Application Deadline: Startup Appalachia Accelerator — Spring 2026 Cohort
Startup Appalachia Accelerator — Spring 2026 Cohort
Presented by SOAR Innovation
Application Deadline: January 2, 2026
Program Start: January 15, 2026
Format: 12-week hybrid accelerator
Structure: 6 core sessions with alternating mentorship and applied-learning weeks
Delivery: 5 virtual core sessions + 1 in-person core session
Demo Day: In-person event at the end of the program (date TBD)
Cost: Free for qualified applicants
Turn Your Business Idea Into Reality
The Startup Appalachia Accelerator is a 12-week hybrid program from Shaping Our Appalachian Region that equips Eastern Kentucky entrepreneurs with the tools, mentors, and connections to launch investment-ready businesses. Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort are due January 2, 2026.
Who Should Apply
The Startup Appalachia Accelerator is designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step in building and validating their business.
You’re a strong fit if you:
- Have moved past the idea stage and are ready to develop or test Version 1 or 2 of your product or service.
- Are building something technology-enabled or innovation-focused (software, digital tools, advanced manufacturing, online platforms, mobile apps, creative tech services, e-commerce, etc.).
- Are located in Eastern Kentucky or plan to grow inside SOAR Innovation’s 29-county region.
- Can commit to the 12-week program, attend workshops, and meet with your coach to build momentum.
What You’ll Gain
Participants finish the program with investor-ready foundations and confidence to move their business forward.
You will receive:
- A validated business plan, financial model, and pitch
- Access to mentors, funders, and SOAR Innovation’s Alumni Network
- Social media strategy review
- Professional headshots
- Networking opportunities
- Access to Startup Appalachia’s resource library
Your 12 Week Roadmap
A step-by-step journey from early concept to investment readiness:
- Weeks 1–2: Refining Your Product or Service
- Weeks 3–4: Understanding Your Market
- Weeks 5–6: Product Validation Setup (In-Person Session – Week 5)
- Weeks 7–8: Building Your Revenue Model
- Weeks 9–10: Customer Retention and Systems
- Weeks 11–12: Preparing for Growth
- Week 13: Demo Day (In-Person)
Outcomes & Impact
Startup Appalachia Accelerator alumni consistently turn momentum into measurable progress.
- 100% leave with a complete business plan
- 75% actively pursue their business within 6 months
- $500K+ generated by previous SOAR Innovation entrepreneurs
- 21 members in our Alumni & Mentor Network
Submit your application by January 2, 2026 to join the cohort launching January 15, 2026.
A SOAR Innovation team member will review your submission and follow up to confirm eligibility.
Take the first step toward launching your startup.