Welcome! Founder’s Hat is a five-session program designed exclusively for startup founders. This peer-driven forum brings together entrepreneurs who are actively building businesses and founders who have already navigated the challenges of startup growth. Participants will connect, exchange ideas, share experiences, and gain practical insights to help move their ventures forward. Sessions for Founder's hat will be held in person at Ascender, located in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood. Apply by August 16th, 2026!

This year's sessions are facilitated by Ascender alumni — including Liana Maneese, Kyle Guinness, Alex De Marco, Donald Robinson, Charlotte Kalafut, and John Kalafut — founders who've been in the trenches and are uniquely positioned to lead.

Ascender Founder's Hat welcomes most types of founders and startups. While we don't discourage any founder from applying, please note that our program is designed for for-profit ventures and is not suited to address the specialized needs of food service businesses or nonprofit organizations. There will be a $300 non-refundable program fee to join Founder’s Hat, which allows you to become a member of the Ascender community from September to December.

Click here to learn more about eligibility, application tips, and more. 

Founder's Hat 2026 Schedule

Tuesday, 9/22 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM - The Founder Hat
Tuesday, 10/6 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM - The Team Leader Hat
Tuesday, 10/20 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM - The Sales & Branding Hat
Tuesday, 11/3 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM - The Fundraiser Hat
Tuesday, 11/17 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM - The Wellness Hat

The application deadline is August 16th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

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