Empowering Women in Tech: FourthWave’s 2024 Accelerator Program
The technology industry is seeing a significant shift as more women-led technology companies emerge and make their mark. Despite this progress, women entrepreneurs in tech still face unique challenges such as limited access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. FourthWave, a Sacramento-based non-profit business accelerator, is dedicated to addressing these challenges. By offering leadership development, mentorship, and funding access without taking equity, FourthWave aims to empower women founders to build successful and sustainable businesses. Applications for the 2024 cohort are now open.
About FourthWave
FourthWave is a non-profit business accelerator focused on supporting women-led technology companies. With a commitment to leadership development, the organization provides a nurturing environment where female founders can thrive. FourthWave’s approach includes insightful mentorship, access to funding, and a comprehensive support system, all aimed at leveling the playing field for women in tech. The program is open to technology companies with at least one female or female-identified founder, fostering an inclusive environment that breaks down barriers and promotes equality in the industry.
Program Details and How to Apply
Applications for the 2024 FourthWave cohort are due by June 7th. Interested applicants can attend a virtual information session on May 28th from 12-1 PM to learn more about the program. For those seeking personalized information, one-on-one sessions can also be scheduled here.
The program will primarily be virtual, with a two-day in-person launch during the week of August 5th. This hybrid model allows for broader participation while maintaining opportunities for face-to-face interactions. For companies that are accepted into the cohort, FourthWave ask each team to pay a one-time fee of $400, as demonstration of commitment to the program, and to help offset the costs. If this is a burden, FourthWave does work with accelerator cohort members to offset, as they do not
wish to inhibit anyone from joining for fiscal reasons.
Insight into the FourthWave Program
FourthWave’s accelerator program emphasizes leadership development, focusing on how female founders lead rather than just what they do. The program introduces participants to different leadership mindsets: To Me, By Me, and Through Me. By fostering these mindsets, FourthWave equips female entrepreneurs with the tools to operate as powerful creators, enhancing their leadership capabilities and business acumen.
A key component of FourthWave’s program is the development of sound business fundamentals. Through a series of assessments, founders work with business coaches to identify and address critical areas of their business. This includes understanding unmet needs, market size, revenue potential, technical strategy, product development risk, and go-to-market strategies. These assessments prepare founders for the final phase: securing funding.
Securing funding is a crucial step for any startup. FourthWave assists female founders in preparing for this challenge by addressing gaps identified during the business assessment process. The program helps founders identify suitable funding sources, refine their investor messaging, and provides opportunities to present to prospective investors. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants are well-prepared to attract the capital needed to grow their businesses.
Business Residency and Regional Support
Historically, about half of FourthWave’s cohort has had ties to the greater Sacramento region, supported by institutions like the Carlsen Center, UC Davis, and Sac State, or other local organizations. This year, the program continues to support companies with personal, business, or organizational connections to Sacramento. This strong local network ensures that female founders have access to the resources and support needed to build successful businesses, even if they are not traditionally headquartered in the region.
Learn More and Apply
Ready to learn more or apply? Explore the link below for additional information. The application deadline is June 7th, 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a supportive and empowering community of women entrepreneurs in tech.
Learn More or Apply
This is a program of FourthWave and the Carlsen Center. StartupSac is providing information to our community on the program and is not an organizer of the program.
