Jul 8 - Oct 10, 2025

W.E. BUILD

W.E. (Women Entrepreneurs) Build is a holistic business accelerator designed to level the playing field and help women who have been historically denied access to resources and funding.

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Women who mean business

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W.E. Build will help you advance your professional development, achieve personal growth, and build companies that catalyze multi-generational wealth.

Powered by Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Initiative, the W.E. Build Accelerator will empower 25 innovative and diverse early-stage startups to create and launch scalable ventures in Tulsa, OK over the next two years. 

Event Details

What's in it for you?

  • First place $25,000 non-dilutive business award
  • 3 months of business training
  • Networking and mentorship opportunities
  • Free legal and accounting services
  • Coworking desks and conference room access
  • Laptop devices and connectivity
  • Financial education
  • Cost of living stipends to help provide housing, childcare, and health care
  • Bi-weekly mental health counseling

W.E. Build Founders

Angela
Franklin

CEO & Founder of Afro Yoga

Carlisha
Williams

CEO & Founder of Amplify For Women

Tai
Nehisi

CEO & Founde of ORGANIZELY

Their journey, their words

“W.E. Build was a game-changer for my startup. The investment in me financially, professionally and personally made it possible for me to take my startup to the next level. We’re now selling our product in hundreds of stores across the country thanks to the $25,000 award and 3 months of serious business training. You can really feel how much Build in Tulsa cares about our success.”

Founder Name

Organization

FAQs

Do you guarantee follow-on funding from Build in Tulsa or your partners?

No. Build in Tulsa is committed to giving you the tools you need for success. From workshops to mentors to networking activities, we will do our best to open doors for you. But it is up to you to walk through them. We will introduce you to partners, potential customers, and investors. But there are no guarantees. Again, you will get out of this program what you put into it. We will be cheering you on and monitoring your progress. Build in Tulsa does have a competitive process for post-accelerator support that includes free office space and extended housing stipends, but eligibility for this program will be determined based on several factors including your participation in the program, economic viability, and commitment to Tulsa.

If I’m not from Tulsa, can I travel back home on the weekends?

Yes, but we encourage you to spend as much time in Tulsa as you can. The founders who get the most out of their accelerator experiences are those who truly connect with the city, its people, and our partners. And to do that you have to be in Tulsa consistently.

Will my weekends be free during the program? Or will there be events or workshops?

While there may be some extracurricular/fun activities on the weekends, your weekends are mostly your own. We strongly encourage you to attend as many events as you can. You will get out of this experience what you put into it. The more you engage with the Build in Tulsa network the greater your chance of success.

Do you provide housing?

W.E Build provides a housing stipend of $1,000 per month (for a total of $4,000) to help you make ends meet while you are in the program and focused on growing your business. Build in Tulsa does not provide housing to founders in the W.E. Build program. We can provide you with some recommendations on where to live, but housing is up to you.

What can I expect from the W.E. Build program day-to-day?

We will host workshops every Wednesday from 10am-12pm featuring a variety of topics designed to help you grow and scale your business. The program will also offer financial literacy modules weekly. W.E. Builders will present weekly updates on their progress to their cohort and select mentors and advisors. There will also be office hours with mentors and investors as well as other fun activities offered throughout the 12-week program. We expect W.E. Builders to commit 30 hours a week to the program. While some extracurricular programming will occur outside of business hours and is often not required, we strongly encourage you to attend as many of these activities as your schedule allows. This will help build your social network and expose you to as many people as possible that can be helpful to your journey.

When will the W.E. Build accelerator begin?

The W.E. Build program will begin in Tulsa, OK on XX X, XXXX. The program will end on XX X, XXXX.

When will I receive my housing and child care/health care stipends?

W.E. Build is designed as a comprehensive program designed to mitigate the barriers to your success. We provide stipends to help cover the cost of your housing and child care or health care while you are in the program. W.E. Builders will receive $1,000 a month for housing and $1,000 a month for child care or health care. You will receive the stipends monthly through our service provider, Plann.ly.

If I’m accepted, when will I receive the $25,000 award?

W.E. Builders will receive their award in three payments. On XX X, XXXX, the first portion of the payment ($8,333) will be issued, and On XX X, XXXX, the second portion of the payment ($8,333) will be issued. The last installment ($8,334) will be paid on XX X, XXXX.

Can I participate in another accelerator while I’m in W.E. Build?

It’s not ideal. We expect you to put in 30+ hours a week into this program. This is a big commitment and we fully expect you to give it your all, be present, and fully engaged.

Can I keep my full-time job while in the W.E. Build accelerator?

Look, Sis, we can’t tell you what to do for you and your family. But we expect you to put in 30+ hours a week into this program. This is a big commitment and we fully expect you to give it your all, be present, and fully engaged. Again, the more you put into this experience the more you will get out of it.

I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. But we hope to enroll a second cohort. Please sign up for the Build in Tulsa newsletter to be alerted when the next cycle opens.

What is the application process? Do I have to do an interview?

Please complete the application by XX X, XXXX at 11:59:59 pm (CST). Finalists will be interviewed twice. The first round will be in mid-XXX and the second round in mid XX-XX you will be notified by XX X of our decision. We will have a founder orientation by XX X and the program will begin on XX X, XXXX.

Do I have to be in tech to apply to W.E. Build?

W.E. Builders are high-growth companies that are hoping to be VC-backed by the end of the program. We are looking for companies that are tech, tech-enabled, operating in the beauty and wellness space, or high-growth professional services.

When is the deadline to apply to W.E. Build?

The deadline to apply for the program is XX X, XXXX.

Do I have to live in Tulsa to participate in the W.E. Build accelerator?

Yes, we are committed to building in Tulsa, the home of historic Black Wall Street. To be accepted into the W.E. Build program, you will have to move to Tulsa for the three months of the program.

Do I have to give up ownership of my business to participate in W.E. Build?

No. Build in Tulsa doesn’t take any equity in your business. The $25,000 is a non-dilutive business award provided to help you grow your business.

I am a solo founder. Can I still apply?

Yes. We do prefer founding teams because it helps share the workload. That being said, we’re evaluating you, your business, and your potential for success post-program.

What kind of founder are you looking for to join W.E. Build?

We are looking for founders who have the ability to execute strategic plans, are flexible and adaptable, learn and listen well, implement feedback, ready and willing to experiment with new strategies, and are open to change.

Partner Programs
that accelerate your growth

We've teamed up with these accelerators and investors to open new doors for Tulsans, offering greater access to funding, mentorship, and resources. Let’s find the program that’s right for you.

Still have questions about W.E Build?

If you want to learn how W.E. Build could shift the trajectory of your startup, connect with our team and we’ll fill you in.

Contact Us
Build In Tulsa provides entrepreneurs with a network of accelerators, mentoring, education, networking, and direct financial assistance to build community and strategic partnerships.
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