100+
GLOBAL MENTORS
$80 million
NEW REVENUES
70% alumni
GOING STRONG
ACCELERATOR
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10 rigorous weeks, world-class mentors, investors, and our expert team. For creative game-changers with demonstrated traction.
Our clients include venture funds, regional governments, impact foundations, and universities around the world.
ACCELERATOR FAQ
What are the classes about?
The Creative Startups curriculum was built from scratch by creative entrepreneurs – for creative entrepreneurs. Working with Stanford faculty we have created an awesome, robust, and effective learning journey for creative founders. Topics include customer discovery, business model development, branding, cash flow analysis, financing new ventures, legal topics, and more.
What should I expect for time commitment if accepted into the Accelerator?
Most founders tell us they spend about 18 hours/week for the 10 weeks of the course. As an entrepreneur, you know that you get out of it what you put into it!
I am the only founder of my business - can I still apply?
Yes. However, we encourage teams of two founders or partners. All applying team members are expected to participate fully in the course, and we do not allow team members who do not apply and pay tuition to “drop-in” or attend sessions occasionally.
We are a nonprofit startup - can we apply?
Yes but we generally do not accept more than one nonprofit per cohort.
We don’t think venture capital investment is right for our startup, should we still apply?
Yes. We believe that VC/angel investment is only suited to some entrepreneurs, some startups. Our Mentors include creative entrepreneurs who built their firms without outside investment and others who have successfully worked with VCs. We will have honest discussions with trusted VCs and entrepreneurs who can offer you advice and guidance on making these decisions wisely.
I have a great idea for a business, but I haven’t started my business yet - should I apply?
Creative Startups Accelerator is built for creative entrepreneurs who are past the idea stage and are actively building out their venture. If you are pre-revenue you might be a great fit for our LABS or our Libraries as Launchpads programs! If you are just getting started with your new idea consider applying next year.
My company is a few years old - can we still apply to Creative Startups?
Yes, you should apply! Creative Startups has worked with companies that are still in the startup phase despite being several years old. Our judges will generally “pass” on companies that are over 5 years old AND have reached $5million in annual revenue.
LABS: PRE-ACCELERATOR
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In 6 weeks take your startup from launch to revenue with a growth framework, critical skills, and tools essential to building your creative company.
Clients host LABS to expand creative ecosystems, inspiring and engaging the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
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LABS FAQ
How is Creative Startups different from other accelerators?
The Creative Startups program was built from the ground up by creative entrepreneurs – for creative entrepreneurs. The original curriculum was built with Stanford University faculty. Today, after working with nearly 300 creative companies from six continents, the program has evolved into the world’s leading program for growth entrepreneurs in creative industries.
Who is the Accelerator ideal for?
Teams of creative founders growing scalable companies with consistent and increasing revenue. Founders who aim to raise venture financing or impact financing. Founders who envision leading a $100,000,000 business within the next decade.
What do founders learn?
Founders work with faculty and mentors to develop KPIs and identify gaps in their leadership, management, strategy, or finance skills. Accelerator seminar topics include customer discovery, business model development, branding, cash flow projections, sales funnel, analysis of key metrics and dashboard development, legal issues, building a Board of Directors, and fundraising/financing new ventures.
What should I expect for time commitment if accepted into the Accelerator?
Most founders tell us they spend about 16-20 hours/week for the 8 weeks of the course. As an entrepreneur, you know that you get out of it what you put into it!
I am the only founder of my business - can I still apply?
Yes. However, we encourage teams of two founders or more. All applying team members are expected to participate fully in the course, and we only very occasionally invite non-founders to “drop in” or attend a session.
We are a nonprofit startup - can we apply?
Yes but we generally do not accept more than one nonprofit per cohort.
We don’t think venture capital investment is right for our startup, should we still apply?
Yes. We believe that VC/angel investment is only suited to some entrepreneurs, some startups. Our Mentors include creative entrepreneurs who built their firms without outside investment and others who have successfully worked with VCs. We will have honest discussions with trusted VCs and entrepreneurs who can offer you advice and guidance on making these decisions wisely.
I have a great idea for a business, but I haven’t started my business yet - should I apply?
Probably not. But check out our LABS program!
Creative Startups Accelerator is built for creative entrepreneurs who are past the idea stage and are actively building out their venture, selling to customers.
My company is a few years old - can we still apply to Creative Startups?
The LABS program is designed for entrepreneurs in the first steps or stages of starting and growing a creative company.
What are the LABS? How are they different from the Accelerator?
The differences between LABS and the Accelerator:
- LABS is less than half the time commitment,
- LABS do not cover financial statements or raising investment, legal issues for startups, or forming Boards of Directors;
- LABS does not have the same intensive mentor interaction as the Accelerator.
LABS program is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to discover if their startup is market-ready and determine the next steps to get there quickly and successfully. LABS will help you identify your ideal customer, learn to pitch your business, and connect you to additional resources that will aid in your business growth.
Who should apply?
Creative entrepreneurs with an idea they are actively testing in the market, startups newly entering the marketplace, students planning a company launch.
What topics will be covered?
Business concepts and strategy. Your vision, mission, customers, and opportunity. MVP, sales pipeline, business model, and more. We will spend time on your startup assessing the market landscape and how best to launch, grow, or pivot your idea.
INNOVATION CHALLENGES & SPRINTS
Innovation ecosystems are built by leaders like you.
Delivered in partnership with innovation hubs, co-working sites, and entrepreneurship centers, Challenges and Sprints move entrepreneurs from idea to market, market to growth. Challenges are 3-week intensives, Sprints 3-days. Both are proven to drive your ecosystem forward.
Recent Challenges & Sprints
WASHINGTON, D.C.
INNOVATION SPRINT
DENVER, USA
INNOVATION SPRINT
AMMAN, JORDAN
INNOVATION CHALLENGE
LIBRARIES AS LAUNCHPADS
Equipping libraries as centers of economic opportunity and recovery. LaL delivers training and support to libraries providing entrepreneurship resources.
In partnership with libraries and library systems, we connect, build capacity in, and advocate for libraries. Together we bring hyper-localized support to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
CLIENTS AND PARTNERS
