ELEVATE IMPACT
Elevate Impact is an 9-week accelerator program for early-stage entrepreneurs inspired to address systemic social inequities through their startup business.
Companies accepted to participate receive a hybrid of online & in-person workshops, a coaching team ready to help with connections, pitch opportunities, and an investment from Flywheel of $5,000 - $10,000.
Elevate Impact 2026 applications will open soon. Stay tuned to social media and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for updates.
Elevate Impact has been made possible for over a decade by generous Demo Day sponsors and program support from:
Our Program Includes
Hybrid Learning
Online training & resources tailored specifically for social enterprises. Plus, in-person collaborative learning
Coaching
Receive 1:1 coaching, expert insights, & support from professionals
Startup Community
Collaborate with other entrepreneurs to address mutual business challenges.
Funding
Flywheel invests in founders with a stipend to support business development and expenses during the program.
Program Alumni
The following are just some of our Elevate Impact alumni still operating and creating an impact in our community:
Last Mile Food Rescue
La Soupe
Cincinnati Works
Found Village
All-In Cincinnati
Brick Gardens
Community Happens Here
Cindependent
Black Career Women’s Network
First Generation Leaders of America
The Hive
The STEM Lab
Portaluca (Dress for Success)
Ellequate
Possip
A.A.R.O.N. Wearables
Soul Care
Cocoon Technologies
Event Map Studio
Empower Group
Gotara
Brewhaus Dog Bones
Edith Institute
Prtty Pckup
Early Affirmation Dolls
In Fly We Trust
WiProsper
The Great Adventures at Park Clinic
Fearless Beauty (Fatherless to Fearless)
Learn about our Sustainable Cincy accelerator alumni here.
✅ Check
✅ Addressing a systemic race and/or gender bias problem impacting health or wellness
❌ Selling consumer products or foods to the general public.
❌ Providing a service that does not address a specific need of marginalized populations.
✅ Selling a retail item that provides opportunities for marginalized populations to overcome a unique health or wellness challenge.
✅ Providing a service that addresses a barrier to advancement that falls uniquely on marginalized populations.
You Are A Great Fit If ….
You have started a social enterprise company offering a product or service that will directly or indirectly have a have a positive impact on an aspect
You’re looking for technical assistance and/or connections to help you develop your social enterprise.
You are motivated & available to spend 6-8 hours per week working on your business-building milestones with coaches and subject matter experts.
You are committed to having an impact in our local community.
A modest revenue based investment would help you move your business forward.