Founders Rising
Maryland has lost more than 25,000 federal civilian jobs since early 2025, the most of any state in the U.S. As the job market tightens, many are turning to entrepreneurship as a path forward, but lack the foundational business knowledge needed to succeed.
Founders Rising fills this gap by providing:
- A 12-week capacity building program designed to help aspiring business owners to start a business in Maryland
- Step-by-step business planning led by local experts
- A supportive community of peers and business coaches
Key Program Components
- 11 expert-led learning sessions (50/50 mix of in-person and virtual)
- 5 one-on-one business coaching sessions
- Applied assignments that connect lessons to real-world application, resulting in a business plan
- 2 external networking opportunities
- Supportive peer community
- Graduation celebration
Key Dates
- June 10, 2026: Virtual Information Session, featuring alumni and “The Federal to Founder Mindset Shift”
- June 12, 2026: Application opens
- June 26, 2026: Application closes
- July: Application review period
- August 3, 2026: Applicants notified
- August 19, 2026: Orientation and networking (10am, in-person)
- August 26, 2026: Kick-off (10am, in-person)
Please note that all live learning sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm, starting on August 26, 2026 and ending on November 18, 2026. Half will take place in-person at locations throughout Montgomery County and half will take place virtually via Zoom. Successful applicants should expect to actively participate in all sessions.
Who Should Apply
MWBC seeks highly motivated individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Lost their job due to a federal layoff, RIF, unplanned retirement, or contracting and/or funding decisions
- Resident of Montgomery, Frederick, Howard, or Prince George’s County, MD
- Not currently employed full-time
- Collaborative and learning mindset
- Ability to participate in ALL program components
- Aspiring business owners or those in the very early stages of starting their business (less than one year). Aspiring entrepreneurs should have a well-developed or partially developed business idea and be committed to register their business in the State of Maryland during the program
All interested applicants are invited to register for the Information Session on June 10, 2026, featuring:
- Program overview
- Alumni perspectives
- Application Q&A
- “The Federal to Founder Mindset Shift” – a learning session to help aspiring entrepreneurs consider this transition
Program Outcomes
By the end of the 12-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 during the program
Graduation Requirements
To successfully graduate from the program and receive a certificate of completion, participants should be prepared to:
- Participate in at least 10 out of 11 live learning sessions (one excused absence will be accepted)
- Participate in five (5) one-on-one business coaching sessions with an MWBC business advisor
- Complete at least five (5) assignments (group or individual)
- Attend at least two (2) external networking events (MWBC will provide recommendations throughout the program)
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.