The A Pledge is now part of the Goodie Nation family. This powerful new program is designed to propel agency startups toward sustainable growth, stronger leadership, and scalable impact.
TAP Forward is a three-month, hybrid accelerator program designed specifically for early-stage and growing agency startups. Whether you run a marketing firm, digital studio, analytics consultancy, branding shop, or software development agency—this program is built to help you break through growth plateaus and lead with confidence.
These founders represent some of the top early-stage agency startups in Atlanta, but they need your help.
Here’s How You Can Help Them Today
Scroll down the list of founders below to find the one(s) you might be able to assist. Click on their card for more information, and then click on their LinkedIn profile link to start the process of getting in contact with them. Note: Please no service providers. You can register here as an expert.
The TAP Forward Accelerator is guided by an advisory board composed of seasoned agency owners and operators who bring deep expertise across marketing, digital, analytics, design, and consulting services. Their insights help shape the program curriculum and provide founders with real-world guidance on scaling successful agency businesses.
We can’t produce innovative programs without your help! Please consider making a contribution today.
The program is designed for founders who lead early-stage or growing agency businesses, including marketing, branding, digital, analytics, design, software development, and consulting firms.
We’re looking for agency startups that have early traction—typically with consistent revenue, a growing client base, and a desire to scale operations and leadership capacity. You should be past the idea stage and already serving clients.
No, there is no cost to participate in the TAP Forward Accelerator. Fundamentally, we don’t believe in charging founders for support. We only ask that you “pay” with your time and effort.
It is fully funded through Goodie Nation and its partners to support the growth of agency startups led by diverse founders.
Nope.
Great question. Its designed to not pull you away from building your company. Expect about 2-3 hours a week at maximum, and more if you’d like more assistance. Main thing is keeping in contact with your Performance Partner as well as the people we put you in touch with.
Yes. Goodie Nation’s network of partners, sponsors, and alumni often leads to business development opportunities and strategic connections for participating founders.
Nope, but we do provide a ton of free resources and direction to funding opportunities.
Absolutely. Solo founders are encouraged to apply, especially if they are looking to grow their team, increase capacity, and build systems for scale.
For the amount of human and social capital we invest, we’re looking for founders that have committed to their companies full-time.
The TAP Forward Accelerator features a hybrid format, combining virtual programming with select in-person events. Most workshops and coaching sessions are held online for accessibility, while key gatherings—such as the kickoff, networking mixers, or the closing showcase—are hosted in-person to foster deeper connections.
For 2025, we are focused on agencies with, at least, one co-founder living in Metro Atlanta.
The program is supported by an advisory board of successful agency owners and operators who offer mentorship, guidance, and curated content based on real-world experience.
Our application process includes a company application as well as video interviews for those that make it past an initial vetting process.
You can apply directly on the TAP Forward Accelerator website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline listed on the application page.
Partnering with TAP Forward aligns your brand with inclusive economic development, entrepreneurial innovation, and leadership advancement. You’ll gain visibility among a network of rising agency founders, contribute to meaningful business growth, and demonstrate your commitment to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs.
In a few different ways. The biggest opportunity is partnering with a company for a pilot. Also, you could serve as industry expert coaches. And you can always be a sponsor!
Opportunities include financial sponsorship, in-kind support (such as software or services), event hosting, speaker contributions, and custom activations tied to specific program milestones like the kickoff, workshops, or demo day.
Great question! Thanks for asking:) To really reach this program’s potential, we’re looking for financial, venue, and food/beverage sponsors.
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