A new startup accelerator in Delaware wants to train homegrown innovators.
First Founders is expected to launch next month with a focus on empowering Black entrepreneurs, founders from low-income communities, and blue-collar workers.
The accelerator is the brainchild of Garry Johnson, a former graduate student at the University of Delaware, who created the accelerator after launching the “I Have a Dream” pitch competition for Black boys ages 8 to 18.
Johnson told Technica.ly he traveled around the country during his Master’s program, which helped him better understand how communities were supporting entrepreneurs.
“I had this assumption that people of color and underrepresented entrepreneurs weren’t getting the same access to resources and opportunities as others,” said Johnson. “I also had the assumption that there were people in the community who had ideas, but weren’t always getting the platforms that they needed.”
The accelerator has 10 spots available for a 12-session sprint on entrepreneurship beginning February 9th. The program will meet weekly on Saturdays at 1313 Innovation, a co-working space in Wilmington, Delaware.
Program participants will learn the foundations of starting a business, how to problem solve for customers and pitch to investors.
First Founders is currently accepting applications from New Castle County residents through January 24.
