ACCEL is for you.

BIPOC entrepreneurs: your climatetech solutions can change the world. Expand your impact with ACCEL. 

About ACCEL

ACCEL is here to bolster you as you develop critical climatetech solutions by offering access to funding, networking connections, resources, and opportunities that structural inequities put out of reach. We embrace intersectionality and look forward to you bringing your full self to the program.

This year-long program combines acceleration with a curated curriculum, incubation through Greentown Labs membership, and extensive mentorship from Greentown and Browning the Green Space (BGS)’s networks of industry experts. Greentown and BGS know the climatetech industry must change the status quo to equitably position you to lead startups that will address climate change, support the development of diverse workforces, and fiercely advocate for the deployment of clean technologies in historically underserved communities.

Solving the climate crisis presents an incredible economic opportunity where we can create an equitable, inclusive clean energy transition for generations to come. Let’s work together to make that vision a reality.

How ACCEL Can Benefit You

• Receive up to $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding to support your startup’s development
• Participate in trainings led by Curriculum + Resources Partner VentureWell, including its Ascend and Aspire programs, covering customer discovery, pitch decks, financial models, and fundraising
• Engage in additional workshops spanning product development, market strategy, capital raising, legal guidance, and team building
• Gain valuable mentorship from experienced industry experts
• Experience fundraising and investment support, including pitch-deck development and investor introductions
• Receive desk space and membership within Greentown for the duration of the program, which grants access to $1M+ of in-kind resources, including software and legal support; 75+ corporate partners; community resources; and more
• Receive BGS membership to unlock opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with practitioners in the clean-energy sector on a just energy transition for Black and Brown communities
• Present to investors and industry leaders at public kickoff and showcase events
• Experience enhanced visibility through ACCEL marketing

Scope

For Year 3 of the ACCEL program, we’re seeking applications from innovative startups at TRL 2-4 with founding and executive teams that are primarily made up of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders who are developing climate solutions for the agriculture, buildings, electricity, manufacturing, resiliency + adaptation, and transportation sectors.