2026 EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™
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The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator is designed for founders who are building health-focused businesses and navigating complex systems where progress depends on real adoption. This program goes beyond polishing pitches. It helps innovators better understand how decisions are made, where barriers show up, and how meaningful change takes root.
Support for the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator is provided by MATTER. This eight-week program offers:
- Nondiluted funding to help move your work forward
- Expert mentorship and practical training
- Real-world validation to strengthen your approach
- Narrative intelligence support to help you communicate your impact clearly and authentically
Program Timeline
- March 3 – Applications open
- April 27 – Applications close
- June 1 – Applicants notified
- June 15–19 – Cohort onboarding and orientation
- June 22–Aug. 14 – Accelerator training (8 weeks)
- Aug. 17–Oct. 4 – Rapid Validation Labs (selected participants)
- Oct. 5–19 – Finale showcase preparation
- Oct. 22 – Finale showcase at MATTER HQ in Chicago
Who Can Apply
Minimum requirements include:
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
- Applicants should be the founder or CEO of a nonprofit or pre-seed, seed, or Series A startup
- Companies must be based in the U.S.
- Innovations should have a positive impact on equitable health in the U.S.
Have Questions?
If you need support with the application or want to learn more, we’re here to help.
Contact us at: NextGen@heart.org