EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™: Minnesota

Empowering and investing in social entrepreneurs and businesses that foster equitable access to good health.
At the EmPOWERED to Serve Minnesota Business Accelerator 2022 finale, finalists are sitting around a table smiling and clapping.

The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator is a national American Heart Association program that gives social entrepreneurs, startups and businesses focusing on health impact the tools and support to grow and scale. Through this opportunity, the AHA provides business training, access to grants and a lasting connection to the association. The Minnesota-focused Business Accelerator aims to create business solutions to improve health challenges for all by changing behaviors, expanding access to resources, and improving the long-term health of Minnesotans.
 

Congratulations to the 2023 Minnesota Grant Recipients and Finalists

The finale event took place on June 27 at General Mills. All finalists received a $2,000 grant.
 
Learn more about the 2023 candidates

Finale Showcase

Scroll to browse photos from the Minnesota Business Accelerator 2023 Finale Showcase.

Why Minnesota?

Minnesota is one of the healthiest states in the country, but it has some of the worst health disparities. To live a healthy life, it is essential to have access to quality, affordable health care not limited by socioeconomic factors such as structural racism and disparities in education, income, wealth, mobility, and housing. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, our state’s inequalities in areas such as income, education, and homeownership are the most significant barriers to health.

2023 Information Session

 
Get a better understanding of the Minnesota accelerator and what it takes to apply.

Tap the play button to watch the recording.

Selected candidates will:

  • Receive four to six weeks of training to help refine their business.
     
  • Refine their business story and presentation in a cohort with other local entrepreneurs.
     
  • Share their business story with Minnesota health, community, and business leaders before receiving a $2,000 grant.
Andrea Thomas standing in front of her table at the 2023 ETS Minnesota Business Accelerator finale

Who can apply?

Applicants must be:
  • Age 18 years or older
  • The founder, CEO or someone authorized to make changes to the business or project.
  • A Minnesota resident living in and/or serving communities in Minnesota

Timeline

 

  • Application period: March 1 – April 14
  • Top candidates notified by: May 9
  • Training: May 10 – June 16
  • Finale: June 27 | 4:00 p.m. | General Mills
Cheerios logo

The Minnesota EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator is presented by: Cheerios