About CHANGE Accelerator
Who Can Apply?
CHANGE programs are relevant for nonprofit, hybrid and for-profit business models that address critical social issues with business rigor and the promise of sustainability. The business models should provide investors with attractive social and/or financial returns.
For Profit Models which Apply for CHANGE should ensure that the social mission is deeply embedded in, and a central component of the business model.
The CHANGE Acclerator is open to and relevant for social entrepreneurs operating in all sectors of the economy including but not limited to education, health care, environment and economic development.
The CHANGE Accelerator encourages social innovation. Social Innovation comes in all shapes and sizes. Send us your concept and our advisory team will work to decide if you are a good fit for CHANGE.
2010 Timeline
Applications Due: Friday, April 2, 2010
CHANGE Launch: Monday, May 3, 2010
Program Runs May 3 - June 30
The CHANGE Pitch: Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CHANGE Accelerator?
The CHANGE Accelerator provides needed business support to social entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions to unmet social needs. CHANGE entrepreneurs get a $1000 fellowship, a great place to work in Providence, a community of like-minded social entrepreneurs, access to a expert mentors/advisors and an opportunity to pitch their ideas to a network of social investors.
Where is the CHANGE Acclerator hosted?
CHANGE is hosted at the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RI-CIE) at One DAvol Square.
What types of companies are eligible to attend CHANGE?
CHANGE programs are relevant for nonprofit, hybrid and for-profit business models that address critical social issues with business rigor and the promise of sustainability. The business models should provide investors with attractive social and/or financial returns.
Can our entire team participate?
We encourage ventures with with both a single founder and a team of founders to apply. All venture founders and/or partners are encouraged to participate in the program and become CHANGE Fellows although we only award one stipend per team.
Can I apply for CHANGE even if I don’t live in Providence?
Yes. As long as you are able to attend sessions in Providence, we encourage you to apply.
What stage ventures will benefit from the CHANGE Acclerator?
CHANGE Fellows must have completed their concept stage, have already engaged partners, created a prototype and begun beta or test marketing.
When will I know if I have been accepted to the Incubator?
Final decisions will be made by the beginning of April.
How does the CHANGE Accelerator curriculum look?
Each week will focus on a topic central to successful social venture development and events will include a workshop led by a mentor and a breakfast featuring a mentoring talking about the same topic.
Weekly Topics Include:
- Structuring Your Social Venture
- Marketing Your Social Mission
- Effectively Using Social Media
- Building Your Board
- Social Capital and Reciprocity
- Resourcing Your Social Venture: Financial and Human Capital
- Perfecting Your Pitch
Do I have to stay in Providence for the duration of the Incubator program?
Incubator participants need to be in Providence for our weekly events, but do not need to live in the city.