Welcome
The BTS LaunchPad Accelerator is a global-stage initiative designed to elevate Black travel entrepreneurs through structured programming, deep mentorship, and strategic exposure.
Built with equity and global mobility in mind, this pilot program helps founders grow from idea to impact—or raise their first round of capital.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED: August 7th 11:59pm EST
What to Expect
Duration
September 1 -
October 11th, 2025.
Format
- High-impact 6-week program
- Virtual sessions
- Final in-person pitch competition
Inclusions
- Weekly virtual workshops and sessions - Dedicated mentorship - Resource hub
2 Pathways
Tracks dedicated to your current development state
Eligibility
Global application open to travel-related entrepreneurs worldwide
For Finalists
- Final pitch competition showcase at BTS (travel required)
- Competing for pitch prizes
- Additional sponsored opportunities
Pathways
Two tailored tracks designed for where you are in your journey
Foundations Pathway
For new or early-stage founders still shaping their business fundamentals.
Focus: Brand clarity, early operations, financial basics, and customer discovery.
Growth Pathway
For active founders preparing to raise capital or scale operations.
Focus: Investor readiness, growth strategies, team leadership, and expansion.
Participant Requirements
- To attend and engage in all virtual sessions
- To participate in the final pitch competition (if selected)
- To allow use of brand/logo/media for promotion
- To complete the full application by the deadline
- To acknowledge that all participants are expected to cover any associated costs for their travel and accommodation to, if attending
- That Practitioner/Traveler Weekend passes will only be granted to the finalists.
2025 TIMELINE
Applications Open
03 July 2025Application Deadline
7 August 2025Cohort Announced
14 August 2025Program Starts
01 September 2025
Program Ends
11 October 2025Pitch Competition
16 November 2025Applications Open
03 July 2025Application Deadline
7 August 2025Cohort Announced
14 August 2025Program Starts
01 September 2025Program Ends
11 October 2025Pitch Competition
16 November 2025The application takes about 20-30 minutes. Please respond thoughtfully.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a high-impact 6-week program supporting travel entrepreneurs at different stages. We offer resources, mentorship, and access to a global network to help you grow your business — whether you're just starting out or ready to start raising capital.
We welcome applications from travel founders around the world. You can apply solo or with a small team, whether you're building your first idea or scaling your business.
We have two tracks:
- Tier 1: Foundations – for those starting out
- Tier 2: Growth – for those preparing to fundraise or scale
You’ll select your track when you apply.
Yes, 100%! This program was created with you in mind. Many of our applicants are new to the founder world. We'll support you with resources, mentorship, and clear guidance each step of the way.
Set aside about 20–30 minutes. You’ll answer questions about your personal profile, your business, your goals, and your growth plans.
We recommend drafting longer responses in a separate doc first.
No — the program is virtual and open to founders globally. However, we do require that you’re available for live online sessions and the in-person pitch competition if selected.
That’s okay! Use the explanations below to guide you. We’re looking for clarity, ambition, and founders ready to commit and grow within the program.
There is no fee to apply or participate in the accelerator. If selected for the final in-person pitch competition, a Practitioner Weekend Pass will be granted to finalists. Only 6 of the 10 in the accelerator cohort will go on to pitch, however, we encourage anyone who wants to observe the pitch competition to attend.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS (ALL APPLICANTS)
You’ll share your business name, vision, traction (if any), and goals. There are no trick questions — just honest prompts to help us get to know you.
It’s the reason customers choose your business over others. Think: What makes your brand or offer different, special, or memorable? Keep it to 1–2 sentences.
KPIs = Key Performance Indicators. These are numbers that show how your business is doing (like revenue, user growth, retention, etc.).
If you're early-stage, just share what you're tracking or want to track — we’re not expecting investor-ready data.
This means you’ve tested your idea with real people — maybe through surveys, interviews, sample sales, or pre-orders. You don’t need 1,000 customers to prove you’re serious — we want to know if you’ve tested your assumptions.
A media kit is a 1–2 page overview of your brand (your story, logo, photos, audience). A pitch deck is a presentation (PDF or link) explaining your business idea and how you’ll grow.
If you don’t have either, don’t worry — it’s optional, and you’ll learn how to create them in the program.
You’ll still be added to our ecosystem for future programs, events, and learning opportunities. We want to grow with you, even if it’s not quit time yet.
FOUNDATION PATHWAY
Yes. Pathway 1 is built specifically for new entrepreneurs like you—whether you're still shaping your idea or just getting your first customers.
Although these elements make for a stronger case, we’re mainly focused on your potential, not just your polish. Share your mission, your passion, and what you've done so far. Show us how you have already brought your vision to lift— that’s what we care about.
Yes, 100%! This program was created with you in mind. Many of our applicants are new to the founder world. We'll support you with resources, mentorship, and clear guidance each step of the way.
Share with us your how you got your first batch of clients or followers, how you successfully launched a small pop-up activation, how you surveyed 20 potential customers to refine your product development research, or how you built a functioning prototype.
We will share foundational founder readiness including business basics, branding, marketing, customer discovery, and financial literacy.
We care more about your potential than your polish for our Foundations Pathway. Be honest, share your vision, and tell us where you're stuck — that helps us support you better.
GROWTH PATHWAY
No. You just need to be ready to learn about funding, build a strategy, and start positioning your business to grow.
Yes. Tier 2 is designed for founders who are ready to scale, raise investment, or formalize their business structure and growth plans.
Yes. We welcome applicants at various funding stages. You’ll be asked about your past and current fundraising activity in the application.
It’s not required, but strongly encouraged for Tier 2. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry — you’ll get support to build one during the program.
Showcase measurable success under each of these categories to highlight where your business is gaining momentum and how you're positioning for the next stage.
- (1) Customer & User Growth,
(2) Marketing & Reach,
(3) Partnerships & Sales,
(4) Operational & Product Monthly
That’s okay! Use the explanations below to guide you. We’re looking for clarity, ambition, and founders ready to commit and grow within the program.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
For anything else, reach out directly to both:
Our 2024 Pitch Competition Winners
- 1St Place
Jen Fry
Coordle
- 2nd Place
Orion Brown
Black Travel Box
- 3rd Place
Hans Marshalleck
bndwgn.co
