Program
Accelerator Program
UCLA Social Enterprise Academy — Phase 2
A 10-week program for selected graduates of the basic Academy, beginning in early October and completing in mid-December — with custom coaching to secure the financial and operational resources needed to implement your social venture.
Overview
Since the inception of the UCLA Social Enterprise Academy, over 100 not-for-profit organizations have worked alongside students to develop new revenue-generating ideas within our 20-week program. Regardless of the size or complexity of a new venture, our staff understand the difficulties of implementing new projects when resources are tight. So in the fall of 2020, we began hosting a Phase 2 "Accelerator" for selected graduates of the basic Academy.
The product of an innovative partnership between UCLA, the Academies for Social Entrepreneurship, and Startup UCLA, the Accelerator provides participants with mentoring in venture implementation from selected UCLA alumni and members of the broader entrepreneurial community, direct access to investors, human capital in the form of student consultants, and a multitude of resources from Startup UCLA.
Program components
Business plan assessment
A detailed review of areas of need or lack of clarity that must be resolved to move forward. The review informs the action plan for the program and the selection of mentors.
Cohort CoLabs
At least three evening cohort gatherings that provide information on topics of shared interest and the opportunity to cross-pollinate with other ventures.
A dedicated mentor
An industry expert or a process specialist — human resources, logistics, market research, financing — to guide the implementation process.
Student consultants
Four to six UCLA students assigned to your nonprofit based on company-specific needs, investing 10 hours per week at no cost to you.
Eligibility
Because the cohort is intentionally small, we place heavy emphasis on the following qualities.
Traction
The new venture is expected to have established traction, as measured by market research, organizational passion for the project, and feasible sources of seed capital.
Coachability
Across all start-up support programs, a participant's willingness to be coachable and accountable is a crucial baseline.
Engagement
We seek nonprofits that fully engage with Academy staff, mentor professionals, Startup UCLA, and student consultants — attending CoLabs, communicating frequently, and staying open to improving current business processes.
Social impact
How will your venture affect those your organization aims to help? Can you demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative analysis?
Key performance indicators
What are your KPIs, and how will you allocate resources to maximize them?
What we ask of participants
The Accelerator was developed by combining social entrepreneur expertise, academic research, and lessons from successful incubator programs — so your venture has the greatest chance of success. If accepted, we ask that you commit to:
Cohort CoLabs
Designed to guide and track nonprofits throughout venture implementation. Attendance by at least three staff members at each meeting is mandatory.
Investor discussions
Throughout the 10-week program we host several discussions with potential investors to refine your ability to secure funding. At least one staff member with direct fundraising responsibility must attend.
Student consultant management
Student consultants assist with research and modeling, delivering weekly deliverables that move venture implementation forward.
Financial disclosure
The program requires transparency about income, expenses and financial position for the previous three years, plus expectations and budget for the next three — this lets us identify and secure seed and operational capital.
Application process
To apply, complete our simple intake form and submit it to us. We review every submission and, where it's a good fit, schedule a follow-up interview. We also welcome questions about the outline, requirements, or expectations of the program.