Monthly Mentorship Program

Real Mentorship. Real Progress.

Connecting bold ideas with the experience to make them real!

Building a startup shouldn't happen in a vacuum. Join a monthly gathering of the Pioneer Valley’s most ambitious builders and the mentors who have already blazed the trail. Whether you’re looking for your first customer, a strategic investor, or just a fresh perspective, this is the room where the region’s best expertise come together to build something bold.

How It Works

Show Up

Free food, friendly faces, and the region's best startup energy.

Listen & Pitch

Hear live pitches from founders, or share your idea and your biggest challenge.

Connect & Collaborate

Dive in with a startup that resonates with you. Brainstorm, offer a connection, or provide a fresh perspective. You choose your level of engagement.

Build & Grow

Gain momentum, find partners, be a part of the Pioneer Valley's growth. Repeat Monthly.

Ready to dive in? Join the community

Feburary 18, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 PM

Startups are here to change the world, and we’re here to help them. Everyone has something to give and something to learn. You don’t have to know what that is when you walk in—that’s what we’re here for. Whether you become a facilitator, apply for intensive training as an entrepreneur, or just dip in whenever your schedule allows, you start by simply showing up.

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High Impact, Low Friction

Expertise Without Ego

Our community is a "roomful of grown-ups" with deep experience across dozens of industries.

Symbotic Growth

Helping a founder often leads to new perspectives for your own career.

Zero Solicitation

We have a strict "No Soliciting" rule. We focus on building relationships first; the business follows naturally.

Come As You Are

Come once a month or once a year. No long-term commitment is required to make a difference.

Accelerator Application Party!

January 14, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 PM

This interactive session is designed to provide live, constructive feedback on your application before the January 15 Accelerator Application deadline. Whether you have a quick question or want a second set of eyes on your full application, this space is for you!

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Innovate413 is designed for founders who are seriously exploring whether this is the venture they want to commit to. You don’t need a perfect product. You do need a real problem, a real customer, and the willingness to engage deeply. You might be a good fit if you are:

Building an early-stage startup (pre-revenue through early revenue)
Working on your venture full-time or actively deciding whether to make that leap
Looking for customers, partners, and early investor relationships, not just advice
Ready to spend focused time actually building your business with support

Who this Accelerator is for

What founders leave with

By the end of the accelerator, founders should have:

Clearer customer insight and direction
Stronger traction or validated next steps
A compelling, credible story
Meaningful relationships with partners and investors
Confidence about whether — and how — to go all in on their venture

For some, this means accelerating a company that’s ready to grow. For others, it means gaining the clarity needed to decide what’s next. Both outcomes are wins.

Applicant Requirements

Early Stage Focus

Your company has earned under $250K in revenue in the past 12 months AND has raised less than $250K in investment.

This helps ensure the program is working on the right problems, at the right stage.

In- Person Participation

A single member of your founding team must represent the company at all required in-person weekends in Northampton, MA.

February 6–8, 2026
March 6–8, 2026
April 10–12, 2026
May 1–3, 2026
June 12–14, 2026

Meaningful Time Commitment

The founder attending the weekends is committed to spending 15 or more hours per week working on the venture during the program.

If you’re unsure about fit, the informational webinar is a great place to ask questions and get clarity. And if you’re still uncertain, we’re happy to help you think it through before you apply.

Cohort & Support

Cohort size: ~6 teams

$10,000 distributed among standout teams at graduation

Mentors and peers chosen for traction, not titles

Zero equity. Zero fees. 100% focused on wins.

"The collaborative culture here was like nothing I’ve experienced anywhere else.”

- VVM Accelerator Alum

And when the program ends, you’re not on your own. Our mentors and alumni stay close — ready to help your next chapter unfold.