The Social Innovation Accelerator Program
Program Details
Up to ten organizations are invited each year to become Fellows of the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator. The class is comprised of three components:
Intensive expert instruction to help refine business plans and set milestone goals.
One-on-one mentoring and coaching with a SIA mentor offers connections and resources through the United Way Network.
5 of the 10 Fellows are selected to participate and receive social media training and strategy support by Accenture, the opportunity to work with YPO coaches and network with YPO members, increased visibility and a chance for additional seed funding.
Benefits of Participation
Mentorship
Our experienced mentors are paired with Fellows based on expertise and need. Mentoring can range from providing an overall sounding board to strategic problem solving in specific areas.
Peer Learning
SIA Fellows navigate the Accelerator as a group and benefit by learning and sharing with each other. An important component of the program is building a camaraderie with a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who serve as support and a valuable resource.
Seed Funding
Fellows can earn seed funding by successfully completing program elements.
Increased Visibility
The social capital of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas helps to increase visibility of SIA Fellows through media coverage, participation in community-wide events and digital community engagement.
Organizational Capacity Assessment Grid (OCAG)
The OCAG is designed to help measure the overall capacity of your organization and your organizational growth throughout the Social Innovation Accelerator.
United Way Staff
After an initial assessment of your organization, we work with you to establish short and long-term goals that we work to achieve during the short five-month program. Staff provides accountability and creates forward momentum for our Fellows.