Small businesses we've supported
Small Business Program Categories
Connect
Meet + network
For business leaders who want like-minded people in their corner: community, relationships, and support.
A weekly gathering where small business owners connect over tacos, coffee, and founder stories—sparking inspiration, community, and meaningful relationships across Waco’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
See the calendar below for the next Meetup.
A quarterly problem-solving forum where entrepreneurs present challenges to a curated panel of Waco’s brightest experts—unlocking insights, solutions, and momentum through collective wisdom and real-time guidance.
See the calendar below for the next Community Brain.An application-based program matching entrepreneurs with experienced local leaders—pairing founders with trusted mentors who offer guidance, accountability, and real-world support to accelerate personal and business growth.
Start
Start a business
For early-stage entrepreneurs who have an idea and want clear next steps, guidance, and the confidence to get moving.
A three-day bootcamp where entrepreneurs transform ideas into minimum viable products through intensive training and mentorship, culminating in a pitch to judges with funding awarded to top concepts.
See calendar below for registration and the next Launchpad dates.
A semester-long high school program teaching juniors and seniors core startup skills—MVP building, branding, finance, and pitching—culminating in a judged pitch competition with scholarship funding.
See Calendar below for registration and dates.
A flexible workshop series offering practical, Entrepreneurship-101–style education—covering topics ranging from finance to branding and more through expert-led classes designed to strengthen every founder’s foundational knowledge.
See calendar below for registration and upcoming dates.
An application-based program giving entrepreneurs monthly access to donated legal, accounting, marketing, and professional services—connecting founders with top firms offering expertise at no cost.
Scale
Scale your business
For established owners ready to improve systems, increase efficiency, strengthen their foundation, and grow.
A three-month growth program helping established businesses overcome plateaus through an intensive kickoff, guided traction milestones, and a final pitch competition awarding capital to top-peforming founders.
See calendar below for registration and upcoming dates.
An annual, application-based pitch event where revenue-generating founders present to local investors—bridging Waco’s capital and deal flow by showcasing high-potential businesses seeking funding.
A flexible workshop series offering practical, Entrepreneurship-101–style education—covering topics ranging from finance to branding and more through expert-led classes designed to strengthen every founder’s foundational knowledge.
See the calendar below for registration and upcoming dates.
An application-based program giving entrepreneurs monthly access to donated legal, accounting, marketing, and professional services—connecting founders with top firms offering expertise at no cost.
Small Business Programs + Capital + Community
Small Business Calendar
Connect
Program events for community + networking
Start
Program events for people who want to start a business
Scale
Program events for established businesses ready to scale
Waco Small Businesses We've Supported
Carrying everything alone
Most days it feels like if you stopped, the whole operation would fall apart.
No time to learn AI or new tech
You know modernization would help… you just don’t have a spare second to figure it out and aren’t sure where to start.
Capital roadblocks
You need money to grow, but everything feels gated, confusing, or just out of reach.
Overwhelming admin + finances
You’re great at your craft, but taxes, cash flow, and paperwork are eating you alive.
Unclear next steps
You want to grow (or steady the ship or step back/exit), but you don’t know how to get your business ready.
Fuel founders. grow waco.
We've got your back with:
Like-minded community
People who get you, support you, and help you move forward. No more building alone.
Tech and systems support
Practical, non-overwhelming help to modernize tools, adopt AI, and streamline your business.
Waco resource navigation
We point you to the right programs, mentors, workshops, or partners so you get answers fast.
Capital access
Fair, affordable funding through 0% interest Kiva loans and local lenders who understand small business.
Practical skills development
Clear, personalized and confidential guidance for your business’ launch, growth, or succession.
Coaching for any stage
We’ll connect you with a coach who can provide clear, confidential guidance for your journey.
Hear from the Small Business leaders we support.
Roll the tape →
Startup Waco is Waco's entrepreneurial community, gathered. Whether you're looking for other people who get it, stories of triumphs and failures, or business advice, this is the place to be.
Alex Sanchez
Be Kind Coffee
Owner & Cofounder
Step 01
Book a 15-minute Interest Call
Tell us what you’re building and the next big leap you’re aiming for.
Step 02
Get matched to the right support
We’ll direct you to the programs, and support that fit your needs.
Step 03
Build with momentum
Level up by getting connected to the people, resources you’ve been looking for.
Small Business Programs + Capital + Community
Frequently asked questions
