Who is ScaleUp For
There is an important distinction between Growth vs. Scale. Traditional growth means you are increasing revenue at the same rate that you’re adding resources. In other words, your costs are keeping pace with your revenue. Scale, on the other hand, is the ability to increase revenue at a much greater rate than the resources and costs involved. Growth is linear while Scale is exponential. Scale happens with the investment of time, money and energy in repeatable and predictable processes.
Mountain BizWorks’ ScaleUp program is designed for existing companies that have been in business for around two years, are growing fast and have a proven product/service that a growing market of customers want. If you are a founder who is focused and prepared to exponentially scale your business, then ScaleUp is for you!
Mountain BizWorks and our partners are excited to support the 14th ScaleUp WNC cohort.
ScaleUp 2026 Program Dates
The ScaleUp program includes a kick-off event, eight core concept sessions, 10 hours of one-on-one technical assistance and mentoring to support the implementation of your strategic growth plan, and $1,000 per business to support that plan.
ScaleUp is open to applicants from anywhere across WNC. The dates for Cohort 14 are below. All sessions will be held in person. Program participants are expected to attend all of the sessions for their cohort.
The application deadline is Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Application responses will be sent out Thursday, February 19.
Friday, March 13 – Session 1 (9:30am-3:30pm)
Thursday, March 19 – Kickoff Event (6pm-8:30pm)
Friday, March 20 – Session 2 (9:30am-3:30pm)
Thursday, April 2 – Session 3 (9:30am-3:30pm)
Friday, April 17 – Session 4 (9:30am-3:30pm)
Friday, May 1 – Session 5 (9:30am-3:30pm)
4-Week Solo Journey
Friday, June 5 – Session 6 (9:30am-3:30pm)
Friday, June 12 – Session 7 (9:30am-3:30pm)
Friday, June 26 – Session 8 (9:30am-3:30pm)
All applicants are asked to hold the above session dates and times on their calendars and, if accepted, are expected to commit to the entire duration of the program.
Questions?
Please contact Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith with any questions at gwynne@mountainbizworks.org. Additional program information can be found on the main ScaleUp WNC page
