

Take your idea to market

Healthcare Accelerator

Project Healthcare

An accelerator for health tech entrepreneurs and startups driving transformation in the healthcare industry. Offers tailored hands-on curriculum and connections, leveraging Nashville’s vast healthcare ecosystem and support network.

Build with expert support

Apply by June 30

Every Accelerator Includes

Discounted Ticket to 3686

Attend Tennessee’s premier startup festival at a reduced rate of $100 (compared to $199)

Pitch or Table at Nashville Entrepreneur Day

Be front and center at our Winter showcase for founders

Free NEC CoWork+ Membership

Access our downtown space, meeting rooms, and amenities

Accelerated Networking

Connect weekly with your cohort and engage with founders across all programs

Ready to apply?

Applications close June 30. Online application with program-specific questions about your launch-stage business.

Start Application

Program FAQs

How much time should I expect to commit each week?

Most programs require a minimum 3-hour weekly commitment through a mix of live sessions, mentorship, and work time.

Who is eligible to apply?

Our accelerators are open to founders based in Middle Tennessee or connected to the region through business, customers, or capital. Each program has specific stage or industry requirements, which you can find on the individual program pages.

Are the accelerators in-person or virtual?

In-person: TakeOff, Twendé, and InFlight meet weekly in person at the NEC in downtown Nashville.
Hybrid: Project FinTech and Project Healthcare run virtually with required in-person visits to Nashville at key points in the program.
PreFlight is virtual and on-demand only.

Is there a cost to participate?

Yes, each program has a unique pricing structure based on its design and depth of support.

Twendé is fully sponsored and free for participants.
Other programs range in cost. Details are listed on each program’s individual page.

Can I apply to more than one program?

Yes! Our common application allows us to direct you to the best-fit accelerator based on your goals and stage

Can my co-founder or team members participate in the program?

Yes—with a few guidelines:

Your program tuition covers one founder and the business.
If you’d like to have a co-founder participate as well, they may join at 50% of the full tuition.
Key team members (like a CTO or CMO) may attend select sessions where their expertise is directly relevant, but participation should be limited.
You may designate up to two primary founders total.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Yes! Limited financial assistance is available and is based on founder need. The needs assessment is included in the Program Application.

Do you take equity?

Thanks to the generous corporate partners and grant funding, we do not take equity from founders.

How do I know which program is right for me?

It may be that there are several programs that fit your business. If you’re unsure, connect with our program team and we will guide you to the best fit based on your immediate needs and goals.

How do you choose which companies are accepted?

The EC utilizes a holistic selection process and selection committee for each program to ensure we select promising founders based on program fit and alignment with our criteria.