Empowered to Serve Business Accelerator™
Igniting impact by accelerating founders focused on equitable health.
We believe that the best ideas often come from the communities closest to the challenges. The Empowered to Serve Business Accelerator is designed to meet changemakers where they are—and equip them to lead with impact, purpose, and partnership. It uplifts mission-driven entrepreneurs who are reimagining health through innovation and their ability to make a local impact. We invest in entrepreneurs, including NextGen founders—especially those from historically underinvested communities—who are building scalable solutions to close gaps in health care and bring health and hope to everyone, everywhere.
Over a six-week virtual experience, selected innovators will receive:
- Expert training from leaders in health, business, and technology
- Mentorship and visibility among influential American Heart Association partners and advisors
- Nonequity funding opportunities to accelerate their vision
- Complimentary access to the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions to expand knowledge and network
Bridging the Gaps to Optimal Health
Excess variability in health care services costs the U.S. an estimated $93 billion annually—nearly nine times the total venture funding for digital health startups in 2023. The U.S. is projected to drop from 49th to 66th place globally by 2050, with an average life expectancy of 80.4 years. Americans spend an average of 12.4 years living with diseases, surpassing global averages.
Since 2017, the accelerator has been committed to supporting innovators like you in addressing these pressing health challenges.
in grant funding
social entrepreneurs and organizations trained
post-accelerator outside investments + 1 acquisition
Who should apply?
The business accelerator is for founders of nonprofits and pre-seed, seed and Series A startups. These ventures should be focused on driving equitable health and health optimization with focus areas including health-tech and med-tech innovation, food/nutrition insecurity, health care access, job security, housing, transportation, poverty, climate and more.
We will not accept applications from:
- Physical training/trainers, gyms, and spa-related facilities
- Health supplement-based businesses
- Smoothie/juice businesses or food products
- Health-focused consultants or private medical practices
National Accelerator
A cohort of 10 to 12 founders are selected from across the U.S. for a chance at grant funding and training led by industry experts.
Your participation provides you with invaluable opportunities.
Funding
This nationwide, highly competitive experience provides you with the chance at nonequity funding.Evaluation
The American Heart Association’s Center for Health Metrics evaluates your business model. The evaluation will create a baseline enabling you to make critical decisions, refine your strategies and maximize the effectiveness of the accelerator experience.Training
The experience includes a six-week training in which you will elevate your unique competitive advantage to deliver a compelling brand story that encourages interest from stakeholders and potential investors.Feedback
At the culmination event, a panel of industry-leading experts evaluates your business and provides invaluable feedback and advice.
Get ready to apply.
Help Bring Health and Hope to Everyone, Everywhere.
Join us in advancing bold, community-rooted solutions that make a healthier life a reality for all communities. By supporting the Empowered to Serve Business Accelerator, you’re helping young visionary founders build healthier futures for the communities they serve.
Alumni Achievements and Impact
Anna
Li
2023 Empowered to Serve Business Accelerator founder and 1st place winner; Won $1M Hult Prize in London in 2024; On track for FDA approval
Colby
Takeda
$2.5M raised; AHA Social Impact Fund candidate; Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Tech Entrepreneur of the Year (Hawaii Business Magazine); 2023 Prime Health Innovation Challenge in California finalist; Pear Suite named The Digital Health Hub Foundation’s 2024 Rising Star in Health Equity
Sandra
Saldana
2024 Empowered to Serve Business Accelerator founder and 2nd place winner; Won $500,000 in R&D funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation
Kwamane Liddell
(Formerly Nutrible) AARP Pitch competition winner; AWS Health Equity Accelerator; 2024 American Nurses Association Innovation Award winner; UCSF Adapt Program finalist; 2023 Prime Health Innovation Challenge in California finalist
What founders are saying about the accelerator
“Working on developing my moonshot statement was the hardest part and the best part of the experience.”
“This program allowed me to accelerate my business in ways I couldn't have imagined. The connections and programming I received played a pivotal role in bringing it to the next phase.”
“As an early-stage entrepreneur, building my brand story was crucial to understanding my business and goals for the future.”
