W.E. Build Business Accelerator Program

The W.E. Build accelerator program, hosted by Build in Tulsa, is a business development initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs with limited access to funding and resources. The program focuses on empowering early-stage startups led by women by providing financial support, mentorship, and business training to help them scale their ventures. W.E. Build aims to address the disparity in venture capital funding, as women-founded companies received less than 3% of venture capital funding in 2023, with minority women receiving even less.

The accelerator will support 8 to 10 startups with a $25,000 non-dilutive business award, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their businesses. Selected participants will also receive three months of intensive business training, networking opportunities, legal and accounting services, coworking space access, laptops with connectivity, financial education, and stipends to assist with housing, childcare, and healthcare costs. Additionally, bi-weekly mental health counseling will be provided to ensure holistic support for founders.

To qualify for the W.E. Build accelerator, applicants must either be current residents of Tulsa, Oklahoma, or willing to relocate to Tulsa for the duration of the program, which runs from August 5, 2025, to November 13, 2025. Eligible businesses must be incorporated and operational for at least 12 months, must have raised less than $1 million in venture or angel funding, and must demonstrate a clear pathway to scaling revenue. Participants must be able to commit full-time to the accelerator program in Tulsa during the program dates.

Applications for the W.E. Build accelerator are due by March 21, 2025. Applicants must submit a detailed application outlining their business model, growth strategy, and commitment to the program. While the program does not require participants to give up equity in their businesses, they must be willing to engage fully in the accelerator's training and networking activities.

For additional inquiries, prospective applicants can connect with the Build in Tulsa team through the program’s website. More details on mentorship, application requirements, and program expectations can also be obtained by reaching out to the program organizers.