BLOOMFIELD, N.J. - TelAve -- Anna D. Banks, Founder of Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc., has been selected as one of just 30 participants in the TechWave Business Accelerator, a highly competitive, technology-focused accelerator program launching in January 2026.

TechWave is operated by the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at William Paterson University and is designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners building scalable, tech-enabled companies. The four-week, eight-session program blends structured instruction, applied exercises, and expert mentorship through a hybrid virtual and in-person format.

The accelerator is supported by key ecosystem partners including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Predictif Solutions, with a culminating in-person pitch competition offering participants the opportunity to compete for up to $50,000 in AWS professional services.

Banks was selected based on the strength, scalability, and technology-forward nature of her work, which focuses on workforce AI literacy, leadership development, and practical AI adoption for organizations and institutions. Through Thrive Leadership Institute, she helps leaders, educators, and workforce systems build confidence, clarity, and capability in the age of intelligent work.

More on TelAve News

• Beycome Closes $2.5M Seed Round Led by InsurTech Fund
• Tru by Hilton Columbia South Opens to Guests
• Christy Sports donates $56K in new gear to SOS Outreach to help kids hit the slopes
• "BigPirate" Sets Sail: A New Narrative-Driven Social Casino Adventure
• Phinge CEO Ranked #1 Globally by Crunchbase for the Last Week, Will Be in Las Vegas Jan. 4-9, the Week of CES to Discuss Netverse & IPO Coming in 2026

"TechWave is designed for founders who are ready to move beyond ideas and into infrastructure," said Banks. "This program aligns with how I approach growth—deliberately, responsibly, and with systems that support real-world adoption."

Participation in TechWave also provides access to the broader NJSBDC advisory network, offering continued consulting, capital-readiness support, and growth resources beyond the accelerator period.

The January 2026 cohort marks a significant milestone in Banks' ongoing mission to expand access to practical, human-centered AI literacy and workforce readiness solutions across New Jersey and beyond.

Media Contact:
Anna D. Banks
Founder, Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc.
Website:  https://thriveleadershipinstituteinc.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadbanks/