Accelerator
A structured, mentor-driven program for operating veteran-owned businesses with a minimum viable product (MVP) or customers. It helps strengthen strategy, expand networks, access investors, and accelerate revenue growth.
Overview
The 2026 Accelerator Program will host five Cohorts. Each Cohort includes four days in person at the following locations plus six weeks of mentorship.
Ideal Accelerator Candidates
We’re looking for early-stage companies that:
- Have validated or launched their product/service
- Are positioned for scalable, high-growth expansion
- Have the potential to grow into regional or national brands
- Have founders who are actively working on the business full-time or as close to full-time as their circumstances allow
We select companies with the mindset, model, and momentum to grow beyond their local market and scale into wider regional or national reach.
- 8–10 companies per cohort
- Designed for founders building companies with national or enterprise-level growth potential
- 4 days in person + 6 weeks of mentorship
- May be eligible to participate in our exclusive year-end pitch competition
- Accepts companies from anywhere in the United States
- No cost to participate
- Travel fully covered: flights, hotels, and meals
- Zero equity taken
FAQ
The Accelerator includes a four-day, in-person seminar focused on strategy, leadership, and growth fundamentals. This intensive program is tailored to the cohort and aims to address the challenges the founders are facing. This is followed by six weeks of mentorship, and the chance to compete in our annual Pitch Competition for non-dilutive funding. Five cohorts run each year, with participants joining a lifelong alumni network.
We prioritize Veteran or military spouse led businesses that have an existing Minimum Viable Product (MVP); the ability and readiness to scale; demonstrate strong leadership and coachability.
No, for the Accelerator program, we accept companies from across the U.S. and cover their travel costs to attend.
We do not take any equity in the companies accepted into the program. Our goal is to position companies to grow and scale their businesses while protecting their equity.
You may only participate in one program per year, but many founders may start with the Incubator and later advance to the Accelerator as their business grows.
Apply for the program that you feel best suits your business at its current stage. As we review applications, if we believe you would be a better fit for another program, we will reach out and let you know.