Comment by bdominy

YC does offer a free version of their program open to anyone called Startup School (https://www.startupschool.org) that can be a good way to gain validation and judge interest. Applying to YC seems to be best for idea staged founders with impressive resumes and people skills or startups that have already gained some traction. If you are in the "Trough of Sorrow" stage as Paul Graham described it, then I'm not sure where you really turn for help.