Join us in welcoming the W21 cohort of female-led startup teams!
We are thrilled to announce the teams selected to participate in our W21 Advanced Entrepreneur Program!
Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic forced many women to leave the workforce at unprecedented rates, it has also exacerbated the pre-existing systemic oppressions preventing women from reaching their full potential in the workforce.
Our intention is to support female founders by creating a program that both pushes their businesses forward and makes space for conversations that address the reality of sexism in the startup community.
The selected startups will participate in our 8-week seed accelerator, where they validate their idea and develop the business foundation needed to grow a profitable and scalable business.
Meet the W21 Teams!
Doughjo is a food manufacturer serving the gluten-free eating community of Tucson by crafting fresh bread and baking mixes.
Founders: Sebastian McCallum, Kelly Jiang
Gaia Provides is a pet centric hemp-based health & wellness manufacturer, also carrying a boutique line of products for the human companion.
Founders: Jacklyne Volpe, Edward Enhelder, Dr. Kimberly Lincoln
Lorenzo Designs provides products and services designed to help people navigate public spaces, such as airports or hospitals, regardless of where they come from or what language they speak.
Founders: Danitza Lorenzo, Montana Lorenzo
Local Food Box is a monthly subscription food box with a rotating menu that supports multiple local businesses each month, creating additional revenue opportunities and helping support a regenerative economy in Tucson
Founders: Sara Patterson, Jesse Wayne
LoveEcho is a social enterprise helping parents raise healthy minded humans by providing tools and education.
Founders: Kara Lachapelle
New Thirst is a lifestyle space to help woman over 35 reduce drinking alcohol with yoga & meditation tools.
Founder: Stacey Auch
Radian is a curriculum design team creating engaging, multi-platformed approaches like comic books and animated series for teaching middle school science.
Founders: Colleen Kelley, Nina Trasoff, David Around
Williams Family Medical Supply Inc created The Simple Support, a simple ready to market medical device that will assist in end of life care by keeping the patients mouth closed once they have passed away.
Founders: Trevor Williams, Candace Williams, Nick Garcia, Lee Naylor
We couldn't be more thrilled to see the impressive lineup of female led teams who have decided to join FORGE in their entrepreneurial journey.