Why Founders Say Yes (or No) to Programs

Every program or event that you host contains an implied commitment — a statement to founders that their time and attention will be worth it. It might be about learning skills (“You’ll gain confidence delivering your pitch”), or gaining connections (“You’ll meet local investors"), or building community (“You’ll create a meaningful connection with peers ”).

And make no mistake — they have options. The founder who joins your accelerator, meetup, or workshop is also deciding what not to do: a sales call, a customer interview, a trip to the gym. Every hour with you is an hour they could spend elsewhere. The opportunity cost is real.

That’s why clarity about your program’s “why” matters so much. Founders aren’t choosing between your event and doing nothing — they’re choosing between your event and doing something else they believe might be more valuable.

So ask yourself: What commitment are you making to founders? What transformation, connection, or skill will they walk away with that makes the trade-off worthwhile? If you can’t confidently answer that question, then take a step back and define your intention. Determine if you’re making a promise that you can keep — a commitment that you can deliver.

When your program’s promise is clear, it becomes a signal of trust. Founders don’t just attend — they commit, engage, and tell others it was worth it.