Take your startup to new heights with Madworks powered by StartingBlock, our flagship 12-week accelerator program. From mentorship and resources to networking and fundraising strategy, we provide the essential tools to scale your business. Each participating company will receive a $5,000 grant for operations, a 1-year membership at StartingBlock, and 4 additional weeks of follow-up programming in the fall of 2025.
NEXT PROGRAM
Applications open Jan 21! Program Starts March 12.
The Details.
We are looking for 8 up-and-coming companies from Wisconsin who can see a pathway to scalability. These companies typically have their initial target market identified and validated, and at a minimum, a working prototype or MVP in the works. Participants must be for-profit (no non-profit entities). The founders are tenacious, resilient, resourceful, and coachable. If this sounds like you, read on.
WHAT
While each cohort's curriculum is uniquely curated to the needs of the founders, general skills gained include:
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Understanding of legal, financial, and governance principles for startups
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Developing and understanding financial statements
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Preparing for and identifying next-round funding (where appropriate)
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Finding and creating your team of mentors/advisors/resources
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Practicing a wide variety of public speaking skills
In addition to skills, participating teams will be provided with a $5,000 grant, a 1-year flex-desk membership to StartingBlock Madison, and regular access to Madworks and StartingBlock staff, along with their extensive network of mentors and subject matter experts.
WHEN
Applications open January 21st and close February 7th.
Program will begin March 12th. The initial accelerator will run for 12 weeks with a week off for spring break. Starting back up in September, founders will meet monthly for a 4-month finisher series.
The full cohort will meet on Wednesday afternoons (typically 1 - 3:30 p.m.) for educational programming. Companies will have individual mentor sessions on Thursday afternoons between 12:30 and 4:45 p.m. Sessions will be 30 or 45 minutes and companies only need to be available during their own time slot on Thursdays.
Participants must be able to commit 20 hours a week minimum to working on their venture, including active attendance and participation in Madworks classes and mentor sessions. (Note that you will not be spending 20 hours per week with Madworks, but rather 20 or more hours on your business in total.)
WHERE
In person at StartingBlock.
821 E Washington Ave, Madison WI
QUESTIONS
Contact Susie at support@madworksaccelerator.org
About
Susie Younkle, Madworks Program Director
Susie Younkle is Program Director for Madworks Accelerator at StartingBlock. She manages the daily operations of MW, develops the curriculum, and recruits the mentors and expert guest speakers. Susie also runs startup mentoring service MERLIN Mentors at University Research Park, where she connects early stage entrepreneurs to experienced mentors. She has previous operational experience at multiple startups, primary focused in finance/accounting roles. Susie is passionate about volunteering in the community, and she serves in board leadership roles with several non-profit organizations. She is a graduate of UW-Madison's School of Business with a degree in Finance. Susie was the recipient of the Wisconsin Technology Council's 2023 Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education Award.
What to Expect
Our Portfolio
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