If you’ve ever launched a startup, you know the hustle is real. There's the product to build, customers to win over, funding to chase, legal and accounting puzzles to solve, marketing to somehow master—oh, and sleep? Maybe later.

That’s where our startup accelerator steps in, the Awesome Fellowship.

Built for early-stage, high-growth tech startups based in Kentucky, the Awesome Fellowship is a one-year, mentor-driven, non-equity taking accelerator designed to give founders the momentum they need to scale. It’s like having a startup dream team in your corner—from your first pitch deck to your next round of funding.

Let’s break it down.

A Year of Structure, Support, and Serious Momentum

The Fellowship isn’t just a “program”—it’s evolved into a network (or community). Startups accepted into the program gain access to a year of resources tailored to accountability, strategic growth, and expert support.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Monthly Accountability Meetings: Because progress is way easier when you’re not going it alone. These check-ins keep founders focused and aligned with their goals.

• Quarterly Group Metrics Meetings: Cohorts gather to compare metrics, share insights, and support each other’s wins and stumbles.

• Demo Day (Twice a Year): The capstone event for each cohort, Demo Day lets founders pitch to a live audience of investors, mentors, and community leaders. Whether you're looking to raise capital or just showcase how far you’ve come, it’s a big deal.

Mentorship That Matters

Every founder needs a sounding board—or five. Awesome Inc’s mentor network includes 85+ experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts who have succeeded despite facing numerous challenges

These mentors don’t just drop in for an hour and then leave. They get to know your company and your challenges. They ask the tough questions and help you think strategically. It’s startup therapy, minus the couch.

Plus, all Fellows are part of the Fellowship Slack Workspace, where advice, connections, and quick wins are just a message away.

Professional Services—Handled

Founders in the Fellowship get access to top-tier in-kind support, from creative to compliance:

• A dedicated Awesome Inc web developer

• Professional graphic design, video, and photography

• Support from our marketing consultant

• Professional Video Services from Chesser Media

• Legal guidance through Dinsmore

• Accounting support from DB Virtual Accounting

• Financial forecasting and business modeling from Forecastr

• Financial and Wealth Management founder practices from Four Quarters Capital

In other words: all the behind-the-scenes work that most startups scramble to figure out? We’ve got your back.

Tools and Tech—on a Budget

Fellows also receive discounted access to platforms that help you grow smarter:

• Cloverleaf – team performance and personality insights

• Forecastr – financial modeling that won’t make your brain melt

• GLVVE – e-commerce and logistics support

• RAADZ – gamified market research that’s actually fun

On top of that, startups get access to the KYBacked Marketplace, a curated set of tools and resources to help your business thrive.

The Funding Piece—Let’s Talk Cash

Yes, the Fellowship includes access to capital. And no, we’re not talking “win a pitch competition and maybe get $1K in gift cards.”

We’re talking real, founder-friendly funding:

• The Awesome Fund is a $5M pre-seed and seed-stage fund launched in 2023. Investment checks range from $50K–$250K and are targeted at companies with early traction.

• Starting in Fall 2024, companies entering the Fellowship are also eligible for a $25K investment from a strategic funding partner, helping Kentucky founders get the early runway they need.

Through a structured pipeline that includes our Traction Advisor Program, founders can connect with advisors and navigate the capital process more confidently.

Work Hard, Retreat Hard

The startup life is a grind—but nobody said you can’t enjoy it.

Fellows are invited to our annual Startup Summer Retreat, a chance to unplug, recharge, and connect with fellow founders and mentors. It’s strategy meets s’mores, with a side of mentorship and cornhole.

And once you’ve completed your Fellowship year? You’re still family. Alumni are always welcome back at future retreats.

Why It Works

This isn’t just theory. Since launching, the Fellowship has supported 80+ startups that have collectively raised over $150M in capital and created hundreds of jobs across Kentucky.

Fellows go on to get accepted into national accelerators like Techstars and Y Combinator. They win grants. They exit. And most importantly, they grow companies that matter.

The Awesome Fellowship is backed by nearly 15 years of experience working with founders—and supported by our broader mission to grow Kentucky’s tech and startup economy. (Fun fact: We’re also the team behind the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.)

So, Who’s It For?

We’re looking for:

• High-growth tech startups

• Based in (or relocating to) Kentucky

• Led by coachable founders with big goals

• Companies that are building something scalable and have traction (even early-stage)

This is not a weekend bootcamp or a part-time meetup. It’s a full-year, full-send commitment to building a world-changing company—faster and smarter than you could alone.

Ready to Build Something Awesome?

Applications for the next cohort are open. Check out the Fellowship page to learn more, or shoot us a message if you’re wondering whether it’s the right fit.

Because building a startup is hard. Doing it with a team behind you? That’s just smarter.

P.S. Even if you’re not ready for the Fellowship, we host events, run a coworking space, and offer other programs to help you get started. Keep an eye on our events calendar and subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop.