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 additional follow-up programming in the fall.
WHO
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.
We will prioritize companies preparing for a first-time funding event such as VC funding, bank loans, or angel investment as our curriculum is heavily structured towards investment readiness.
WHAT
While each cohort's curriculum is uniquely curated to the needs of the founders, general skills gained include:
Understanding of legal, financial, and governance principles for startups
Developing and understanding financial statements
Preparing for and identifying next-round funding (where appropriate)
Finding and creating your team of mentors/advisors/resources
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
2026 Schedule: Calendar linked here (sessions start in March)
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 Washing Ave, Madison WI
QUESTIONS
Susie at support@madworksaccelerator.org
Applications now open!
