Accelerator Program
You have the vision for what your business looks like. Let's make sure you get what you need to build it.
The Business Accelerator is a free 4-month program that gives you hands on guidance, peer support, and expert mentoring to turn your vision into reality. Graduates leave with the confidence, clarity, and connections to grow their business.
Application Deadline - March 19th
Program Focus
Financials
Participants in the program receive hands on financial help from experts. You don't just get a template, you get real time 1-on-1 time to go over your cost, profit & loss, and strategy for managing your finances.
Marketing
Participants learn what makes a difference in creating marketing that is authentic, drives awareness, and produces sales. In addition, you will spend time creating content for your product or service.
Sales
Participants leave the program with a clear plan for sales. We uncover the hidden challenges that are holding you back from selling your product or services. You walk away with a prospect plan, ways to build habits to get over the "I'm not a sales person" thoughts, and confidence to share your product with everyone.
Cohort Schedule
The Accelerator Program is designed for individuals at the early stages of running their business. Workshops are held during the evenings and focused on the core areas important to business operations.
Many early entrepreneurs still have to work while they build their businesses and the schedule accounts for this with a blend of in-person instruction and online resources.
Mentoring
Not everything about business can be learned through a workshop.
Real life experience is essential to building a great business. During the program you are paired with a mentor that has real world experience to help you understand how to think about business problems.
Click below to see the approach to mentoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this program different than others?
Most programs try to cover everything. We go deep on four areas - Sales, Finance, Marketing, and Business Model because those are the ones that actually determine whether a business survives. Multiple sessions per topic, same instructors, and real time to apply what you're learning.
What do people get from the program?
You leave with a clear understanding of your finances, a stronger handle on sales and marketing, and a real network of other entrepreneurs who are building alongside you. Most importantly you leave knowing how to actually run your business, not just work in it.
What is the cost for the program?
There's no cost to apply or participate. The program is funded to serve entrepreneurs who are serious about building not those who can afford the most expensive accelerators.
How many hours a week would I have to commit to this?
Plan for 6–10 hours per week. That covers the Tuesday workshop, any assignments, and time you spend working on your business goals. Most participants are working at least part-time alongside the program.
What if I want to do the program later?
Our next cohort won't be until 2027. If you're not ready now, we get it. But if you're on the fence, it's worth applying.
What does the financial 1-on-1 help look like?
You get 4 hours of dedicated 1-on-1 time with a financial expert. Together you'll build a Profit & Loss statement, create a financial forecast, and establish your pricing. By the end, you'll actually understand your numbers.
How does mentoring work? How do you select the mentors?
Mentoring is done in small groups, focused on the specific challenges founders are facing at that stage of the program. Mentors are people who've run companies or held senior leadership roles in relevant industries. We match mentor expertise to what founders are actually working through.
I have a business but still have to work right now, would I be able to do this as well?
Yes, most of our founders are working full-time while in the program. Workshops are Tuesday evenings specifically to accommodate that. The key is commitment. If you're showing up and doing the work, the schedule is manageable.
Who teaches the workshops?
Each workshop is taught by someone who has built companies, led sales teams, or run marketing for real businesses. We design the curriculum specifically for early-stage founders, and instructors stay for Q&A so you can dig into your specific situation.
Why is the program 4-months?
Because real change takes more than a weekend workshop. Four months gives you time to learn something, test it in your actual business, come back with real questions, and adjust. It's the shortest timeline where we've consistently seen founders make lasting progress.
Do I have to attend all of the workshops?
Yes, we believe that there is great value that you can get from our speakers! However, we do understand if there is an emergency or something that you have to take care of. Those that are accepted into the program are allowed to miss 2 sessions during the 4-month program.
I'm interested in applying when is the application deadline & start date?
The application deadline is March 19th. The program begins late March. Spots are limited, so don't wait.
How do you select who gets into the program?
We look for founders who have a already taken steps to start their business or are running an early-stage business. We select founders that are commitment to show up and do the work with an openness to feedback. We're not looking for polished. We're looking for serious. The application gives you space to tell us about your business, your goals, and what you need.
Can I speak with someone that already went through the program to get their thoughts?
Yes, if you would like to speak with someone that already completed the program please email - alex@theprogramlabs.org and we can set you up to chat with one of our alumni
Can I see a class schedule?
You can see a sample schedule here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tge3BdOqdrMxtcMQIaqiAsuAjAlFvX5n/view?usp=sharing. It shows the full 4-month structure, topics by week, and how the sessions build on each other.
When are the weekly workshops?
Workshops are every Tuesday from 5:30–7:30pm at our Business Resource Center in Barrio Logan. Dinner is provided and parking is free.
Can I just attend the workshops that I want to focus on?
No, and that's by design. A big part of what makes the program work is the relationships you build with the other founders in your cohort. That only happens if everyone shows up consistently. If you want individual workshops without the full program, keep an eye on our standalone events.
Can I use the space to work outside of workshop time?
Yes. The Business Resource Center is open Tuesday–Thursday, 10am–6pm. Come in to work, use the podcasting and video equipment, have meetings, or connect with other entrepreneurs. No reservation needed.
What does the accountability group look like?
The accountability group is a weekly meeting to track your progress toward your goals. It is designed to help you maintain progress and ensure that you are building the business, getting customers, and pushing yourself to reach your goals. The sessions are optional and focused on ensuring that you do what you say that you want to do.
Is there help after the program ends?
Yes. Alumni are always welcome back in the space and stay connected through the alumni community. We host mixers, alumni-only events, and workshops designed for where you are post-program.
Visit Us
César E. Chávez Campus
Room 107
1901 Main St
San Diego, CA 92113
Hours of Operation
Mon - Closed
Tues: 10am - 6pm
Wed: 10am - 6pm
Thurs: 10am - 6pm
Fri: By Appointment
Sat & Sun: Closed