Press Release:
PHOENIX, AZ (July 8, 2021) — Seed Spot, a nonprofit incubator for mission-driven startups, is seeking applications for its Impact Accelerator program. In its ninth year, Seed Spot introduced a new format this year, taking the entire 6-week program virtually, leading with investor relations and mentorship. Designed to take a business to the next level of growth, the curriculum includes the development of personalized pitch presentations, financial projections, customer acquisition planning, organizational structure, sales processes, team development, and more — all coached by investors and partners themselves.
“COVID helped us put this program in sharper focus,” said Seed Spot’s CEO, Zach Leverenz. “In the wake of the pandemic, we recognize our collective opportunity and responsibility to ensure the economic recovery ahead creates a more just and equitable world. Historically, when the nation rebounds from an economic crisis, it’s new businesses that create virtually all job growth, including replacing lost jobs. Through customized training, expert mentorship, and direct access to networks of social and financial capital, our Impact Accelerator is the jet fuel underrepresented entrepreneurs need to succeed at this moment.”
Upon completion of the course, entrepreneurs will gain credible investment leads and have put their business plans to the test with direct coaching from financial experts, attorneys, startup specialists, and their peers. In the past 12 months, 53% of previous Impact Accelerator participants have raised capital up to $100k, and have collectively generated over $2 million dollars in revenue.
Impact Accelerator is open to any entrepreneur, from any location across the globe. Unlike other accelerator programs, Seed Spot does not retain any equity and is focused entirely on building a network of like-minded, social impact entrepreneurs with big ideas and the individuals that fund and support them. Successful applications address inequities with a high-impact solution, reaching many people that can be scaled and repeated.
There’s no application fee to apply and submissions are due by 11:59 pm ET on July 16, 2021. The application is straightforward and will take 8 minutes to complete. Finalists will be selected for in-depth interviews. For the 15 entrepreneurs that are selected into this prestigious cohort, the program fee is $1,999. All applicants receive free resources and personalized coaching, regardless of venture stage or fit.
To learn more and apply, visit https://seedspot.org/aug-2021-impact-accelerator/.
What recent alums of the program have to say:
Oscar Pedroso, CEO of Thimble, a STEM subscription and learning platform
“Seed Spot was so helpful during a time that wasn’t easy for me (aka the pandemic!). Not only was the program focused on social impact, it was also a program that helped me get connected to one of my most helpful mentors and who I’m still working with almost a year later after the program ended. For those founders that need a program geared toward the social sector and desire a solid network, Seed Spot is the perfect match.”
Dan Tyre, Phoenix-based entrepreneur and investor
“I have been a supporter and mentor for Seed Spot for more than 5 years. Socially responsible companies are critical to our future and it’s been exciting to see the range of great ideas, concepts, and industries that entrepreneurs are working to improve.”
Sherika Wynter, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Thomas and Wynter, a unique R&D firm
“I thought I had a good handle on Entrepreneurship having done it for a while. Then I went through the Seed Spot accelerator and quickly realized there was so much more that I had not even thought about. Seed Spot taught me a lot and helped me build strong connections with other businesses. 5 out of 5 stars.”
Mickey Wiles, CEO and Founder of Working Fields, a mission-driven staffing agency
“As an entrepreneur that brings a strong business background, I found Seed Spot to be the perfect experience to invigorate my personal drive to grow a social impact business. All the participants brought a level of enthusiasm that is completely contagious.”
Nicola Brown, CEO and Founder of KOKORO, an integrated health platform for the workplace
“Our team couldn’t have anticipated the trajectory KOKORO would take after we completed the Impact Accelerator program last year. Stepping away from details gave me perspective, a perspective I didn’t know I needed. Sure, we receive feedback from our own networks but true, impartial critical thinking from experts is what a business needs to succeed.”
About SEED SPOT: With a mission to educate, accelerate, and invest in the dreams of social entrepreneurs, SEED SPOT supports entrepreneurs in building products, services, and technologies that improve lives or communities. SEED SPOT has served 1848 entrepreneurs since 2012 who have raised $79.2M in capital, generated $161.8M in revenue, created 3,217 new jobs, and impacted the lives of 10.2M people. www.seedspot.org.
