The HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI) is a nonprofit organization committed to locking arms with entrepreneurs and organizations that share our belief that having a diversity of ideas and perspectives is both the right thing to do and good for business.

HBCUFI assists rising students and alumni across all HBCUs interested in developing technology-enabled solutions that close the wealth gap.

From the ideation stage to the investment stage and beyond, the HBCU Founders Initiative offers programs, events, financial and advisory resources, and a vast network committed to supporting HBCU founders on their entrepreneurial journey.

The HBCU Founders Initiative’s pre-accelerator operates as a selective and competitive program. The HBCU Founders Initiative is open to current students and alumni from HBCUs who have a business idea or an early-stage startup.

We welcome applicants from various disciplines and backgrounds. Due to limited capacity, preference will be given to students first.

We are excited to announce the timeline for applying to the HBCU Founders Initiative's Spring 2025 Pre-Accelerator program which will run from February 24th - April 14th. This program will provide HBCU founders with invaluable support and resources to launch and scale their startups.

Please take note of the following important dates:

Application Period: January 21st - February 3rd

During this period, we will be accepting applications for HBCUFI’s Spring Pre-Accelerator program. Our team will thoroughly review all submitted applications on a rolling basis.

We encourage founders to carefully review the application requirements and submit your application before the deadline on February 3rd.

Informational: January 27th

On January 27th, HBCUFI will host an informational session via Zoom, to share more about the program with interested applicants. Founders can RSVP to attend, here.

Application Review: February 3rd - 7th

During this week our team will consider factors such as the uniqueness of your business idea, market potential, team composition, and your commitment and passion.

Decisions go out: February 10th

By this date, we will notify all applicants of their acceptance status for the Pre-Accelerator program. Please keep an eye on your email during this time for an update on your application.

Orientation: February 17th

The orientation session is a crucial event where accepted participants will be introduced to the program structure, resources, and expectations. We strongly encourage all accepted participants to attend this session to maximize the benefits of the Pre-Accelerator program.

Run time: February 24th - April 14th

Once the program begins, founders will embark on a transformative journey of mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities, and access to funding resources.

Virtual Demo Day: April 21st

Upon completion of the program, founders in our virtual cohort will present their startups and pitch decks to a small panel of investors, partners, and industry experts for feedback.

The program encompasses a comprehensive range of topics, including validating the idea, customer discovery, building a prototype, product roadmapping, learning how to pitch, marketing and branding strategies, legal operations, and fundraising techniques.

Yes, you can still apply even if you don't have a fully formed business idea. Our program is designed to help individuals at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. If you are passionate about entrepreneurship and have the drive to learn and explore new opportunities, we encourage you to apply.

Innovative Startups

At HBCUFI, we’re looking for entrepreneurs with innovative startups, past the ideation stage. Foundes are expected to be ready to build a minimum viable product (MVP) which is a basic version of a product or service that allows a startup to quickly get feedback from customers and validate their idea.

Tech Adjacency

While it is not a hard requirement, we do provide preference to startups with tech-enabled ideas. For example, we are more likely to accept a founder working on a new AI concept, or fashion tech company, before working with founders who aim to open brick-and-mortar or consulting businesses.

Willingness To Learn

We’re looking for founders with grit and passion - people who can take in feedback and understand that your first idea, may not be your best. Failure is a common theme in entrepreneurship, but so is success!

Visit our Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 cohort yearbooks for an example of startups we have worked with before.

The selection process for HBCUFI’s Pre-Accelerator program is based on a thorough evaluation of each applicant's business idea or startup. Our team reviews applications, considering factors such as the uniqueness and viability of the idea, market potential, team composition, and the applicant's commitment and passion.

No, there is no cost associated with participating in the HBCU Founders Initiative. Our program is free for selected participants and for partnering HBCUs. We aim to remove financial barriers and provide equal opportunities for HBCU entrepreneurs to succeed.

Founders who participate in our program are eligible for funding opportunities, but startup funding upon completion of the program is not a guarantee. Our team reviews factors such as overall performance, level of growth, venture viability, and a founder’s final pitch deck presentation before awarding funding.

After completing the Pre-Accelerator program, participants become part of the HBCU Founders Initiative alumni network. This network provides ongoing support, access to resources, and opportunities for collaboration and continued growth. Alumni can also participate in future events, mentor new cohorts, and contribute to the overall mission of empowering HBCU entrepreneurs.

There are several ways to support the HBCU Founders Initiative:

1. Volunteer your time and expertise as a mentor or workshop facilitator.

2. Share your knowledge and experiences by participating.

3. Connect us with corporations or interested sponsors.