2. Access to capital!

ICA provides a continuum of coaching and capital to Bay Area entrepreneurs, by partnering with local capital providers to make capital more accessible. Earlier this year we announced that companies that complete programs at ICA are now eligible to be evaluated for investments from ICA’s Growth Fund. To date, the Growth Fund has made 11 investments (two new investment announcements coming soon!) and all companies that finish our programs can be considered to receive funds. What’s more, 5! Accelerator alumni have received funding from ICA. (Funding is not guaranteed, but ICA program alumni receive priority in investment.)

3. Because you believe in the power of small business to help close the the racial and gender wealth gaps.

63% of Accelerator companies are run by women and 67% are owned by People of Color. ICA exists to accelerate great businesses in order to close the racial and gender wealth gaps. While people of color, especially women of color, start businesses at higher rates than white people, they’re constrained by structural inequities and often overlooked by mainstream funders. Through the Accelerator, ICA partners with, mentors, and invests in under-estimated entrepreneurs to do our part in building an economy that works for all.

4. Our network of Advisors.

The (not so) secret sauce of the ICA ecosystem, our advisors have your back! ICA’s work is made possible by the experienced pro bono advisors who meet your business where it’s at, and provide tailored advice and business support to help scale your business. ICA’s advisors are experts in their field and their know-how spans the gamut – from operations and growth strategy, to pitch coaching and marketing, to name just a few.

Once you’re accepted into the Accelerator, you’ll be paired with an advisor who will go deep with you, honing in on your business challenges, as you progress through the program. Check out some of the amazing advisors in The Accelerator here.

5. Don’t take our word for it!

We’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing entrepreneurs, and they've said some great things. Thank you Reem, Lila, and Maria! 

Working with ICA gave me broad tools that allowed me to analyze our company from different angles. It also helped me identify what kind of leader I was and what was my weakness. We really enjoyed the Accelerator and the special relationship with the hands-on ICA team. It is always good to know that there is a team that is willing to have your back.” — Maria Palacio, CEO of Progeny Coffee