About this programme
Propeller: A Force for Social Innovation runs the Impact Accelerator for New Orleans-area social-impact founders. The program is not cash or equity funding: it provides structured business development curriculum, mentoring, coworking space and access to Propeller's network, built around five focus areas: water, education, community economic development, food, and health.
The accelerator runs in two tracks. The Startup Track supports earlier-stage founders, and the Growth Track is for growth-stage entrepreneurs, including nonprofit leaders with earned revenue, who are looking to expand staff and scale revenue.
How it works
The program is free and includes 12+ hours of business development curriculum, free coworking office space at Propeller's facility, 12+ hours of individualized strategy sessions with a dedicated Lead Mentor, roughly 20 hours working with subject matter experts, and access to Propeller's network and cohort.
The Startup Track runs September 15 through November 19; the Growth Track runs on a separate schedule, typically May to July, with dates varying by year.
Who can apply
Startup Track: no minimum income for the past year and no employee requirements, but the founder should be able to demonstrate validation of the business model, and the mission must align with one of Propeller's five focus areas (water, education, community economic development, food, health).
Growth Track: for growth-stage entrepreneurs already working in one of those five focus areas who want to expand staff and scale revenue; nonprofit leaders with earned revenue may also apply.
How to apply
- Apply for the Startup Track by the stated deadline (August 16, 2026 for the cohort running September 15 to November 19, 2026) through Propeller's application form at gopropeller.tfaforms.net.
- Growth Track applications open on a separate annual cycle, typically in the May to July window; check gopropeller.org for that cycle's exact dates.
Frequently asked
Does the Impact Accelerator give cash or take equity?
The program's own description covers curriculum, mentoring, coworking space and network access; it does not mention cash grants or an equity stake.
What kind of business does Propeller support?
Social-impact businesses and nonprofits working in water, education, community economic development, food, or health.
Do I need revenue or employees to apply to the Startup Track?
No. There's no minimum income for the past year and no employee requirement, but you should be able to show validation of your business model.
When does the Startup Track run?
The 2026 cohort runs September 15 through November 19, with an application deadline of August 16, 2026.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.