Kwame Terra, MPH

The HBCU Founders Accelerator is a customized 16-week intensive program, primarily conducted virtually. It commences with goal-setting discussions, the development of a work plan, and the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress. Throughout the program, each portfolio company is provided with dedicated executive-level support from paid advisors. With a cohort size of 8-10 startups, our accelerator seeks to create a collaborative environment to foster entrepreneurial success.

Cross Country and Middle Distance Coach for Xavier University of Louisiana XC & TF

Black Ambition’s So Ambitious Pre-Accelerator Program is an 8-week, cross-institutional program powered by ACT House that provides entrepreneurship education, leadership development and ecosystem connections for HBCU students and recent alumni to validate, refine and scale early-stage business ventures across technology, media and entertainment, healthcare, AI and/or consumer products and services.

Designed for Black and LatinX founders who are focused on solving big problems in Healthcare, Fintech, Digital Media, Climate Control and Sustainability Efforts in historically marginalized communities. We are ready to seed your growth. Founders whose companies expand beyond the listed sectors with a good business idea and sound marketing plan should also apply. Every accepted applicant will build their venture capitalists network, discover new ways to scale their business, and have a partner in growth beyond the program end-date. Hybrid participation options are available with an opportunity to secure up to 100K in equity investment post accelerator. Make the move to take your business from startup to Fortune500.

The mission of the Kirchner Fellowship is to strengthen impact investing ecosystems in areas underserved by capital markets through training and empowering a diverse next generation of investors to allocate equity investments into early-stage companies.

The HBCU Founders Initiative is partnering with 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities for a Fall and Spring Pre-Accelerator. The 8-week program targets early-stage founders who are past the ideation stage and ready to validate a problem and build an MVP. Topics will be presented in weekly virtual cohort sessions with on-campus activities also planned (at the 12 schools listed below). All participants will have access to office hours with advisors who will help them along their entrepreneurial journey. Participants will be eligible to receive non-dilutive program awards in support of MVP development.

In line with our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial growth, we are thrilled to announce Semifinalists will have the opportunity to participate in the Black Ambitionist Mentorship program, powered by Cinematica Labs. This transformative 3-month program will provide them with access to strategic relationships, tailored programming, and cutting-edge tools. By empowering these entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, we aim to accelerate their company growth, foster resilient networks, and prioritize their overall well-being. The cohort of aspiring Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs will receive invaluable guidance, support, and resources, ensuring that their ambitions are fueled and their paths to success are illuminated.

Volunteers of America (VOA), one of the nation's largest and most experienced nonprofit providers of housing, healthcare and supportive services, launched this first-of-its-kind Incubator to accelerate social enterprises that improve quality, equity, and access to care for Medicaid and at-risk populations. Sponsored by the Humana Foundation, the VOA Community Health Incubator powered by SEEP SPOT supports early-stage entrepreneurship that develops innovative products and services for equitable community health outcomes. Leveraging VOA’s vast portfolio of assets – 16,000 employees, 400 communities, 22,000+ units of affordable housing, 15+ senior healthcare facilities, 1.5 million people served annually, hundreds of programs and service models – this 12-week program will benefit founders through expertise and collaboration with the VOA network, business training, and tailored mentorship while tackling the most challenging community health disparities.

This program is designed to empower and support the next generation of early-stage founders in their startup journey. We understand the unique challenges that underrepresented founders may face, and we are committed to providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help you take your startup to the next level. Through this no-cost, immersive experience, founders will meet, learn from, and gain invaluable insights from industry leaders. This exclusive program, hosted at Harvard Innovation Labs, is designed to empower and support the next generation of underrepresented founders in their entrepreneurial journey. Each participating team will be awarded a grant, made possible by Schultz Family Foundation, to cover housing and travel expenses.