As an entrepreneur, gaining access to resources, mentorship, and funding can make all the difference in scaling your business. Cohort-based programs provide structured support and connections to help founders grow their ventures successfully. Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the best cohorts and accelerator programs open in 2025, tailored to diverse industries and founders.

1. Techstars Accelerator Programs

Focus: Technology, healthcare, sustainability, and more
Description: Techstars runs over 50 accelerator programs globally, helping startups refine their business models and connect with a vast network of mentors and investors.
Perks: $120K in funding, access to a global network, and lifelong support.
Application Deadlines: Rolling throughout 2025
Learn More: techstars.com

2. 500 Global Accelerator

Focus: Technology startups with global impact
Description: Formerly known as 500 Startups, this accelerator focuses on scaling businesses through mentorship, community, and capital.
Perks: Seed funding, mentorship, and access to a global network of investors.
Application Deadlines: Quarterly in 2025
Learn More: 500.co

3. Backstage Accelerator

Focus: Underrepresented founders (women, people of color, LGBTQ+)
Description: Backstage Capital provides support for diverse founders through mentorship, workshops, and access to funding opportunities.
Perks: Funding, community support, and strategic business guidance.
Application Deadlines: Spring 2025
Learn More: backstagecapital.com

4. Harlem Capital Fellowship

Focus: Diverse founders and aspiring investors
Description: Harlem Capital offers a cohort-based program for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to scale their businesses or break into venture capital.
Perks: Mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to industry leaders.
Application Deadlines: Summer 2025
Learn More: harlem.capital

5. MassChallenge

Focus: Early-stage startups in any industry
Description: A global, equity-free accelerator program that supports startups with high-impact potential.
Perks: Equity-free prizes, mentorship, and connections to corporate partners.
Application Deadlines: Varies by location
Learn More: masschallenge.org

6. HerSuiteSpot Business Cohort

Focus: Women entrepreneurs of color
Description: Designed for women-led businesses, this cohort offers funding, mentorship, and tailored resources to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.
Perks: Micro-grants, access to industry experts, and curated workshops.
Application Deadlines: Open for 2025
Learn More: hersuitespot.com

7. Google for Startups Accelerator

Focus: Startups leveraging AI, cloud computing, and other tech solutions
Description: Google’s accelerator provides access to its vast technical expertise and global resources to help startups innovate and scale.
Perks: Mentorship from Google engineers, access to Google Cloud credits, and networking.
Application Deadlines: Open in Spring 2025
Learn More: startup.google.com

8. Black Ambition Prize

Focus: Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in technology, design, healthcare, and more
Description: Founded by Pharrell Williams, Black Ambition supports early-stage companies through mentorship and funding.
Perks: Up to $1M in funding and access to expert mentors.
Application Deadlines: Open Fall 2025
Learn More: blackambitionprize.com

9. Village Capital Accelerator

Focus: Impact-driven startups in healthcare, financial inclusion, sustainability, and more
Description: Village Capital provides a cohort model where founders work together to scale their businesses while gaining access to investors and mentors.
Perks: Peer-selected funding and tailored programming.
Application Deadlines: Various programs throughout 2025
Learn More: vilcap.com

10. Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Accelerator

Focus: Early-stage entrepreneurs in underserved communities
Description: EforAll offers a 12-week accelerator program with workshops, mentorship, and community support to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.
Perks: Comprehensive training, mentor matching, and pitch contests with cash prizes.
Application Deadlines: Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 cohorts available
Learn More: eforall.org

11. Morgan Stanley Multicultural Innovation Lab

Focus: Tech and tech-enabled startups led by women and multicultural entrepreneurs
Description: This accelerator program offers mentorship, strategic support, and access to capital for startups aiming to disrupt industries and create scalable impact.
Perks: $250,000 investment, mentorship from Morgan Stanley leaders, and networking opportunities.
Application Deadlines: Spring 2025
Learn More: morganstanley.com

12. Hello Alice Business for All Grant Program

Focus: Small businesses across all industries
Description: Hello Alice offers cohorts and grants to small businesses, particularly those owned by women, veterans, and people of color, with a focus on providing equitable access to resources.
Perks: Grants up to $50,000, mentorship, and a supportive online community.
Application Deadlines: Rolling throughout 2025
Learn More: helloalice.com

13. FoodFutureCo Accelerator

Focus: Food and agriculture startups
Description: Designed for growth-stage companies focused on sustainable food, agriculture, and related technologies, this accelerator provides tailored guidance and access to a mission-aligned investor network.
Perks: Mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic business scaling support.
Application Deadlines: Spring 2025
Learn More: foodfuture.co

These cohorts represent some of the best opportunities for entrepreneurs in 2025. By joining, you can access funding, mentorship, and resources to help you grow and succeed. Ready to take the next step? Apply today and accelerate your journey to success!