ElevateA | Pre-Accelerator Program 

ElevateA | Pre-Accelerator Program 

Empowering Underserved Tech Founders

Lair East Labs, in collaboration with National ACE and supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), is thrilled to announce the ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program 2025. As part of National ACE's Capital Readiness Program (CRP), this virtual accelerator will support 100 underserved tech founders, providing them with the mentorship, resources, and tools to overcome systemic barriers and launch their businesses.

Program Details

Application Deadline: Rolling Admission

Program Duration: April - May, 2025

The ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program is designed to support tech founders from underrepresented communities, particularly those facing systemic barriers. Through mentorship, strategic resources, and community-driven learning, participants will be equipped to accelerate their growth and achieve long-term success.

Who Should Apply?

This program is for emerging and aspiring tech entrepreneurs who are:

  • Limited in their access to resources or are otherwise disenfranchised 

  • Early-stage founders looking to launch and scale

  • Committed to creating impact through innovation & technology

  • Seeking mentorship and guidance to overcome barriers unique to underserved communities

If your business is poised for growth but facing obstacles, this program is for you.

What You'll Get

The ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program 2025 provides a robust suite of benefits tailored to the specific needs of underserved founders. Here's what you'll gain:

  • Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced mentors and Lair East Labs' support team, who have helped 100+ startups scale, raise millions, and expand into new markets.

  • Seminars & Masterclasses: Participate in focused sessions on fundraising, legal & intellectual property (IP), financials & tax, pitch practice, led by our network of mentors, investors, and founders.

  • Fundraising & Pitch Preparation: Lair East Labs has a strong network of over 100 investors and mentors, helping startups raise initial funding and validate MVPs. We'll guide you through preparing for pitch events and fundraising.

  • Product & Market Strategy: With over 65+ startups accelerated, Lair East Labs has expertise in refining product-market fit, scaling business models, and optimizing growth strategies. Our team will work with you to address your specific market or product development challenges and guide you toward the initial phase of your startup journey.

  • Global Network: Thanks to our collaborations with international programs and ventures, our founders are exposed to cross-border expansion opportunities, enabling them to enter global markets successfully.

  • Future Opportunities: Outstanding participants may receive an invitation to join our flagship accelerator program. Additionally, you may be eligible for 1:1 matching funding from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and gain access to exclusive perks and resources provided by Lair East Labs.

Program Impact

National ACE has a proven history of success, helping over 600+ founders raise $50 million in capital. With this partnership, Lair East Labs brings its proven accelerator program model, which has successfully supported over 65 early-stage startups across various sectors. Through this program, participants will tap into our world-class mentor network and benefit from Lair East Labs' reputation for delivering tangible growth and investor readiness for tech startups.

Why Choose This Program?

  • Proven Success: Lair East Labs has a track record of helping startups raise $68M+ in funding and assisting them in expanding their market presence.

  • Customized Support: Tailored mentorship, resources, and workshops designed to address the unique challenges underserved founders face as they scale.

  • Founder Community: Join a long-term, supportive community of founders with similar backgrounds. As part of the program, you'll build lasting connections, share experiences, and support one another’s growth, creating a strong network of peers dedicated to collective success.

ElevateA: A for Access, Advancement, Acceleration, and AAPI

The "A" in ElevateA stands for:

  • Access: Unlock crucial resources, networks, and funding opportunities that are often out of reach for underserved founders.

  • Advancement: Propel your entrepreneurial journey forward with mentorship and launch support to help you overcome barriers and scale.

  • Acceleration: Fast-track your growth through masterclasses, pitch preparation, and access to industry-leading mentors and partners.

  • AAPI: Acknowledging the critical role that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) founders play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, ElevateA is committed to empowering diverse communities to thrive.

Timeline & Key Dates

  • Applications Open: January 2025

  • Program Kickoff: April 2025

  • Interview & Admission: Rolling basis

Apply Now

Are you ready to take your tech business to the next level? Join the ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program 2025 and gain the mentorship, resources, and access you need to succeed. With the combined expertise of Lair East Labs and National ACE, we'll help you unlock your full potential and achieve sustainable growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program?

The ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program is designed for emerging founders, aspiring founders, and early-stage tech entrepreneurs who are socially and economically disadvantaged or from underserved communities.

What is the definition of SEDI (Socially & Economically Disadvantaged Individuals)?

Founders can self-identify as Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) if they belong to a group that has experienced racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society. This includes individuals who identify with one or more of the following:

  • Gender

  • Sexual orientation

  • Religion

  • Limited English proficiency

  • Veteran status

  • Disability

  • Membership in a federally or state-recognized Indian Tribe

  • Residence in a U.S. Territory

  • Residence in a rural community

  • Residence in a region adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality

  • Residence in a community undergoing economic transition

  • Residence in a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Investment Area

  • Owning a business located in or planning to open a business in a CDFI Investment Area

  • Membership in an underserved community

If you identify with any of these categories, you are encouraged to apply here.  

What are the program’s key dates?

  • Applications Open: January 2025

  • Program Kickoff: April 2025

  • Interview & Admission: Rolling basis

Do I need to have an established business to apply?

No! The program is open to both emerging founders who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey and aspiring founders in the early idea stage. Whether you have a startup or just an idea, this program will provide the support you need to grow and move forward.

What support will the ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program provide?

Participants will receive a comprehensive suite of resources to help scale their businesses, including:

  • Mentorship from experienced industry experts and Lair East Labs’ support team.

  • Seminars & Masterclasses on topics such as fundraising, legal & IP, financials & tax, pitch practice.

  • Funding Access & Pitch Preparation: Help in raising initial funding and validating MVPs, with guidance on preparing for pitch events and fundraising.

  • Product & Market Strategy: Assistance in refining product-market fit and scaling business models, tailored to address specific market or product development challenges.

  • Global Network: Exposure to international cross-border expansion opportunities through our global collaborations.

  • Future Opportunities: Outstanding participants may receive an invitation to join Lair East Labs’ flagship accelerator program, 1:1 matching funding from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and exclusive perks.

How does the program work? Is it virtual or in-person?

The ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program is a virtual accelerator, allowing you to participate from anywhere. This virtual format ensures that entrepreneurs from diverse geographical locations can benefit from the program’s resources and community.

Will there be any funding provided as part of the program?

While the program does not offer direct funding, it prepares participants for fundraising journeys and potential, invite-only access to 1:1 matching funding from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). The program will guide you through pitch preparation and help you refine your fundraising strategy in order to secure initial funding.

Is there a fee to participate in the ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program?

There is no fee to participate in the program. It is free of charge to ensure that emerging and aspiring founders from underserved communities have equal access to the resources they need to succeed.

What if I’m already part of another accelerator or incubator?

You are welcome to apply! The ElevateA Pre-Accelerator Program can complement your work in other programs, offering additional resources, mentorship, and network. We encourage you to explore all available opportunities that can help you grow and scale your business.

Can I apply if I don’t have a tech background?

Yes! The program is designed to support anyone with a vision for a startup. If you are committed to building a tech-driven business, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t have a formal tech background.

Is there an opportunity to continue after the program ends?

Outstanding participants may be invited to join Lair East Labs' flagship accelerator program, gain matching funding from NJEDA, and access many exclusive perks and resources to help further scale their businesses.

How can I apply?

Please apply here.