If you’re a woman entrepreneur with a tech-based business and ambitions of rapid growth, it’s time to pay attention: the FoundHers Labs Program 2025 is now accepting applications. This three-month hybrid accelerator has been crafted to support early-stage, technology-driven ventures led by women founders. What sets this program apart is its purposeful design: in-person workshops, virtual learning sessions, and personalized mentorship converge to help you scale strategically and prepare for your first round of venture capital funding.
In this post, we’ll dive deeper into what the program offers, who it’s designed for, and how to apply—so you can hit the ground running and take your business to the next level.
Overview of FoundHers Labs Program
What Is the Program?
FoundHers Labs is a dedicated business accelerator designed specifically for women entrepreneurs building tech-driven ventures. Over three months, participants engage in workshop modules, work with mentors, and focus on both the business and technical sides of scaling a startup. The format is hybrid: expect immersive in-person workshops and flexible virtual instruction that fits into your pace.
Who Is This For?
This initiative supports emerging startups that are:
- Tech-enabled or innovatively using tech in their operations or product
- Led by Black women with at least 33% equity ownership
- Already generating revenue or growing a customer base
- Equipped with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Strategically preparing to secure funding within the next 12 to 18 months.
- Ready to scale beyond their current market traction
If you fit this description and are committed to growth and innovation, this is made for you.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The curriculum is divided into three core modules, each designed to build your capabilities in essential areas:
Module 1: Business Fundamentals
1. Foundation and Market Analysis
Begin by defining your business vision, identifying your target market, and creating a clear value proposition.
2. Business Model & Product-Market Fit
Refine your business model and ensure that your product genuinely addresses customer needs and market demand.
3. Business Strategy & Financial Forecasting
Learn strategic planning techniques and build financial projections to guide your business decisions.
4. Brand Creation
Shape your brand’s identity, refine your positioning, and craft messaging that speaks directly to your ideal customers.
Module 2: Product and Business Growth
1. Product Roadmap and User Growth
Strategically plan feature development and growth initiatives to increase user engagement and customer retention.
2. Technical Resource Planning; Teams & Operations
Get guidance on scaling your technology team, managing engineering resources, and optimizing operations.
3. Funding Clinic: Dilutive vs Non-Dilutive Funding
Understand your financing options—equity vs. grant funding—and learn how to choose the right path for your stage.
4. Legal Clinic: Tech & Business Structures
Receive expert advice on company formation, intellectual property, data privacy, incorporating employees, and other legal essentials.
5. Mental Health and Business Session
Explore strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and cultivate personal resilience as a founder.
Module 3: Funding and Investment Readiness
1. Business Valuation & Venture Landscape
Learn how to value your company, understand comparable early-stage deals, and assess investor fit.
2. Presentation Skills
Master the art of delivering compelling investor presentations and refining your pitch narrative.
3. Pitch Coaching Session
Work one-on-one with experts to refine your pitch, receive feedback, and address investor concerns.
4. Mock Pitch Practice
Test your pitch in a simulated investor environment and practice responding under pressure.
5. Demo Day
Wrap up the experience with a final showcase event, where participants will pitch their businesses to a hand-selected audience of investors, industry leaders, media representatives, and mentors.
Program Benefits
Participating in FoundHers Labs gives you access to a range of support and resources essential for building a scalable tech company:
- CTO Matching
Receive pairing with a seasoned Chief Technology Officer ideally suited to your business needs. - Growth Strategy Development
Work with experts to layout detailed plans for product, team, and market expansion. - Product Development Guidance
Gain practical, actionable advice throughout the development cycle—from concept to launch. - Technical Problem-Solving Support
Get hands-on help overcoming technical challenges, ensuring you’re technically prepared to scale. - Team Skill-Building
Learn from specialists to strengthen your leadership and augment your team’s technical strengths.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for FoundHers Labs, your startup must meet all criteria below:
- Leadership
You must be a Black woman founder with at least one-third (33%) ownership in the business. - Tech Enablement
Your business should rely on technology—whether through software, digital platforms, hardware, or analytics. - Market Traction
You should already have revenue or clear evidence of customer engagement and growth. - Existing MVP
Your business must offer a working product or prototype ready for refinement. - Capital Ambitions
You must be actively planning to raise funding within the next year to 18 months. - Scalability
Your model must have the potential to grow—whether by market expansion, partnerships, or product reach.
Time Commitment and Schedule
The program demands roughly 6–8 hours per week over a three-month period. It blends virtual learning with in-person experiences to fit into the busy lives of founder participants.
Key dates for 2025 include:
- Program Start: Early September 2025
- In-Person Workshops: Typically one full weekend per month—dates confirmed upon acceptance
- Demo Day: Mid-November 2025
How to Apply
Deadline: August 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM EDT
Application Requirements:
- Online Application Form with business details and entrepreneurial vision
- Founders’ Bios outlining your background, skills, and contributions
- Lean Pitch Deck or Business Overview covering the problem you’re solving, target market, solution, and monetization strategy
- Product Snapshot with details on current MVP status
- Traction Metrics, such as revenue figures or user stats that show growth
- Three References willing to speak to your leadership, vision, or entrepreneurial spirit
Applications will be evaluated by a diverse committee of investors, founders, and experts. Shortlisted teams will be interviewed before the final cohort is selected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the tech requirement strict?
Yes—your core offering or business model needs to be tech-enabled or innovatively use technology.
Do I need to live in a specific city?
While virtual sessions are accessible from anywhere, in-person workshops are held at a central location (TBD but often in major Canadian cities). Travel costs are covered.
Can I participate with a co-founder?
Yes—teams of up to two founders are encouraged, though each owner must meet the eligibility requirements.
What does the scholarship cover?
Your participation is fully funded: housing, accommodation, meals, workshop supplies, and mentorship—all included.
Final Thoughts
FoundHers Labs Program 2025 is an excellent accelerator designed with precision to empower Black women leaders in tech. It provides more than just capital—it offers tailored mentorship, technical leadership, strategic roadmaps, mental wellness support, and meaningful community.
If you’re already running a tech-enabled business with traction, a working MVP, and ambitious growth plans, this program can help propel you toward your next milestone. Not only do you gain resources; you build a strong, supportive network of peers and mentors.
Support and grow your venture with clarity and confidence—applications are open now, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Take this leap. Your future self and your business will thank you.
