I’ve been thinking a lot about my experience with boot camps and accelerated programs. I also interviewed some colleagues that have gone through these kinds of programs, and a huge common factor that I see is the post-program struggles.

In these programs, you gain access to resources, connections, and knowledge for a short period of 6 to 12 weeks. During the program, you are immersed in different groups and experiences that challenge your potential and expectations for yourself and others. You end up on a high from this experience…then you see the clock ticking and the program is coming to an end. Now it’s over.

You’re still excited and driven, but the program is now recruiting for their next cohort. Your colleagues have landed funding, jobs and have pre-existing networks to continue accelerating their businesses. But you, you my brown friend are dragged back into systematic oppression.

Think of it as winning the lottery for 6-12 weeks then being dropped back off in the hood. Yeah, sounds shitty right? Then the depression and anxiety follow.

You now have the knowledge and see what you could be, but now you’ve been brought back to reality and see why you can’t. Now you have to jump through flaming hoops to just explain to others why this matters and that it is possible for you to achieve. How can we change this? Transform this? 

How can we keep the momentum and support going after these amazing programs, to better support diverse and underestimated founders?