FoundersForge
Believes in the Underdog
We Exist to Amplify the Startup Community in the Appalachian Highlands and Beyond.
JOIN US AT APPALACHIA’S
BIGGEST STARTUP CONFERENCE
Nov. 6th-8th, 2025 in Johnson City, Tennessee
Announcing Avante
A Turnkey Platform for Building a Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Avante is a complete startup ecosystem-building solution designed for communities ready to ignite entrepreneurial growth. Built on years of proven success in growing high-performing startup regions, Avante equips partner organizations with everything they need to launch and sustain local innovation.
The platform includes a 6-week cohort-based accelerator, a dedicated online community hub, and ongoing support for both startups and partner organizations.
Startup
Community
No one understands what it’s like to start a business better than other entrepreneurs. Get connected to our vibrant startup community and meet Founders just like you.
Impactful
Events
Build your network and learn from experts at events that provide hands-on experience, insights, and inspiration. Join us monthly or when it’s convenient for you.
STARTUP
Coaching
If you aren’t sure where to start or even if you feel you know what you need to do, coaching can accelerate your business. Even Michael Jordan had a coach!
We Put Founders First
We strive to be approachable, available, and supportive while challenging you to build your own success.
- We don’t charge for our general services and most events are also free.
- We don’t tell you what to do.
We offer advice to help you decide. - We put Founders on center stage. Never in the back
- We don’t take equity for our general services or programs
- We work with everyone, from all backgrounds, and experiences
- We advocate for Founders Interests
- We Don’t Tell You What To Do.
We Offer Advice to Help You Decide - We Put Founders on Center Stage
and Never in the Background - Most of what we offer is free
- We Don’t Take Equity for Our General Services and Programs
- We Work with Everyone, From All Backgrounds, and Experiences
- We advocate for Founder’s Interests
FoundersForge is a 501c3 nonprofit that focuses on being an independent organization.
This allows us to always have our Founder’s interests and needs at the center of everything we do.
FoundersForge is a 501c3 nonprofit that focuses on being an independent organization.
This allows us to always have our Founder’s interests and needs at the center of everything we do.
Upcoming Events
Turn Your
Ideas
into
Reality
We Help Entrepreneurs Turn Ideas Into Companies in Appalachia
- Validation
We help aspiring Founders validate their ideas before they start to give them the best chance at success
- Resources
We help you find and get the resources you need so you will have the tools to build your own success
- Launch
Most Founders that go through our programs launch their new ventures faster and more successfully
- Support
Our supporting networks will help you with capital, mentorship, and discovering new opportunities
1. VALIDATION
We help aspiring Founders validate their ideas before they start, to give them the best chance of success
2. RESOURCES
We help you find and get the resources you need so you have the tools to build your own success
3. LAUNCH
Most Founders that go through our programs launch their new ventures faster and more successfully
4. SUPPORT
Our networks of suppor will help you with capital, mentorship, and discovering new opportunities
FoundersForge is Run by Startup Founders
who have built companies, supported startups, and understand what it
takes to find success.
Too often, those supporting founders have never built a high-growth business. Our advice comes from a place of understanding, not investing in real-estate or economic development. We believe in helping founders succeed by guiding them on their own journey.
Not controlling it.
FoundersForge never judges idea viability. We help you decide what is right for your own goals and ambitions. However, it is our job to challenge your assumptions and force you to face the hard decisions early-on in your startup journey.
Experienced Mentors & Coaches
Founders benefit from experienced mentors and coaches. Most have built their own companies and the rest come from a strong background in their expertise. We believe true experience is the best fuel to accelerate your venture.
Network of Support
When you are building a new startup or small business, gaining access to customers and support can greatly accelerate your business. Our network of support spans the Appalachian Highlands and beyond into multiple states across the country.
Startup Community
By working with FoundersForge, you gain access to the Appalachian Startup Alliance – a community of entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and investors across the Southeast and beyond. Find and connect with programs, investors, and other support in the Alliance today.
Experienced Mentors
Founders benefit from experienced mentors and coaches. Most have built their own companies and the rest come from a strong background in their expertise. We believe true experience is the best fuel to accelerate your venture.
Network of Support
When you are building a new startup or small business, gaining access to customers and support can greatly accelerate your business. Our network of support spans the Appalachian Highlands and beyond into multiple states across the country.
Startup Community
By working with FoundersForge, you gain access to the Appalachian Startup Alliance – a community of entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, and investors across the Southeast and beyond. Find and connect with programs, investors, and other support in the Alliance today.
Don’t just take our word for it…
Stay Connected
Join our list to be the first to learn about special events, programs, and when applications open to Startup Bootcamp, The Pitch, and the Startup Mountain Summit. We send out a monthly email and special events from time to time.