Frequently Asked Questions

Fall 2023 Equity Incubator - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fall 2023 Equity Incubator Program?

The Fall 2023 Equity Incubator Program serves as a beacon for economic growth within our county and state, focusing on fostering entrepreneurial spirit, especially among underrepresented business owners. This eight-week intensive accelerator program is dedicated to imbuing participants with essential entrepreneurial knowledge and offering a platform for community connection. Our core mission is to bridge gaps and amplify aspirations. Recognizing the diverse needs of our entrepreneurs, this year, we've segmented the program into three tailored tracks, ensuring each business receives the guidance pertinent to its current stage and requirements.

What are the program tracks and their eligibility criteria?

•  Concept Track: Perfect for those with fresh business ideas and ventures that have earned less than $1,000.
• Scale Track: Meant for businesses with a solid foundation of over a year, having achieved revenues of at least $1,000 in the past six months and poised for expansion.
• USG Equity Accelerator Grand Prix: A special segment crafted for well-established businesses. Those that have not only been operational but have demonstrated significant growth, evident from their recent revenue of over $5,000 in the past half-year, will find this track especially beneficial. This pathway zeroes in on offering specialized growth-centric solutions.

What is the duration of the Fall 2023 Equity Incubator Program?

The program begins on September 20th with an onboarding session and concludes in December. Participants will meet in person once per week on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the USG campus in Rockville, Maryland.

How many businesses will be accepted for the Fall 2023 cohort?

100 businesses

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline for the Fall 2023 Equity Incubator Program is August 31st. Those who are interested can apply here.

Who can I contact for further questions or assistance?

For any questions or assistance, please reach out to usg-labetl@umd.edu. We look forward to receiving your application and embarking on this exciting entrepreneurial journey together!