Build Wellth Founder Academy

Learn from experts in our 4-week accelerator designed for Black women and non-binary founders

Build Wellth Founder Academy is an immersive accelerator program designed to help Black women and Non-Binary founders identify and tackle funding challenges.

Learn how to fund your startup with coaching from those who’ve done it and build community with other Black founders.

  • You’re running a business full-time (or part-time) and overwhelmed by the process of finding funding .

    Want live-coaching and step-by-step guide to create a process around securing funding.

    Want to nail your pitch and create a funding toolkit with templates for financial forecasting, grant proposals, and more.

  • Our 4-week immersive bootcamp will help you build the skills and confidence you need to secure funding and grow your business.

  • Applications for our next cohort open in November 2023. Sign-up here to join the waitlist and receive alerts when applications are open.

  • We are a community-rooted organization, committed to advancing Black women founders through access to funding, education, and resources.

    Through our hard work and dedication, The Well Work will teach and fund one million Black women.

Tuition Pricing, $799

Payment Plans Available

✓ 12 Hours of Training and Group Coaching

✓ Creative Funding Strategy and Roadmap

✓ Pitch Deck Development and Iteration 

✓ Weekly exercises and workshops designed to identify secondary funding opportunities within your business

✓ Access to Funding Database with Hundreds of Small Business Grants, Loans and Investors

✓ Exclusive Guidance from Industry Experts

✓ Lifetime Access to Alumni Community

✓ Expert Office Hours and Live Assistance

About the Program


The Build Wellth Founder Academy is designed to bridge the gap between necessity and innovative entrepreneurship for Black women and Non-Binary founders.
The program brings together all the critical components of funding, guiding participants on an intimate learning journey through the intricate world of fundraising, alternative funding, and authentic leadership.

This immersive 4-week accelerator aims to foster the growth of participants' ventures while demystifying the funding process.

Hands-on Workshops

Interactive sessions designed to provide real-time feedback and actionable insights will assist the founders in crafting compelling brand narratives, securing grant funding, and developing effective product launch strategies.

Expert Guidance

A team of experts across various fields has been assembled, all committed to the founders' success.
They will have the opportunity to learn from Brand Strategy Experts, Venture Capitalists, Grant Experts, Pitching Experts, Innovation and Go-to-Market Strategy Experts, and Alternative Funding Experts.

Mentorship and Community

This journey does not need to be undertaken alone. Founders will be part of a supportive and collaborative community of like-minded individuals who are also striving to make a significant impact. 

Founders benefit from the guidance of experienced mentors while connecting with entrepreneurs, potential investors, and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and opening opportunities.

Program Contents

WEEK 01

Reframe your Founder Story and Shift your Brand Vision

In the first week, we invite you to dive into your unique journey and the story behind your venture. We'll provide you with tools to narrate your tale in a way that truly resonates with your authentic experience as a Black founder. 

At the same time, we'll explore the exciting world of branding, helping you craft an image for your business that aligns with your vision and really connects with your customers.

WEEK 02

Fundamentals of Funding and Navigating Non-Dilutive Funding Options

We'll break down the ins and outs of funding and explore unconventional avenues you might not have considered. 

Plus, you'll get to 'speed date' with grant experts who can guide you through the maze of grant applications, helping you uncover potential treasure troves of funding for your business.

WEEK 03

The Art of The Pitch and Venturing Forward

Come week three, it's time to master the art of the pitch. We'll work together to hone your pitching skills, ensuring that you can confidently communicate your vision when it counts. 

We also pull back the curtain on the world of venture capital, giving you a sneak peek into what investors look for and how you can make your venture irresistible to them.

WEEK 04

GTM Plan, Launch, Innovate and Entrepreneurial Wellness

In the final week, we focus on the nitty-gritty of go-to-market strategies and getting to know your customers. We'll help you create a foolproof plan to launch and continuously innovate your offerings to best serve your target market. 

But it's not all about work; we'll also spend time discussing entrepreneurial wellness.

What You’ll Gain

Build Wellth Founder Academy is an investment in you

✓ Discover Non-Traditional Funding Opportunities

✓ Perfect Your Pitch and Grow Your Confidence

✓ Create an Action-Oriented Funding Strategy

✓ Hands-on Training and Access To Industry Experts

✓ Ongoing Alumni Support and Encouragement

✓ Community With Hundreds of Black Women Founders

Our Impact in Numbers

100

%

of survey participants recommend BWFA to Black women and non-binary founders

90

%

of survey participants reported an increase in their networks after the program

100

%

of survey participants recommend rated their satisfaction with BWFA’s content a 5 out of 5

86

%

average increase in confidence in securing funding after attending the program

What the Community is Saying

“So honored to be a part of this!”

Mandy Bynum, Investor, Advisor, Author, Former CEO of BLCK VC, BWFA Mentor

”And the work continues! The Well Work’s Build Wellth Founder Academy journey continues to be life-giving and rewarding in so many ways!”

Domenique Harrison, The Racial Equity Therapist, BWFA September 2023 Cohort

“Tonight’s class was everything! so much value! Thank you to The Well Work!”

Jotina Buck, Founder, Root and Yoke Wellness, BWFA September 2023 Cohort

”Just wrapped an inspiring session with The Well Work’s BWFA Cohort… these [founders] are nothing short of miraculous!”

Simona Folasade Sillah, Global Community Manager, So Gal Foundation BWFA Mentor

”Last night’s cohort session with The Well Work was so nourishing”

Lori Jones, Founder, Blackology, BWFA September 2023 Cohort

“You have created a true community. it’s a testament to your work, vision, and dedication”

Stanley Vaganov, Founder, Investor, BeCurious Studios, BWFA Mentor

Meet our BWFA Alum

  • Amara Onwukaeme (she/her) Femigist

  • Lori Alese Jones (she/her) Blackology Coffee

  • Jatu Boikai Stallings (she/her) mOBINurses

  • Jasmine Walker Motupalli (she/her) Data Love Co

  • Shydeia Caldwell (she/her) Black Girl Magik

  • Rebecca Cesar (she/her) Tinted Health

  • Jessica Eskridge (she/her) ElevatED Learning

  • El Zenaye (they/them) The Intuition School

  • Tiffany Otto (she/her) Suddenly Sick

  • Casey Richardson (she/her) Blaze Group

  • Jotina Buck (she/her) Root and Yoke Wellness

  • Brittney D. Bickham (she/her) Puzle

  • Keosha Varela (she/her) Mission & Purpose Communications

  • Dynasti Hunt (she/her) Tayden Impact Partners

  • Domenique Harrison (she/her) The Racial Equity Therapist

Meet our Mentors

  • Kat Gabrielle (she/her) Founder of The Well Work

  • Mandy Bynum (she/her) Investor, Advisor & CEO BLACK VC

  • Andrea Perdomo (she/her) Director of Portfolio Advancement Common Future

  • Amber Quiñones (she/her) Head of Platforms of BBG Ventures

  • Janeen Brown (she/her) Founder & Executive Director of EmpowHERto & Parté Haus

  • Ben Stokes (he/him) Founding Partner of Chasing Rainbows VC

  • Spectra A.I. Asala (they/them) Startup Advisor, Fractional CPO/COO, Impact Investor of SAIA Ventures

  • Lori Marion (she/her) Co-Founder of Fade Technology

  • Simona Folasade Sillah (she/her) Content & Community Manager of SoGal Foundation

  • Stanley Vaganov (he/him) Designer for Impact & Founder of BeCurious Studios

  • Kalish Nesbitt (she/her) Founder & Business Operations Advisor of Well-Run Retail

  • Tyrell Junius (he/him) Co-Founder & COO of Tiami Networks

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We have condensed hundreds of hours of research and thousands of dollars of consulting time into a 4-week course. Your instructor, Kat has advised hundreds of small business owners over her respective careers. Her expertise spans business and funding strategy, team building, marketing, and leadership development.

    If you’re considering fundraising and want to learn from a program designed specifically to address the needs of Black founders, Build Wellth Founder Academy is for you.

  • Since we want to cultivate an intimate experience where engagement is paramount, we are currently accepting between 15 - 25 students in the upcoming cohort.

  • Yes, many people who are in the process of raising funds join to explore if there are other options they should consider. This program goes beyond fundraising because we're focusing on developing your leadership and how to build a sustainable business.

  • This program is ideal for part-time and full-time founders, aspiring entrepreneurs in the ideation stage who wish to learn and grow as leaders.

  • Nope. We'll work through pitch deck creation and pitching in our program. You don't need to come with any prior experience with either to join.

  • Yes! We offer pricing plans at checkout if you’d like to spread your payment across a few months.