The Miller Center for Global Impact at Santa Clara University has opened applications for its June 2026 accelerator cohort, inviting social entrepreneurs to scale their impact.
This prestigious six-month virtual program is designed specifically for leaders ready to move from initial traction to intentional, long-term growth.
The social entrepreneurs accelerator initiative targets social enterprises dedicated to eradicating poverty through two primary focus areas: women’s economic power and climate resilience.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to creating positive benefits for those living in poverty while aligning their mission with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants will be paired with two of the center’s 500+ executive mentors, who bring leadership experience from global giants like Apple, Google, and Intel.
This relationship provides 180 hours of customized, immersive guidance tailored to each enterprise’s unique business needs.
Benefit
Successful social entrepreneurs can participate in the entire accelerator program at no cost, making it a highly accessible opportunity for established social ventures.
The curriculum guides leaders through developing a practical business plan and a robust funding pitch grounded in real-world data.
Beyond the coursework, the program helps participants address critical gaps in their business models to become more investable for future capital.
Leaders graduate with a long-range impact strategy and the confidence to scale their missions significantly beyond their current operations.
Application requirements and eligibility
To qualify, an enterprise must have been operational for at least one year and be generating at least $50,000 USD in annual earned income.
The program is not intended for organizations that are entirely dependent on grants or charitable contributions to function.
Eligible organizations must employ a minimum of three full-time staff members and maintain at least a three-month cash runway.
Applicants are required to present a working financial model that includes a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow forecasts.
Leaders applying for the cohort—such as CEOs or Executive Directors—must be fluent in English or Spanish.
They are expected to commit to weekly one-hour calls with mentors and several additional hours of strategic work each week for the duration of the program.
The center prioritizes businesses supporting women as leaders and employees, as well as those addressing the climate crisis through renewable energy and regenerative agriculture.
Reliable internet connectivity and proficiency in Excel are technical necessities for the virtual curriculum.
Deadline
The early application window for the 2026 cohort closes on February 27, while the final regular application deadline is set for April 27.
All applicants will be notified of their status by May 29, 2026, ahead of the program’s official launch.
Visit the Miller Center Social Entrepreneurs accelerator program call page to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
