Entrepreneurial Support Directory

Maryland’s flagship university research park, operated by UMBC, supporting companies from concept through scaling revenue. Offers physical incubation space, specialized programs in cyber, biotech, and clean energy, and deep connections to UMBC faculty and federal agencies.

Frederick County’s premier nonprofit incubator and accelerator with two physical locations, including Maryland’s EDGE with wet lab and office space. Provides co-working, lab space, accelerator programming, and Startup-U educational courses.

Howard County’s business incubator and accelerator, operated by HCEDA, located in the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub. Provides co-working, mentoring, 50+ annual programs, and an on-site SBDC.

Maryland’s primary state-funded source of early-stage capital and support for technology and life sciences companies, with a strong focus on equity and underserved founders.

A DC-based incubator and fellowship for early-stage social entrepreneurs, offering an 18-month residential program with free workspace, a living stipend, consulting, and mentorship.

A DC-based business development program with the explicit mission of creating new wealth for New Majority entrepreneurs. Provides structured programming from idea stage through growth and investment readiness.

Richmond’s leading startup accelerator, operated by Activation Capital, providing early-stage founders with funding, structured mentorship, legal and accounting assistance, and investor access.

Richmond’s dedicated high-growth business incubator, providing workspace, mentorship, investor access, and a community of founders and advisors.

Pittsburgh’s premier early-stage investor and accelerator, operating the AlphaLab family of accelerators across software, hardware, and health.

Newark’s leading technology accelerator and venture fund, investing in B2B software ventures and supporting founders with coaching, go-to-market strategy, and capital-raising support.

Delaware’s premier technology incubator and research park, located adjacent to the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus, supporting development-stage companies in science and technology sectors.

Amazon Web Services’ startup program providing cloud credits, training, and support to early-stage companies. No equity required.

Baltimore’s nationally recognized nonprofit incubator supporting tech, life sciences, and digital health companies with space, mentorship, investor connections, and programming.

The Maryland Small Business Development Center Network provides free one-on-one consulting and low-cost training to entrepreneurs at every stage.

SCORE provides free, confidential mentoring from experienced executives and entrepreneurs, with multiple Maryland chapters and virtual access.

Carroll County’s nonprofit technology community organization supporting STEM startups, community innovation, pitch opportunities, and peer support.

Maryland’s chapter of Startup Grind provides education, networking, and programming for founders at every stage across the state.

A Baltimore-based accelerator for companies that integrate purpose with profit, offering an immersive, mentor-driven cohort program.

A private-public nonprofit accelerating biohealth commercialization across the BioHealth Capital Region.

An active angel investor network affiliated with the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, focused on regional startups.

An association representing incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, and innovation hubs across Maryland.

Provides free customer discovery and business model validation training for university researchers and STEM-based founders.

A national nonprofit supporting veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, networking, and accelerator programming.

The federal hub for small business resources in Maryland, including SBA loan programs, certifications, contracting support, and partner referrals.

A specialized accelerator helping emerging technology companies navigate the federal government market and connect with government agencies.

FedTech connects entrepreneurs with inventions from federal labs to commercialize federally funded R&D through studio and accelerator models.

The NSF I-Corps national program provides non-dilutive funding and rigorous customer discovery training for STEM-based founders.

An accelerator focused on state and local government technology, connecting GovTech startups with governments, corporate partners, and investors.

DC’s community incubation space dedicated to inclusion, innovation, and incubation for under-resourced entrepreneurs.

A global nonprofit accelerator focused on women-led technology and life sciences companies with advisor, investor, and alumni access.

A major monthly investor pitch and networking event connecting founders, investors, VCs, and business leaders across the Mid-Atlantic.

A DC-based incubator focused on social impact ventures addressing urgent global problems with long-term strategic support.

Hosted by Howard University, DC SBDC provides free confidential consulting and training to entrepreneurs in Washington, DC.

SCORE’s DC chapter connects entrepreneurs with experienced retired executives for free, unlimited one-on-one mentoring.

The SBA’s DC District Office provides access to federal loan programs, certifications, contracting resources, and SBIR/STTR information.

Johnson & Johnson Innovation’s no-strings-attached incubator for life science and healthcare companies with lab space and expertise access.

Microsoft’s startup program providing cloud credits, software tools, and technical support to early-stage companies building on Azure.

Google Cloud’s startup program offering cloud credits, advisor access, and technical resources for startups.

George Mason University’s business incubation and support center serving Northern Virginia entrepreneurs with resources and technical assistance.

Roanoke’s incubator and accelerator for high-growth IT, healthcare, and life science companies with a staged pre-accelerator and residency model.

Virginia’s statewide SBDC network provides free one-on-one consulting and low-cost training to entrepreneurs at every stage.

SCORE provides free, unlimited one-on-one business mentoring from experienced professionals across Virginia.

A professionally managed angel investor network founded by UVA alumni, evaluating early and seed-stage investment opportunities across the region.

A Shenandoah Valley ESO offering accelerator support, mentorship, and small business loans for regional entrepreneurs.

A statewide consortium of nonprofit ESOs helping founders identify resources across Virginia’s innovation ecosystem.

A national nonprofit supporting veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, with a strong Virginia presence.

A flagship technology-based economic development program providing capital and hands-on business support to early-stage tech companies.

Philadelphia’s large community of funded early-stage tech startups, created by the University City Science Center and Drexel University.

Pennsylvania’s SBDC network provides free consulting and low-cost training across 18 locations statewide.

SCORE operates active Pennsylvania chapters providing free, unlimited one-on-one mentoring from experienced business professionals.

A Pittsburgh-based investor and accelerator for early-stage life science companies with specialized business guidance and funding access.

Comcast’s corporate accelerator for startups building at the intersection of connectivity, media, entertainment, and retail technology.

Pittsburgh’s active angel investor network with ties to regional research ecosystems and a collaborative co-investment approach.

One of Philadelphia’s active angel networks investing in early-stage technology and life sciences companies in the Mid-Atlantic.

The Northeast I-Corps Hub trains researchers and deep tech founders to validate commercial potential through customer discovery.

The University of Pennsylvania’s startup incubator and accelerator offering funding, mentorship, and investor access.

New Jersey’s SBDC network, hosted by Rutgers, provides free consulting and low-cost training for entrepreneurs statewide.

SCORE’s New Jersey chapters provide free, unlimited mentoring from experienced business professionals throughout the state.

New Jersey’s dedicated technology startup accelerator with mentorship, investor pitches, and educational workshops.

A Newark-based ESO focused on inclusive innovation, mentorship, networking, and support for women and minority founders.

A state-sponsored fintech accelerator at Stevens focused on financial services modernization and related technologies.

One of New Jersey’s active angel investor networks supporting early-stage technology and life science companies.

The Northeast I-Corps Hub provides free customer discovery training through New Jersey partner institutions.

An NJEDA-operated incubator providing lab and office space, mentorship, and support to early-stage tech and life science companies.

A world-class science incubator housed in DuPont’s former Experimental Station with lab space, competitions, and accelerator support.

A New Castle County Chamber initiative providing office and co-working space, mentorship, and business programming on the Wilmington Riverfront.

The Delaware SBDC provides free confidential consulting and training for Delaware entrepreneurs and small businesses.

SCORE Delaware provides free, unlimited mentoring from experienced business volunteers throughout the state.

Delaware State University’s customized incubator and shared workspace experience for minority and underserved entrepreneurs.

Delaware’s primary economic development organization and guide to startup resources, space, and funding across the state.

A regional angel investor group serving the Delaware Valley with seed and early-stage funding for technology and life science companies.