Become an Accelerator Fellow
Are you an entrepreneur with a bold idea to improve education, income or health in North Texas?
Are you seeking support to get your social venture off the ground, or transform your big ideas into reality?
Learn more about the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator and how to apply for our next cohort.
Fueling Nationwide Expansion
When AES Literacy won Social Innovator of the Year in 2022, the nonprofit was serving around 20 adult learners each year. Today, the organization has more than tripled its impact, and founders ShaKimberly and Jermaine Cooper are launching creative programs to positively impact thousands of people—not just in North Texas but across the country.
Program Benefits
Participating in the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator provides you with the resources, connections and funding to strengthen your organization and scale your impact.
Mentorship
Professional guidance and personalized mentoring from local business and philanthropy experts empowers you to refine your business plans and create a roadmap for growth.
Credibility and Credentials
Affiliating your organization with United Way is a “stamp of approval” that lends credibility to your organization and offers credentials that open doors for additional partnerships, funding and more.
Network
Gaining access to the United Way network fosters powerful business, civic and community connections both during the program and long after. You’ll also become part of our thriving Social Innovation Lab alumni network.
Seed Funding
The Accelerator provides vital funding to resource your work—and high-performing fellows get the opportunity to receive significant additional funding at The Pitch, the program’s culminating event.
Increased Visibility
Our fellows benefit from media coverage, participation in community-wide events and digital community engagement.
United Way Support
Our staff works directly with you to establish short- and long-term goals, providing accountability and creating forward momentum for your organization.
Cafe Momentum exists because United Way believed in us when no one else did.
“Our organization was truly birthed through the support of United Way. Having United Way show their support and commitment to our program created a ripple of validation that allowed us to build the foundation for the program we have today. I can never say it enough times: Cafe Momentum exists because United Way believed in us when no one else did.”
Doubling Their Impact in Two Years
Cheri Garcia, founder of Cornbread Hustle —the 2020 Social Innovator of the Year—says the organization has both expanded and deepened its impact since going through the Accelerator. Garcia and her team have launched new initiatives and formed strategic partnerships, enabling them to more than double the number of individuals they serve in just two years.