January 28, 2027 & February 25, 2027
SPONSORED BY
Accelerate helps turn community-improving ideas into transformative initiatives. Everyday citizens of all ages share their visions to make Cleveland a better place to live, work, play, and visit in hopes of winning funding and making invaluable connections to bring their ideas to life.
Applications to pitch at Accelerate 2027 will open October 1, 2026.
The Prelims
Thursday, January 28, 2027
Cleveland Foundation (6601 Euclid Avenue, 44103)
Selected applicants pitch their ideas and a panel of community leaders selects one finalist from each category to proceed to the big stage.
The Finals
Thursday, February 25, 2027
House of Blues (308 Euclid Ave, 44114)
Finalists pitch on the stage at the House of Blues in front of hundreds of community leaders who vote for the $5K grand prize winner. Remaining finalists receive $2K.
How it Works
- Applications
Individuals apply to pitch their idea and a panel of community experts select the ideas be pitched at the event. Applicants are notified in mid-November if they are selected to pitch at the event.
Core Accelerate
Core Accelerate is comprised of four categories: Climate & Energy, Education & Creativity, Health & Well-being, and Social Change. An independent panel of reviewers selects the pitches that will pitch in The Prelims based on community impact potential, innovation, and a realistic implementation plan. Applicants are notified in mid-November if they are selected to pitch at the event.
Technovation
Technovation is an additional opportunity for tech-driven ideas for social good in Cuyahoga County to win $3,500. Applicants whose idea includes a technology component can opt in to be considered for Technovation. Technovation submissions are reviewed by a separate panel and as such, applicants may be selected for Technovation alone, the Core Accelerate category alone, or both. If selected for both, presenters will pitch twice at The Prelims – once in Technovation and once in their selected category.
- The Prelims
At The Prelims
Core Accelerate
Presenters pitch to a panel of community leaders in their category rooms. The judges select one pitch from each of the five categories to proceed to The Finals. The five finalists pitch on the main stage to hundreds of audience members who vote for the winner. The winner takes home $5,000 and the four runners-up each receive $2,000.
Technovation
Presenters pitch to the Technovation judges who select one $3,500 winner. The winner is announced on the main stage at The Finals.
- The Finals
At The Finals
Core Accelerate
The four Finalists pitch on the main stage at the House of Blues to hundreds of audience members who vote for the winner. The winner takes home $5,000 and the four runners-up each receive $2,000.
Networking Reception
Connect with innovators, changemakers, community leaders, and past presenters. Catch up with old friends and CLC classmates, and forge new relationships with changemakers from across the region. It’s a chance to mingle, share your ideas, and spark collaboration and impact for Northeast Ohio. Enjoy a host of heavy appetizers while you connect. Cash bar is available.
Emcee: Danita Harris
Danita, a motivator, minister, community advocate, WKYC morning anchorwoman, and Emmy award-winning journalist, considers herself to be blessed to serve as an agent of change. Danita is devoted to her passion and purpose to encourage and empower women, men, and children through ministry as an ordained reverend.
DJs: SoundBender Institute
The SoundBender Institute (SBI) was founded by longtime friends & DJ’s KNYCE & Step One. With over 30 years of combined experience rocking crowds in clubs, on-air radio & mobile events, Soundbender Institute is the realization of a lifelong dream for both DJs. This experience along with numerous mixshow awards & accolades has led them to develop a simple yet effective way of teaching the art of DJ’ing called “The 4 Pillars”. In just 4 weeks a student will learn the basics of DJ’ing & be ready to rock their first gig!
SoundBender Institute was the Education Finalist at Accelerate 2023.
Sponsors & Supporters
The generosity of the following sponsors, donors, and supporters make Accelerate possible.
- Sponsors
- Hosts
Co-Chairs
- Matt Kuchta, Ohio Commercial Market Executive, Citizens, Ohio
- Kip Bollin (LC 2020, CLC Board Chair), Partner in Charge, Cleveland, Thompson Hine LLP
For questions on host opportunities, please contact Toni Holloway, (216) 592-2426.
For questions on sponsorship or host opportunities, please contact Toni Holloway, (216) 592-2426.