Ascender Bootcamp is a five-day intensive program that transforms early-stage entrepreneurs into sales-ready founders through mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, expert-led workshops, and a final pitch session – culminating in the launch and scaling strategies needed to bring their business ideas to life.
MORE THAN $20,000 IN BUSINESS SERVICES
Our pre-event homework, designed by industry veterans and time-tested nationally, prepares you to hit the ground running on Day One.
1-on-1 Coaching opportunities. Learn from entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes and have built successful businesses.
Tease out opportunities, roadblocks & ideas in workshops with experts and your peers who can see what you can't.
The unique energy of being surrounded by other founders builds momentum to push your business forward in a short period of time.
What is Bootcamp?
Bootcamp is a way for us to support many entrepreneurs all at once, and help them build community with one another. The multi-day intensive virtual and in-person experience combines workshops, hands-on business planning, and access to experts to help move your business forward. Bootcamp also allows us to get to know you!
This year, Bootcamp will be held in-person at Ascender to provide more opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. Full participation in Bootcamp is mandatory. We do recommend that you save the dates now.
Bootcamp programming will occur on:
Ascender bootcamp welcomes most types of founders and startups. While we don’t discourage any founder from applying, please note that our program is designed for for-profit ventures and is not suited to address the specialized needs of restaurant businesses or nonprofit organizations.
Step #1 – APPLY: Submitting an application is the first step to be considered for Bootcamp.
Step #3 – JOIN THE ASCENDER COMMUNITY: FOUNDER’S CLUB
Ready to get started? Check out our tips for a successful application.
Q: How do I know if I am really ready to take part in bootcamp?
You might be ready for Ascender’s Bootcamp if you:
Our only requirement is, if chosen, you are committed, ready to work and are open to collaboration with our mentors and other founders.
Q: My business isn’t a tech startup. Should I still apply?
YES! We love working with all kinds of startups. If your business idea solves a problem, or can improve on an existing product – then you should apply. We love tech, but we also love non-tech companies as well as those who use tech to enable their product.
Q: Do I need a full team in order to apply?
No! Very few startups have a core team in the early stages. If you do – hats off to you! But in the meantime, we love solo founders, partners, and teams – whatever that looks like right now is fine with us.
Q: How does Ascender accelerate such a broad range of entrepreneurs?
Across industries, we find that there are consistent, fundamental rules about starting a business. Most startups face similar challenges and we are very experienced in navigating those challenges. Our talented and dedicated entrepreneurs in residence, coaches and facilitators are here to guide you through blockers. Since 2001, our active entrepreneur network has only grown — if we can’t help, we know someone who can.
Q: How does Ascender connect my business to mentors and advisors?
When you’re a founder, you get a lot of advice. While our mentor network is large, we don’t inundate you with dozens of voices and mandatory networking. Through personal and formal assessments, we get to know you and the problem you’re solving, and then we connect you to the right mentor or mentors.
Q: Are there any businesses that shouldn’t apply?
Ascender bootcamp welcomes most types of founders and startups. While we don’t discourage any founder from applying, please note that our program is designed for for-profit ventures and is not suited to address the specialized needs of restaurant businesses or nonprofit organizations. Learn more about eligibility, application tips and more.
Q: What if I can’t make one of the bootcamp days?
Our curriculum is rigorous and is ideal when you can commit to 100% in-person participation.
Q: What happens at the end of bootcamp?
At the conclusion of bootcamp there is a pitch presentation and happy hour where you’ll be able to meet other members of the entrepreneurial community in Pittsburgh – including some investors. After that, you’ll be invited to join Ascender at a deeply discounted rate so you can continue working toward your product launch and can use all the additional tools and resources Ascender can offer.
Reach out to the Ascender Team and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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