Founders Rising FAQ
What will I get out of this program?
- Participants can expect to develop the foundational knowledge needed to transition from federal employee to founder, build a supportive peer community among other like-minded people, expand their network, build their confidence as founders and business owners, and ultimately – launch their business.
This program is being offered by a Women’s Business Center – can men apply?
- Yes! We encourage all aspiring and early-stage founders who have been lost their job as a federal employee or contractor to apply to Founders Rising.
How many people will you accept in the program?
- We anticipate accepting 40 people in Cohort 2.
Where will the in-person sessions be held?
- In-person session locations will be held throughout Montgomery County.
What if I can’t attend all the sessions?
- We ask that all cohort members commit to participating in every session, so please carefully consider your schedule and commitments before accepting an invitation to join Founders Rising. The need in our community is so great and to ensure we have maximum impact, it is important that every cohort member is committed to fully participate in the program. That said, we understand that emergencies happen. Accepted cohort members should communicate with the MWBC if they unexpectedly need to miss a session.
When will the next application cycle open?
- Applications for Founders Rising Cohort 2 will be accepted from Friday, June 12, 2026 to Friday, June 26, 2026.
When will I hear from MWBC?
- We will notify accepted, waitlisted, and deferred applicants in August.
Please fill out the interest form below to receive updates about the next application period. By submitting your information, you give permission to be added to our newsletter mailing list, and to receive Founders Rising and other program updates via newsletter.