It is a landscape ripe with buzzwords and industry lingo, go deep into what each means, their model of support, what to expect, and how to tap into each at various stages of the entrepreneur journey. What does it take to get into an accelerator? What can you expect when you join an accelerator?

Hayden Blackburn has centered his career around social entrepreneurship and economic development. Most of us imagine a dream job; as Executive Director of TechFW and Director of Cowtown Angels, Hayden is in his. He is passionate about helping people realize their dreams and creating a positive impact in the world. Hayden coaches entrepreneurs commercializing innovative technologies, facilitates connections between entrepreneurs and angel investors, partners with universities to commercialize technologies, and is a leader in the development of an entrepreneurial culture and mindset across the DFW region. He has helped organized multiple community staples for entrepreneurs, including Startup Weekend and 1 Million Cups Fort Worth.