Applications are currently open for the Community Business Accelerator, a 16-week intensive program presented by FOUND/LA and Grid110. This accelerator is designed for Los Angeles-based founders whose businesses are focused on generating sustainable revenue while making a tangible community impact. The program aims to provide hands-on support to companies committed to serving their local communities through initiatives like job creation or equitable resource access. Participants will engage in weekly live sessions, receive 1:1 mentorship, and undertake self-directed learning to develop tailored strategies for securing capital, achieving product-market fit, building effective teams, and creating operational roadmaps for long-term growth.
Program Eligibility
• Location: Must be headquartered and primarily operating within the City of Los Angeles, with a demonstrated community footprint.
• Stage & Growth: The business must have been operating for at least 12 months with a launched product or service, basic infrastructure, and early traction. Founders should have a clear growth plan for the next 6-18 months.
• Community Impact: Applicants must be deeply rooted in their LA community, showing a clear track record of meaningful impact and a business model that fosters genuine human connection.
• Commitment: A founder or key decision-maker must be able to commit to all program sessions and related asynchronous work.
• Funding: The company must have raised under $250K in external funding, be open to exploring right-fit capital options, and have basic financials in place.
Program Details
• Structure: The program runs for 16 weeks with weekly sessions held on Wednesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM PST. These sessions involve hands-on instruction, discussion, and collaboration, supplemented by self-directed learning materials.
• Core Topics: Key areas of focus include building a fundraising roadmap, strengthening founding teams, enhancing product or service offerings, developing a clear growth and operational roadmap, and marketing and branding.
• Integrated Wellness: Wellness is a core component, featuring bi-weekly accountability groups led by a certified Wellness Practitioner and additional weekly programming to support founder well-being and sustainable growth.
• Mentorship and Support: Each founder is paired with an expert mentor for personalized guidance. The program also offers optional drop-in office hours with the Grid110 team and in-person community events.
• Resources: Selected companies gain access to a perks package of platforms and tools valued at over $100K, an engaged founder Slack community, and a network of over 3,000 industry mentors, experts, and investors.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Community-Focused: Businesses that are embedded in and/or focused on serving the local Los Angeles community and its people.
• Collaborative Learners: Entrepreneurs who value learning in a collaborative environment and building alongside a cohort of fellow entrepreneurs.
• Adaptable Founders: Individuals who thrive in a blended learning model that combines structured, hands-on instruction with the flexibility of self-directed work.
Program Timeline
• Applications Open: January 12
• Info Session #1: January 22, 12:00 PM PST
• Info Session #2: January 28, 6:00 PM PST
• Application Office Hours: February 5, 12:00 PM PST
• Applications Close: February 12, 5:00 PM PST
• Mandatory Program Orientation: Mid-March
• Program Duration: Mid-March to Mid-July
Application and Logistics
• Cost: The program is offered at no cost to all accepted companies. Grid110 does not take equity.
• Time Commitment: Participants should expect approximately 2 hours of asynchronous content weekly, a 2-hour live session, and bi-weekly mentorship meetings and accountability groups. Optional events and office hours are also available.
• Industry Focus: The program is industry-agnostic and welcomes applications from any field, sector, or industry (excluding cannabis). Companies range from SaaS and e-commerce to CPG and social enterprises.
• Co-founder Participation: A maximum of two co-founders or team members can attend the weekly live sessions.
• Application Edits: Due to the volume of applications, edits cannot be made once an application is submitted.
• In-Person Opportunities: While primary sessions are virtual, some in-person community-building events will be planned.
• Further Questions: Inquiries can be directed to programs@grid110.org.
This accelerator represents an opportunity for community-anchored businesses within Los Angeles to receive dedicated support and resources for sustainable growth. The program is facilitated through a partnership between FOUND/LA, which supports local entrepreneurs with funding, education, and mentorship, and Grid110, a non-profit dedicated to creating equitable and accessible pathways for early-stage founders. Interested parties are encouraged to review the timeline and eligibility requirements for application details.