Accelerate is a pitch competition which gives individuals across Greater Cleveland the chance to win seed money to help launch their idea to make the region a better place.
Applicants are selected to pitch in one of five categories and a panel of judges drawn from community leaders select one finalist in each category. The five finalists pitch again to the full audience, which votes on the winner. The winner receives $5,000 and the remaining five finalists each receive $2,000 to help bring their ideas to life. Technovation, a separate competition, will award $3,500 to the most innovative technology-based idea. Click on the tabs below to learn more about the event.
Categories:
Arts & Culture
Improving lives and spaces through arts and culture.
Education
Sponsored by Nordson
Advancing access, readiness, and success for learners of all ages.
Health & Well-being
Promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals and communities.
Social Change
Sponsored by Centric Consulting
Increasing equity, access, and opportunities.
Thriving Neighborhoods
Sponsored by Growth Opps
Invigorating people and places through environmental and community improvement.
Ticket levels
$425 Reserved table of ten (You and your guests are seated together at the front of the room)
$350 Reserved table of eight (You and your guests are seated together at the front of the room)
$125 Accelerate Patron ticket*
$75 Accelerate Supporter ticket*
$40 General admission*
$25 Student ticket*
All ticket levels provide access to the full event. Come for all, or just for part.
*Available at the door, advanced registration recommended.
Phone: (216) 592-2243
Email: cscullen@cleveleads.org
2024/02/22 - 2024/02/22
Additional time info:
Timeline
4:00 p.m. Doors open
4:30 p.m. Category pitches (Round 1)
5:45 p.m. Category pitches (Round 2)
7:15 p.m. Finalist competition + awards
Networking throughout the evening
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
(300 Lakeside Ave E), Cleveland, OH 44113
Elevators and escalators available to all attendees to access all levels of the event.