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Founders Rising

Founders Rising is an 8-week capacity building program designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs to develop a sustainable business plan and launch their company. Through expert-led learning sessions, one-on-one business coaching, and peer collaboration, founders gain the tools, insights, and mindset needed to build resilient and profitable businesses. 

Due to the rapidly growing numbers of displaced federal workers and contractors, MWBC is opening a pilot cohort serving aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick and Howard Counties. 

 

Founders Rising: Second Act 

Maryland leads the nation in federal job losses, with more than 15,100 jobs gone in 2025. As the job market tightens, many are turning to entrepreneurship as a path forward, yet too often individuals launch businesses without the foundational business knowledge needed to succeed.  

Founders Rising fills this gap by providing: 

  • A quick-start and hands-on guide to starting a business in Maryland 
  • Step-by-step business planning led by local experts  
  • A supportive community of peers and business coaches 
  • The opportunity to participate in a business plan pitch 

Who Should Apply

MWBC is seeking highly motivated individuals who meet the following criteria: 

  • Negatively impacted by federal layoffs, RIFs, unplanned retirement, or contracting and/or funding decisions 
  • Resident of Montgomery, Frederick, Howard, or Prince George’s County, MD 
  • Collaborative and learning mindset 
  • For aspiring entrepreneurs:  
    • Well-developed or partially developed business idea  
    • Committed to founding a business within 30 days of completion of the cohort 
  • For early-stage entrepreneurs: 
    • In business for less than 3 years 
    • Annual revenue of less than $200,000 
 
Application Period 

Applications for Founders Rising will be accepted until 11:59pm on Sunday, November 9th. Apply by clicking here.


Program Outcomes 

By the end of the 8-week program, participants can expect to: 

  • Learn from local experts and business advisors 
  • Use assignments to develop their business concept
  • Actively engage in peer discussions and community building 
  • Develop a sound business plan 
  • Be prepared to register their business  

Cohort Commitment 

To be successful, selected participants should be prepared to: 

  • Actively participate in eight 2-hour in-person and virtual workshops between December 2025 and February 2026 (in-person workshops will take place in Rockville, MD)
  • Participate in at least one-on-one business counseling sessions with GrowthWheel-certified business advisors 
  • Complete assignments that contribute to building their business plans 
  • [Optional] Participate in a business pitch competition for the chance to win seed funding 

Cost 

No cost to apply. If accepted, $25 per person. 


Schedule 

All sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 9-11am in Rockville, MD or virtual 

  • December 10th: Welcome and Entrepreneurial Mindset 
  • January 7th: Business Concept and Market Research 
  • January 14th: Legal Foundations, Licensing, and Insurance 
  • January 21st: Financial Readiness and Management 
  • January 28th: Accounting Basics and Financial Statements 
  • February 4th: Sales, Marketing, and Digital Tools 
  • February 11th: Business Operations 
  • February 18th: Local Resources and Graduation 
  • Mid-February – early March: Optional pitch competition preparation 
  • Early March: Optional business pitch competition 

VIEW FAQ

Interested in joining Founders Rising? Click the “Apply now” button below. 

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