The Springboard Accelerator: Frequently Asked Questions

Our criteria include:

• A woman in a key management position with a significant equity stake.
• A track record of milestone achievement, which may include: equity raised to date, grants, clients, revenue, partners, etc.
• A profitable market opportunity with a defensible competitive advantage.
• A credible core management team or the ability to attract one.
• A willingness to invest back in Springboard and our network

We accept applications from companies at all stages, from seed to early-stage (Series A) to late-stage (Series B and beyond). Our “sweet spot” is any company that is or will be seeking institutional investments within the next 12-18 months.

We are location-agnostic. Accelerator programs may take place either virtually or in person, but our main focus is finding the most promising companies, regardless of where they are located.  We’ve worked with companies in over 30 states and more than 10 countries through virtual or in-person programming.

Let’s talk first (please email Miranda Ewald, Director of Programs at [email protected]). Chances are, you’ll meet our criteria to apply and we’ll recommend you submit an application. Entrepreneurs who are not accepted into the full program may still be offered a position as an observer. Even if you end up not being selected for the program, we’ll still point you in the direction of the right resources for you – whether it’s a seed accelerator, angel group, or someone (or something) else entirely.

The cost of the program is $3500 and the $200 application fee is included in the program cost if they are accepted

* Contribution of warrants to Springboard is optional but encouraged in recognition of the value of the Springboard network.

No. We do not require companies to relocate in order to participate in our program. Instead, we host several high-value virtual and in-person events. Our goal is to surround and support women entrepreneurs with a global community of influencers, investors, and innovators dedicated to guiding them to their highest potential.

Some of our most successful alumnae like Pamela Contag, Robin Chase, Gail Goodman, and Linda Hall Keller also asked that question. Since 2000, these women and many others have achieved remarkable results: 930+ Springboard portfolio companies have created more than $61B in value, executed over 235 exits to strategic acquirers, and achieved 28 IPOs.

We understand what it takes to help build great women-led businesses. Every step is carefully calibrated and has evolved based on 24+ years of experience running high-touch, high-value programs for the world’s most promising entrepreneurs.

Our programs are truly community-driven. We involve over 500 entrepreneurs, angel investors, VCs, corporate investors, business development contacts, press, service providers and domain experts in the program. These individuals help by referring applicants, evaluating applicants, speaking at our events, coaching selected companies and recruiting new talent into this pool of experts.

We accept ~10 companies in each accelerator class, which means the application process is highly competitive. We play close attention, as investors do, to the referral source of the companies that come to us. Find out who we know, and ask them to give you a reference. Mention their names on your application and include any other external sources of validation like awards that tell us you are a force to be reckoned with.

During the four-month program, selected entrepreneurs attend a three- to four-day Bootcamp where they are assessed by our team as they begin the Springboard journey alongside a peer group of talented and experienced women leaders. Post-Bootcamp, the entrepreneur is surrounded by a hand-crafted team of advisors who provide a diverse array of perspectives to help hone your presentation skills and your strategy. The advising period may also be complemented with a series of workshop sessions led by our advisors and trusted partners built around the collective needs of our entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs continue to get access throughout the advising period through 1-1 calls and meetings.

Towards the end of the program cycle, we set up opportunities to present before audiences of relevant investors and corporate partners. Depending on the specific program, these events may be attended by a large audience of key industry experts and connectors or by just a few, highly connected, highly regarded decision-makers.

The alumnae of our accelerator programs never stop reaping the benefits of being part of our curated entrepreneurial expert network.

After the program, we continue to serve as a relentless advocate for our entrepreneurs, leveraging our relationships and the connections within our network to add value, whether by helping you get access where you need it or by having your back in the most challenging of circumstances. We are your partners in your search for success and strive to be the backbone and the peer network that you turn to in times of stress and success.

We are invested in the long-term success of our entrepreneurs, and we expect our entrepreneurs to be invested in the long-term success of the Springboard network. We host an annual Winners’ Circle dinner, have an active alumnae platform, and maintain a constant flow of new talent into the Springboard pipeline. When you exit your company, we seek to keep you involved in the Springboard cycle by serving as an advisor to a program, on an industry Council, and as an investor in Springboard’s mission to cultivate and promote the best entrepreneurial talent in the world.