EC Accelerator · Spring 2026 Cohort
Scale your healthcare solutions — in the heart of the healthcare capital. Twelve weeks of tactical sessions, three immersion visits, and a network built to move you faster.
The framework
Everything we'll do over the next 12 weeks falls into one of these four areas. Each builds on the others.
Your people
One direct line to everything the EC offers — plus the broader team supporting you behind the scenes.
Think of me as your direct line to everything the EC offers. Over the next 12 weeks, I'll connect you with the right people at the right time. Need to talk through a pricing strategy with someone who's been there? I'll find them. Looking for insight from an expert in your industry? I'll help make that connection. Reach me via email (preferred), phone, text, or Slack.
The arc of the next 13 weeks. Tactical skills you'll use immediately, not theory.
Every Tuesday, 2–3:30 PM CST.
Topics include GTM strategy, navigating the healthcare ecosystem, HIPAA fundamentals, moving beyond founder-led sales, and more.
Optional virtual webinars Fridays, 11 AM–12 PM CST.
Topics: AI, founder wellness, financial forecasting. Plus invitations to major EC events like the Spring Kickoff Mixer.
12 weeks of focused work
When we meet — and what we cover. Tuesdays are the core; Fridays are the bonus round.
| Date | Session |
|---|---|
| Feb 25–27 | Immersion Visit #1 In-person |
| Mar 3 | Navigating the healthcare ecosystem |
| Mar 10 | Validating the problem in healthcare |
| Mar 17 | HIPAA for startups |
| Mar 24 | GTM strategy for healthcare startups |
| Mar 31 | Selling into healthcare enterprises |
| Apr 7 | Moving beyond founder-led sales |
| Apr 13–15 | Immersion Visit #2 In-person |
| Apr 21 | Financial readiness & data room fundamentals |
| Apr 28 | Scaling teams & leadership in regulated environments |
| May 5 | TBD — based on cohort feedback |
| May 12 | Investor pitch practice & feedback |
| May 20–21 | Immersion Visit #3 In-person |
Tactical insights on AI implementation, brand building, financial forecasting. Built for busy founders — one hour, actionable takeaways.
| Date | Webinar |
|---|---|
| Mar 6 | Building Community |
| Mar 13 | Leadership Development |
| Mar 20 | Mental Health & Founder Mindset |
| Mar 27 | Building a Brand that Resonates |
| Apr 2 | Mastering Your Marketing Systems |
| Apr 10 | Legal Essentials |
| Apr 17 | Leveraging AI for Founders |
| Apr 24 | Capital 101 |
| May 1 | Financial Forecasting |
| May 8 | NED Run-of-Show |
| May 15 | Pitch Like a Pro |
In-person in Nashville
Primarily virtual program — immersion weeks are when you fly in. Exact agendas shared 1–2 weeks in advance.
Optional: depart 4/14 at 4:30 PM, or stay for RPM Conference on 4/15.
May 21
Nashville's entire entrepreneurial ecosystem gathers to see what you've built. The goal is conversation, not presentation.
A network you didn't have last week — Champion Mentors, 200+ advisors, office hours, and program partners.
You'll be matched with someone who'll check in regularly, offer feedback, and help you navigate challenges as they come up. Not a one-off conversation — ongoing support from someone invested in your success.
Direct access to successful entrepreneurs and experts volunteering their experience. Schedule through the EC Member Portal.
Recently featured: Elaine MacDonald, Jessa Kelley
Direct access to subject matter experts in legal, marketing, capital, finance, and more. Recurring throughout the program. Sign-ups shared in Slack or during sessions.
Strategic guidance from professionals who understand your challenges. First consultations free; some offer discounted ongoing services.
Access to the Greater Nashville Technology Council. Contact Brian Adair, VP of Strategic Partnerships, at Brian.Adair@technologycouncil.com to set up.
Your EC membership has started. Workspace, member events, perks — built to outlast your 12 weeks here.
Daily drop-in coworking surrounded by other founders building real businesses. Meeting rooms, phone booths, sitting and standing desks, coffee, power. Break room with fridge, microwave, sink.
Meeting rooms: 1 free hour in a small meeting room per day.
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM (Mon–Thu) · 8 AM–4 PM (Fri)
For fee: Lockbox access (mail), event space rental.
Questions: Ask Treena at reception, or contact Trea McCoy, Community Manager.
The EC maps the local capital landscape so founders and investors don't waste cycles. You become capital-ready faster.
Optional in-person capital workshops throughout the program — valuation, pitch deck design, funding fundamentals. Learn basics, practice your pitch.
$40,000 in non-dilutive cash
Non-dilutive cash awards celebrating Spring 2026 accelerator founders who demonstrate exceptional potential. Reviewed and scored by the EC CEO, select EC board members, and partners.
The deal
This program works when you work it. The founders who see the biggest breakthroughs don't just attend — they dive in completely.
Attend weekly sessions. Missing one puts you behind your peers. Life happens — but contact your program manager beforehand if you need to miss a session.
75% minimum attendance is required to graduate (including excused absences).
Come prepared. Participate fully. Be fully present in sessions, 1-on-1s, and community spaces. When opportunities arise, it's up to you to seize them.
Your cohort, speakers, advisors, and fellow founders deserve your best. Being prepared, saying thank you, and following up helps us strengthen relationships with advisors and partners — which means better support for you.
Ask questions in real time. Communicate your needs. Embrace feedback. Transparency helps everyone grow.
Acknowledge and appreciate those who support you. A little gratitude goes a long way in building the relationships that will help your business.
Quick Start Guide
Parking, WiFi, digital tools, surveys, and what happens after you graduate.
Where: Red brick garage behind trolley barns (enter via Lea Ave).
How: Drive in, scan the QR code at the front desk via the Metropolis app, drive out.
Free parking: Class days — 4 hours. Non-class days — 3 hours. Always scan the QR code.
Overstay: $6 for 1 extra hour · $10 for 4–12 hours · $20 for 12+ hours.
You'll get invites to two channels:
Network: EC-Member
Password: MembersOnly
Printer: Setup instructions at the front desk.
Access all features of your Members Portal. Book meeting rooms (1-hour blocks, 7 room options) from your dashboard.
Library of recorded events, business templates, and resources to grow your startup.
Required: Mid-Program survey (handles graduation logistics) + Final survey (improves the program for the next cohort).
Optional: Quarterly check-ins in January, April, July, October to track your growth.
These aren't bureaucratic checkboxes. Honest feedback secures the funding that keeps program costs low and unlocks ongoing support.
Stay connected: Alumni Homecoming, Exit Interviews Dinner Series, monthly newsletter.
Keep growing: Speaking opportunities, 25% off your first month of continued membership, invite-only events.
Complete your final survey to unlock Alumni Circle — free ongoing support for all EC accelerator graduates.
Quick answers