The Miller Center Accelerator is a globally recognized investment-readiness program designed specifically for mission-driven social enterprise leaders. Based in Silicon Valley at Santa Clara University, the program focuses on helping social entrepreneurs bridge the gap between early traction and large-scale impact. The accelerator provides a rigorous framework for organizations tackling poverty through the lenses of women’s economic empowerment and climate resilience. By combining a proven curriculum with high-level executive mentoring, the program equips changemakers with the strategic knowledge, networks, and confidence required to achieve long-term organizational growth.
Strategic Focus Areas
Women’s Economic Power
The program prioritizes enterprises that are intentional about supporting women in four key dimensions: as leaders, as employees, as value-chain participants, and as customers.
Climate Resilience
Support is directed toward enterprises addressing the intersection of the climate crisis and poverty, particularly in the sectors of safe water and sanitation, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture.
Poverty Alleviation
All participating organizations must be committed to creating positive outcomes for people living in poverty, aligning their operations with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Structure and Curriculum
Duration and Format
The program is a six-month, virtual accelerator that allows leaders to participate from their home locations without the need for relocation.
Executive Mentoring
Participants are paired with two executive mentors selected from a network of more than 500 serial entrepreneurs and senior executives with experience at leading firms such as Apple, Google, Intel, and PayPal.
Time Commitment
Founders should expect to dedicate several hours per week to the program, including a mandatory weekly one-hour call with their assigned mentors.
Core Deliverables
The curriculum guides participants through the development of a comprehensive long-range impact strategy, a robust business plan, and a professional funding pitch.
Investment Readiness
The program provides up to 180 hours of customized mentoring focused on identifying business gaps and creating a clear roadmap to make the enterprise more attractive to investors.
Eligibility Requirements for Organizations
Operating History
The enterprise must have been operational for at least one year and be actively delivering products or services to customers.
Financial Maturity
Organizations must have a minimum of USD 50,000 (or local currency equivalent) in annual earned income and must not be entirely dependent on grants or donations.
Team Size
A minimum of three full-time staff members (or equivalent) is required to ensure sufficient capacity to implement the program’s strategic outputs.
Financial Health
Applicants must maintain a working financial model, including cash flow, balance sheet, and income statement, and demonstrate at least a three-month cash runway.
Scalability
Organizations must show a clear intent and capacity to scale their solution significantly beyond their current scope of operations.
Leadership Requirements
Role
The applicant must be a senior leader—such as a CEO, Executive Director, or Managing Director—with authority to make strategic decisions.
Language Proficiency
Participants must be fluent in either English or Spanish, the program’s operating languages.
Technical Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required for financial-modeling exercises, along with consistent and reliable internet access for virtual participation.
Application and Selection Timeline
Early Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
Regular Application Deadline: 27 April 2026
Selection Notification: All applicants will be notified of their status by 29 May 2026
Program Start: The next cohort is scheduled to begin in June 2026
Cost: The program is offered at no cost to selected social entrepreneurs
The Miller Center Accelerator serves as a vital resource for social entrepreneurs seeking to transition from localized success to large-scale impact. By integrating Silicon Valley expertise with a deep commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability, the program enables leaders to refine their business models and secure the capital necessary for expansion. The accelerator remains a cornerstone initiative for enterprises working toward a more resilient and equitable global economy.