The HBCUFI Pre-Accelerator

Our hybrid, 8-week program is the first and largest HBCU-centered Pre-Accelerator in the country, supporting early-stage founders in launching and scaling tech startups.

To date, we have supported over 1,500 HBCU students and alumni across 80+ HBCUs. Founders who have graduated from the Pre-Accelerator have gone on to raise millions in follow-on funding, create jobs, and make an impact across multiple tech sectors.

The HBCUFI Pre-Accelerator is an advancement opportunity where accepted founders are expected to validate the problem that their idea solves and build a minimum viable product (MVP) in eight weeks. The MVP will be assessed through a cumulative pitch competition, where founders can present their pitch deck and earn non-dilutive grants.

Throughout the program, founders gain access to a wide range of benefits, including mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, a tailored curriculum, networking opportunities with potential partners, and access to startup funding.

Our Pre-Accelerator curriculum is taught during weekly virtual cohort sessions, with additional on-campus activities hosted at our partner HBCUs listed below.

If you are interested in applying but do not currently attend or have not graduated from one of our partner HBCUs, there is a virtual cohort that is open to all HBCU students and alumni. Visit our FAQs section below for additional information.

Spring 2026 Pre-Accelerator applications are closed. Decisions will be sent to founders on February 9th.

2025-2026 Partner HBCUs

Partner HBCUs have faculty who participate as HBCUFI campus leads and co-develop on-campus events for students.

2025-2026 Affiliate HBCUs

Affiliate HBCUs have previously hosted HBCUFI events and programming. Founders applying from these campuses will receive priority consideration for admission into our virtual cohort.

 FAQs

  • HBCUFI is a national nonprofit committed to expanding entrepreneurship and venture capital access at HBCUs, which have historically lacked the infrastructure to participate in tech and startup ecosystems.

    HBCUFI assists rising students and alumni across all HBCUs interested in developing technology-enabled solutions that close the wealth gap.

    From the ideation stage to the investment stage and beyond, the HBCU Founders Initiative offers programs, events, financial and advisory resources, and a vast network committed to supporting HBCU founders on their entrepreneurial journey.

  • The HBCU Founders Initiative’s pre-accelerator operates as a selective and competitive program. The HBCU Founders Initiative is open to current students and alumni from HBCUs who have a business idea or an early-stage startup.

    We welcome applicants from various disciplines and backgrounds. Due to limited capacity, preference will be given to students first.

  • Informational Session: January 16

    Applications Open: January 16 - February 2

    Informational Session: January 27

    Acceptance Notifications: February 9

    Program Orientation: February 16

    8-Week Virtual Program: February 23 - April 13

    Virtual Demo Day: April 20

    On-Campus Pitch Competitions: April 20 - May 3

  • The program encompasses a comprehensive range of topics, including validating the idea, customer discovery, building a prototype, product roadmapping, learning how to pitch, marketing and branding strategies, legal operations, and fundraising techniques.

  • Yes, you can still apply even if you don't have a fully formed business idea. Our program is designed to help individuals at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. If you are passionate about entrepreneurship and have the drive to learn and explore new opportunities, we encourage you to apply.

  • Innovative Startups

    At HBCUFI, we’re looking for entrepreneurs with innovative startups, past the ideation stage. Foundes are expected to be ready to build a minimum viable product (MVP) which is a basic version of a product or service that allows a startup to quickly get feedback from customers and validate their idea.

    Tech Adjacency

    While it is not a hard requirement, we do provide preference to startups with tech-enabled ideas. For example, we are more likely to accept a founder working on a new AI concept, or fashion tech company, before working with founders who aim to open brick-and-mortar or consulting businesses.

    Willingness To Learn

    We’re looking for founders with grit and passion - people who can take in feedback and understand that your first idea may not be your best. Failure is a common theme in entrepreneurship, but so is success!

    Visit our Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 cohort yearbooks for an example of startups we have worked with before.

  • The selection process for HBCUFI’s Pre-Accelerator program is based on a thorough evaluation of each applicant's business idea or startup. Our team reviews applications, considering factors such as the uniqueness and viability of the idea, market potential, team composition, and the applicant's commitment and passion.

  • No, there is no cost associated with participating in the HBCU Founders Initiative. Our program is free for selected participants and for partnering HBCUs. We aim to remove financial barriers and provide equal opportunities for HBCU entrepreneurs to succeed.

  • Founders who participate in our program are eligible for funding opportunities, but startup funding upon completion of the program is not a guarantee. Our team reviews factors such as overall performance, level of growth, venture viability, and a founder’s final pitch deck presentation before awarding funding.

  • After completing the Pre-Accelerator program, participants become part of the HBCU Founders Initiative alumni network. This network provides ongoing support, access to resources, and opportunities for collaboration and continued growth. Alumni can also participate in future events, mentor new cohorts, and contribute to the overall mission of empowering HBCU entrepreneurs.

  • There are several ways to support the HBCU Founders Initiative:

    1. Volunteer your time and expertise as a mentor or workshop facilitator.

    2. Share your knowledge and experiences by participating.

    3. Connect us with corporations or interested sponsors.

Founder Testimonials

  • "What I love the most about HBCUFI is that it provides a platform for underrepresented entrepreneurs to make their dreams a reality. I thought I would never be one of "those people'' who could pitch their startup to investors for funding. Now, because of my participation in the HBCUFI pre-accelerator, I will be competing in my first pitch competition."

    Anisa Cole, Prairie View A&M University, Class of 2025

    Founder of Activate MD

    Fall 2023 Graduate

  • “The HBCUFI Accelerator program has been life-changing for me. The mentors, speakers, and HBCUFI team are amazing and knowledgeable. I am now confident I have the tools to really take my business to the heights I want it to go.”

    Faith Shamley, Morris Brown College, Class of 2026

    Founder of Reach Worldwide

    Fall 2023 Graduate

  • “My experience at my HBCU not only enriched my academic knowledge, it also played a pivotal role in my personal growth as a person of color. The HBCU Founders Initiative has mirrored that experience for me. I've harnessed a different level of self-awareness as a diverse founder, allowing me to thrive in the fields of entrepreneurship, business, and startups.

    Andre Bunchanan, Texas Southern University, Class of 2021

    Founder of Athletech

    Fall 2023 Graduate

Partner With Us.

The HBCU Founders Initiative is excited to partner with the nation’s 100+ HBCUs. We select partner HBCUs based on their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and their ability to support and engage students and alumni in entrepreneurial activities.

HBCUs interested in partnering with us can fill out this form, to be added to our waitlist.

The HBCU Founders Initiative Selects 5 Additional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Its Pre-Accelerator Program Designed to Scale Entrepreneurial Education.

Read the full announcement