— CONTACT US

EMAIL:    Info@theboostpad.org

ADDRESS:

933 Louise Ave. Suite 101-F

Charlotte, NC 28204

Program Content & Community

  • What is the time commitment for the program?

    16-week curriculum on Wednesday evenings from 6PM - 8PM EST.

  • What kind of support do founders receive once they join?

    Founders get support from ESOs, our community partners, EIRs that run the program, assigned mentors matched by The Boost Pad, and experts that provide office hours based on different subject matters and the other founders in the Cohort.

Results & Impact

  • How old is the program?

    Our Cohort Program, launched in 2020, is an initiative of The Boost Pad, a premier non-profit committed to championing underrepresented founders. In partnership with various support organizations, we persist in our mission to empower a diverse community of innovative entrepreneurs.

  • How many startups have you supported?

    We have supported 135 companies.

  • Who are the startups who have graduated from the program?

    You can find the full list on "OUR PROGRAM" page.

Timeline & Call for Applications

  • How frequently is the next level cohort program available?

    The program offers cohorts in winter and summer, with applications due on January 15th and August 16th respectively.

  • When are applications due for the Next Level Cohort program in summer?

    January 15th respectively.

  • When are applications due for the Next Level Cohort program in winter?

    August 16th respectively.

  • Where do I apply?

    To apply for The Boost Pad Cohort 9, please complete the founder application or apply as entrepreneur form on our website or directly

    click here.


    Upon submission, you'll be redirected to a dedicated page with more information specific to The Boost Pad Cohort program.

  • How long is the program?

    The program lasts for 16 weeks.

  • Is there a fee to join the program?

    The Boost Pad doesn't take equity in your business. However, we do require a $200 investment in yourself and your business that will be doubled upon completion of the 16-week program.

Eligibility Criteria

  • What makes an ideal candidate?

    - If your business falls under one of our 5 Business Verticals: Mainstreet Business, Construction, Food Innovation, Hi-Growth/Hi-Tech, or Supplier Diversity/Logistics.


    - If your business has a minimum gross revenue of $100,000.


    - If your business plan include hiring 3 or more employees in the next 2-3 years.


    - You are willing to take part in the pitch contest at the end of the program.

  • What companies are not suited for the Boost Pad?

    - Consulting or solopreneur ventures.

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    - Non-profit organizations.

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    - Businesses operational for more than 5 years.

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    - Companies with annual revenues surpassing $250,000.

  • What is the typical stage, industry, traction of a startup which is a good fit for the program?

    Startups at the initial stages, transitioning from a business idea to launching an MVP & Businesses with under 2 years of operation and a gross revenue below $100,000.

  • Do you welcome applications worldwide?

    Currently, we're exclusively accepting founders from Charlotte, North Carolina, or businesses operating within the 16 counties around Charlotte.

  • Is the program for product-based businesses or is it suitable for service-based companies?

    Both are suitable for our program, except for consulting-type businesses which are not a fit due to scalability.

  • Is the program accepting applications from non-profit organizations?

    Non-profit organizations are not eligible for the cohort program at the Boost Pad.

  • Is the program for tech-enabled companies only?

    No, non tech-enabled startups can apply.


  • Do you accept solo founder?

    Yes!

  • What is the youngest age an applicant can be?

    We only accept applicants who are at least 18 years old for the Boost Pad cohort program.

  • What constitutes a product launch for the program? Is it current users of an MVP or active users on a product with all of the bells and whistles?

    A product launch for our program refers to having an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) actively engaging with users. It doesn't necessarily require a fully-featured product, but rather a functional one that's in use by an audience. Whether it's current users interacting with an MVP or active engagement with the product, our focus is on having a tangible product in the market, allowing founders to gather insights and feedback for further development.

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