Ready to go all in?

Accelerator reviews applications on a rolling basis.

All available 2024 cohort spots have been filled, and the next available cohort will be in 2025. We will share more details about the application process for our 2025 cohort in July 2024.

The stages of our application cycle are:

To access the Accelerator application all applicants must first complete REDF’s program interest form. You will be contacted by a member of our Outreach team if there are any questions.

You can also reach out directly to our team at connect@redf.org to learn more.

Upon confirmed eligibility after submitting interest form, interested applicants will receive access to the Accelerator application.

The following components can help an application stand out:

  • Business Model: The enterprise has a clear product or service they sell through a compelling business model, with a stable customer base; and the enterprise is in a strong position operationally and financially.
  • Employment Program: The enterprise provides training and wraparound supports (in addition to a job) to help employees move up.
  • Leadership: The leader has a thoughtful and realistic plan to grow the enterprise’s earned revenue and social impact and is excited about the potential to learn and grow in community with others.
  • Organizational Capacity: The leader has a team and foundation to rely upon to ensure they are fully present throughout our program.

After confirmation of your eligibility and application review, the Accelerator team will reach out (typically within two weeks) to set up an interview. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Our Application Toolkit, Webinar on Selection, and application rubric provide more tips on our process.

All qualified applicants will be invited to an interview (typically 30-40 minutes long) which centers on your long-term vision for your social enterprise. In preparation, give thought to what brings you to this work and where you hope your enterprise will be in three years; and be ready to explain how your business and employment models work in detail. All interview questions are outlined here. 

You will receive a decision on your application within two weeks of your interview.

If accepted into the Accelerator, you will be offered a placement into one of our upcoming cohorts.