NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort 2027

NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort by NXTUS is a program for early-stage entrepreneurs with product in market and some revenue. It offers everything entrepreneurs need in order to dial in on product-market fit, boost customer acquisition, identify scalable solutions, and accelerate revenue, without costing you money or any of your ownership. No equity in your business is taken; the program is made possible by local and national grant funding. Applications for the January 2027 cohort open November 16, 2026 and close December 15, 2026.

Key Benefits

• Identify data-driven risk points for your business, using the risk assessment tool The Fluency Score
• Weekly 1:1 coaching and support to test and validate business model assumptions
• A proven, customized program using Lean startup, design thinking, and agile with targeted, stage-specific support (FLEX, a Lean experiment acceleration program)
• Connections with your local founder chapter, mentors and additional community resources appropriate to your company's stage
• Bi-weekly workshops alongside your cohort
• A post-program Fluency Score to see your return on time invested
• An opportunity to pass through the NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series, and post-program alumni connections and resources

Eligibility

• Early-stage entrepreneurs with product in market, a customer base and/or any level of revenue who are looking to scale beyond their founder
• No industry or sector focus: each founder's track is customized to the company's stage and sticking points
• At least one founder, co-founder, or lead decision maker from the team must attend all coaching sessions (two people on the team can take part)

Program Structure

• November 16 - December 15, 2026: applications open
• December 18, 2026: cohort selected
• January 7, 2027: virtual orientation
• Week of January 11, 2027: kickoff workshop and 1:1 coaching sessions begin
• In-person workshops every other Wednesday from 9:30-11:30
• February 24, 2027: program graduation
• Time commitment: 4-6 hours per week
• No investment is given to founders by NXTUS or its curriculum providers; no cost and no equity