Incoming: A mega-list of opportunities to kickstart your business this year. Whether you're searching for the seed money to launch your venture or seeking mentors whose relationships will last a lifetime, these accelerators for small business owners are for you.
Ongoing accelerator and grant opportunities
The Amber Grant for Women
Deadline: Monthly deadlines
This award honors Amber Wigdahl, who died at 19 years old before pursuing her business dreams. WomensNet gives away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money, as well as offering a host of other grant opportunities.
Black Founder Startup Grant
Deadline: Rolling applications
Black women entrepreneurs receive less than 0.5% of venture capital funding—but this grant is trying to change that. SoGal Foundation teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, Twilio, and Walmart.org’s Center for Racial Equity to provide $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. They will also receive lifetime access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams—and all they have to offer.
Spring accelerator and grant opportunities
Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change for North America and Europe
Deadline: January 19, 2023
This 10-week accelerator program for North America-based Seed to Series A tech startups. This digital opportunity connects you to the best minds at Google to take your climate change-focused business to the next level. "In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the accelerator will focus on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders," according to the site.
FedEx® Small Business Grant Contest
Deadline: Opening January 31, 2023
This content awards "unique and innovative small businesses" with $30K to help you get your idea off the ground. Check out last year's winners here.
Female Founders Startup Accelerator
Deadline: January 24, 2022
This startup accelerator is all about helping women business owners get investment-ready. This accelerator has raised over $3 million for its portfolio company. Expect deep-dive sessions with industry experts and plenty of mentorships in this experience.
MassChallenges U.S. Early Stage
Deadline: March 3, 2023
This mentor-based program opens annually and lasts four months in total. This accelerator also offers an optional residency in a market of your choosing and allows you to choose an "industry track," including safety and security, health tech, social impact, and more.
Female Founder Initiative
Deadline: March 27, 2023
"The Founder Institute helps you get traction and funding with a support network of startup experts that are invested in your success and through a structured business-building process that has helped alumni raise over $1.75BN," reads the description of this incredible opp.
Apply now
Know of other incredible accelerator programs for women and femme entrepreneurs? Email us at editorial@createcultivate.com.