Miller Center

Program Type: Online
Program Duration: 24 weeks (6 months)
Stage: Early Stage, Post-Revenue (minimum $50,000 annual income), Operational for at least 1 year

Industry of Focus

• Climate Tech
• Social Impact

Key Highlights

Program Overview

The Miller Center Accelerator, hosted by Santa Clara University, is a globally recognized, Silicon Valley-based investment readiness program for mission-driven social enterprises. Designed to scale proven impact models, it focuses on women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, and their intersection. The program provides expert mentoring, resources, and networks to help enterprises address barriers to growth and prepare for next-level investments.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Exclusion

The program prioritizes social enterprises committed to creating positive impacts for individuals living in poverty and addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals. It emphasizes initiatives supporting women’s economic power and addressing climate resilience, including leadership roles, employment, and sustainable practices.

Investment Details

Participants develop credible, investable plans to scale their business and attract next-level investment.

Benefits Details and Perks/Credits

• Dedicated mentoring with access to over 500 executive mentors, including seasoned start-up founders and corporate executives from companies like Apple, Google, Intel, PayPal, and Cisco.
• 180 hours of focused, customized executive mentoring.
• Proven curriculum addressing gaps and opportunities in business strategy.
• Actionable pathways to scale organizational growth.

Program Format

• Six-month program with weekly 1-hour calls with mentors.
• Participants work a few hours weekly to refine their investable plans.
• Application deadlines:
• Early Decision Deadline: September 10, 2025, with notification by October 10, 2025.
• Final Deadline: November 1, 2025, with decisions shared by November 19, 2025.

Location or Relocation Requirements

Fluency in English or Spanish and consistent internet access are necessary for remote participation.

Cohort Size and Program Frequency

The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, with limited spaces available. The next cohort starts in January 2026.

Requirements Related to Users, Revenue, or LOIs:

• Operational for at least one year with active product/service delivery to customers.
• Minimum annual earned income of $50,000 USD or equivalent, not solely reliant on grants.
• Working financial model forecasting cash flow, balance sheet, and income statement.
• At least three full-time staff or equivalent.
• A minimum three-month cash runway.

Post-Program Engagement

Participants benefit from lasting mentorship connections and a network of experienced founders and executives dedicated to supporting their enterprises.

Company Types Requirements

The program targets mission-driven social enterprises scaling proven impact models and tackling women’s economic empowerment and/or climate resilience.

Founding Team Preferences

Applicants should have a senior leader (CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director) capable of participating in the program and committed to scaling the enterprise.