Mentorship / Incubator / Accelerator

Circular Innovation Fund Acceleration Fund

The Circular Innovation Fund Acceleration Program aims to nurture selected pre-seed and seed-stage companies within the circular economy to bolster investment in an underserved sector, de-risk future CIF investments, and support the build-out of a broader collaborative ecosystem of circular companies at all stages of commercialization.

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Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship program funds recent graduates and energy professionals to support critical energy organizations to advance clean energy solutions that will help decarbonize the power system, electrify transportation and industry, and make the U.S. power system more resilient, equitable and inclusive. The program recruits candidates from diverse backgrounds to spend up to two years at eligible host institutions.

Prospective Host Institutions should apply to be considered for the program by April 27, 2023. Applications for Innovator Fellows open on May 22 and are due by June 8.

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Green Power Ventures

Underestimated and overlooked communities are the hardest hit economically and environmentally by climate change. GPV seeks to accelerate climate resiliency in these communities. Our mission:

  • Provide derisked long-term cash flows
  • Reduce green house gases and facility management costs, and
  • Grow jobs and economic development in disadvantaged communities
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Techstars – 3-month Accelerators

Each year, we choose over 500 early-stage companies to join one of our 3-month, mentorship-driven accelerators, investing $120K and providing hands-on mentorship and access to the Techstars network for life. Techstar Accelerator locations include cities around the U.S. as well as a number of international locations. Once you’re selected for an accelerator, you’ll be part of the Techstars community for life. Expand your business and expand your network with access to a talented group of founders, investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

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One Million Black Women: Black in Business (Goldman Sachs)

Key Facts:

  • Free 10-week business education program focused on Black women sole proprietors
  • $2,000 program stipend
  • All-expense paid trips to Goldman Sachs in NYC
  • Access to a powerful network of Black women entrepreneurs and strategic advisors

Participants will:

  • Learn how to scale a profitable business, effectively price products/services,
  • manage business finances, create loyal customers and hire for growth and more
  • Develop, present, and receive feedback on a business action plan
  • Attend in-person orientation and graduation sessions
  • Attend online classes with built-in flexibility for their schedule
  • Meet with advisors, mentors, and other business leaders
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Black & Veatch – IgniteX Program

IgniteX is a DOE EPIC Prize-recognized 12-week primarily virtual program designed to empower start-ups offering scalable solutions for critical human infrastructure. Program participants partner with Black & Veatch experts to co-develop, pilot, and market their new technology. Participants receive mentorship, access to our vast industry network, product testing opportunities, pitch development coaching, investor introductions, and potential funding up to $50,000.

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Rice Alliance: Clean Energy Accelerator

We help startups from around the world developing clean energy solutions achieve technical and commercial milestones that accelerate development, establish market adoption, and expand their reach by:

  • Growing your business and sparking investment opportunities
  • Expanding your network (Access to mentors, resources, investors, talent, potential customers, industry leaders, potential pilots, field trials, demonstration projects, and technical and commercial expertise)
  • Building or refining your brand
  • Perfecting your pitch
  • Receiving a non-dilutive company stipend
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Ideation Discovery Bootcamp (IDB) – Texas

IDB is a virtual nine-week course designed to spark and develop science and technology innovations towards the next stage of development. Graduation will be in-person at a San Antonio venue. Participation may qualify you for America’s Seed Fund federal funding program for research and development for small business innovations. To be eligible, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies must be located in Texas. Participants must also be able to purchase the required workbook, which is estimated to cost $100. We strongly encourage women and minorities to apply, including those in rural and socio-economically disadvantaged zones. The Bootcamp is offered at no cost to participants and typically costs hundreds of dollars. Spots are limited, so apply early! The application deadline is April 23, 2023. The application should take 10-15 minutes to complete and can be saved and returned to on the same device.
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E-Team Program – VentureWell

The E-Team Program, part of the VentureWell Accelerator, supports student ventures as you embark down the path you’re likely to take as an innovator and entrepreneur. We help you advance your invention through a powerful mix of up to $25,000 in grant funding, entrepreneurship training, mentorship by dedicated staff, national recognition, and networking with peers and industry experts.

Do you have an idea that can change the world? Every year, we award over $800,000 in non-dilutive E-Team grants to early-stage innovator teams that develop scalable innovations which aim to solve a large social, health, or environmental challenge.

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ASPIRE – VentureWell

ASPIRE is a five-week intensive program that prepares startups for the investments and partnerships necessary to launch their venture.  Mentors-in-residence work one-on-one with startups to simulate due diligence conversations and integrate feedback into deal room materials in real-time.

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Elemental Excelerator – Cohort 12

Are you an entrepreneur looking to scale a transformative climate technology? Are you invested in scaling a solution that brings both climate and social impact? Elemental Excelerator is a leading nonprofit investor focused on scaling climate solutions and social impact for all communities. Elemental provides an initial investment, usually in the form of SAFEs or convertible notes, to help complete specific milestones tied to the program. The priority application deadline is April 14 and applications will be accepted through May 31, 2023.

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Launch Tennessee

LaunchTN is a public-private partnership with a vision to make Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the nation. We empower Network Partners and other stakeholders by making resources accessible in order to activate sustainable economic growth in Tennessee. Our aim is to stimulate the statewide economy by facilitating capital formation, market building and nurturing Tennessee’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

LaunchTN is joining the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) as applicants to the reauthorized State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Program. There will be $70 million administered by LaunchTN for equity investments through InvestTN (formerly referenced as the BuildTN Fund).

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