CHASE bigger.
raise smarter.
(Our) Capital Readiness Accelerator equips founders with the knowledge and network for investor readiness.
Applications close December 25, 2025
BUILT FOR WEST MICHIGAN FOUNDERS
A focused, fundraising accelerator for early-stage startups ready to raise capital with confidence. This program is built for West Michigan Founders seeking to sharpen their pitch, strengthen financial models, and build investor relationships through hands-on mentorship and tailored content.
This 8-week program is offered in collaboration with SURGE and The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Our 8-week program blends expert instruction, hands-on support, and actionable feedback to help founders build strategy and tools to navigate capital formation. Each week focuses on a critical pillar of readiness, culminating in a refined investor pitch.
WEEK 1 - February 4, 2026
Business readiness foundations
Clarify your core problem, define your value proposition, and ensure your entity structure and business fundamentals set you up to raise.
WEEK 2 - February 11, 2026
Raising Venture Capital: Strategy + Milestones
Learn what VCs expect, how to map funding milestones and timelines, determine your ask, and begin building a strong investor network.
Guest Speaker: Rachel Berkal, Co-Founder, Vetr Health
WEEK 3 - February 18, 2026
Storytelling That Sells: PERFECTING YOUR PITCH
Refine your narrative and develop compelling pitches; receive actionable guidance to strengthen messaging, clarity, and emotional resonance.
Guest Speaker: Bryce Kaiser, Founder, Centered
WEEK 4 - February 25, 2026
Financials + Data Room Discipline
Build investor-ready financials—light modeling, forecasting, pricing strategy, venture debt options—and assemble a clean, credible data room using templates + custom feedback.
Data Room Partner: Vettable
WEEK 5 - March 4, 2026
Alternative Capital: The Bootstrap Path
Explore practical non-VC funding pathways including bootstrapping, family + friends, angels, crowdfunding, and SBA options; create a tailored roadmap to fit your trajectory.
Guest Speaker: Della Fetzer, Founder, Rebel Cultures
WEEK 6 - March 11, 2026
SBIR & Non-Dilutive Capital Strategy
Learn how to identify SBIR opportunities, connect with advisory EIRs, strategies for your proposal, and leverage networks to maximize competitiveness.
Guest Speaker: Wes Keely, EIR, Associate Director at Crowe, Adjunct Professor at KCAD
WEEK 7 - March 18, 2026
Ecosystem Support: SURGE, ESOs + BAF
Navigate regional and national entrepreneurial support networks—learn how to activate their resources, introductions, and funding pathways to accelerate growth.
Guest Speaker: Nora VandenBrink, Director, Surge
WEEK 8 - March 25, 2026
Pitch Week: Deliver + Refine
Bring it all together with a polished pitch; practice live, receive targeted feedback, sharpen delivery, and prepare confidently for real investor conversations.
VC Panelists: Announcing Soon!
February 4-march 25, 2026
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30pm
in person @ Surge in holland, MI
Questions? Email rebekah@alabinnovations.com