Black Orlando Tech Tech Startup Accelerator Program

Participant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

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Background

The Tech Startup Accelerator is a program created and led by Black Orlando Tech (BOT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing technology entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Greater Orlando community.

To enhance the delivery of the Program, BOT has partnered with KoFound LLC, a for-profit company founded by Joel Francois and Jehue Francois that specializes in helping early-stage technology startups validate, grow, and scale.

As part of this partnership, KoFound leadership supports the Program’s facilitation, with Joel Francois serving as a Program Assistant and Jehue Francois serving as a Program Director for BOT.

Together, BOT and KoFound LLC work collaboratively to provide technology entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and business development support throughout the Program.

Please note: Participation in the Tech Startup Accelerator Program is solely through Black Orlando Tech and does not establish a business, employment, or consulting relationship between the participant and KoFound LLC. Upon conclusion of the Program, any additional mentorship, consulting, or business services must be arranged directly with KoFound LLC, independent of Black Orlando Tech.

Program Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to set clear expectations for participant engagement, attendance, and program responsibilities. Active and consistent participation is critical for the success of both the individual participant and the overall cohort.

Participant Commitments

As a participant in the Program, I agree to:

  • Attend all required sessions, workshops, and meetings, either in person or virtually, unless prior approval has been granted.

  • Actively engage in program activities, discussions, mentorship sessions, and assigned deliverables.

  • Communicate promptly with Program staff regarding any challenges that may impact my participation, attendance, or deliverables.

  • Demonstrate professionalism by respecting instructors, mentors, guest speakers, staff, and fellow participants.

    Attendance and Engagement Policy

  • Missing more than two sessions without prior notice or approval may result in withdrawal from the Program.

  • Lack of participation, including failure to complete assignments, attend sessions, or engage in activities, may also lead to withdrawal.

  • Participants who are withdrawn from the Program may forfeit access to BOT resources, mentorship, alumni opportunities, and future program consideration.

    Program Milestones & Reporting Expectations

During the Program:

  • Provide a brief recorded introduction video at the beginning of the program, sharing accelerator goals, the hoped-for outcomes from the program, what keeps you “up at night” and any past cohort experiences (this video may be used, with written permission, in BOT program materials or internal showcase sessions.)

  • JOIN THE CIRCLE COMMUNITY (sole point of communication outside of 1-on-1s) 

  • Submit all required deliverables (e.g., pitch deck, MVP documentation, business structure worksheets) by the deadlines shared during orientation.

  • Participate in key checkpoints, including the mid-program review and final program pitch.

At Program Completion:

  • Complete the final feedback survey.

  • Provide a recorded testimonial about my experience, which may be used with written permission in BOT reports, presentations, or promotional materials.

Post-Program (Within 6 Months):

  • Respond to follow-up requests related to my startup’s progress, including traction, revenue, team growth, or funding raised.

  • I understand that BOT may use aggregated and anonymized data to report program impact to funders, partners, or stakeholders.

  • Any additional business support beyond the program's conclusion must be pursued directly through KoFound LLC.

    Demographic & Business Data Collection

As part of BOT’s grant compliance and funding requirements, I understand that I will be asked to provide demographic and startup-related information during onboarding and when completing the program. This may include details such as:

  • Age and gender

  • Race/ethnicity

  • Geographic location, including ZIP code and county

  • Business stage and incorporation status

  • Business sector/industry and projected goals

This information will be used solely in aggregate form to evaluate program outcomes and report impact to funders and community stakeholders. My personal information will not be shared publicly without written consent. My personal information will never be shared publicly without my written consent. 

Acknowledgment

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the expectations and conditions outlined in this Memorandum of Understanding. I understand that my continued participation in the Program is dependent upon meeting the attendance, engagement, and communication requirements described above.

I also understand that any additional mentorship, consulting, or business services I seek after the program's conclusion must be arranged directly with KoFound LLC and will not be the responsibility of Black Orlando Tech.