The Problem
In the U.S., 43% of households cannot fully afford a monthly budget of basic human services including food, housing, healthcare, transportation, and childcare, which requires families to make costly decisions and trade-offs. This perpetuates the fact that more than half of Americans have little or no savings at all and are not able to save or invest in their future, let alone withstand financial shock.
How might we accelerate financial resilience and economic mobility for all to succeed in the innovation economy?
The Solution
The Fall 2018 Civic Accelerator – a 10-week entrepreneur boot camp and investment fund – will accelerate innovative, scalable ventures that improve financial outcomes, spur economic mobility and prepare families for financial success in the 21st century economy through:
Inclusive Financial Health
Financial education, Affordable digital tools and internet access, Financial counseling, Access to social networks, Soft skill development
Financial Resilience Pathways
Budgeting tools & training, Savings products & incentives, Debt reduction methods, Affordable access to credit, Pathways to asset building & home ownership
Opportunity through Innovation
Work-ready skill development, Access to “gig economy” jobs, Employer savings/support products, Portable/co-op benefits and services, Talent matching platforms
Ready to Apply?
The CivicX Model
Curriculum from industry experts on revenue generation, funding strategies, and customer acquisition.
Work and learn from entrepreneurs around the country.
Connections to impact investors, business leaders, social enterprises and strategic partners.
Two most promising ventures each receive a $50,000 investment.
Assist ventures post-graduation with the growth strategy,
funding connections and strategic advice.
OUR PROGRAM
135
Ventures selected and graduated in 11 cohorts since 2012
57%
Female founders/co-founders through unique selection model
1800+
Entrepreneurs screened with over 600 applications reviewed
OUR IMPACT
99%
Average increase in earned revenue and capital in first year of acceleration
18M
Individuals engaged (talent, voice, and money) by portfolio ventures
100%
Of founders report increase in startup skills & business fundamentals
ADVISE
LEND YOUR TIME AND EXPERIENCE TO POINTS OF LIGHT AND HELP US FIND, RECRUIT AND MENTOR CIVIC ENTREPRENEURS.
SUPPORT
Join us as an investor supporting civic ventures:
– Program Support
– Invest in Fund
– Pitch Night Sponsor
– Individual Team Sponsor
PROMOTE
Share our story and those of our ventures:
www.cvcx.org
Key Fall 2018 Dates
August 24 – Applications Due at 5 p.m. EST
September 7 – Finalists Notified
September 11 – 13 – Finalists Interviews
Session 1 – October 16 – 19 – Atlanta
Session 2 – November 12 – 15 – Chicago
Session 3 – December 17 – 20 – Philadelphia
Ready to Apply?
Need to know more?
Partners and Supporters
About Points of Light
Points of Light is the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. The Civic Accelerator serves as a catalyst for innovation by supporting, investing and helping to grow the impact of social entrepreneurs and their ventures.
Notable Alumni
The following CivicX graduates are leading innovations in financial inclusion and economic mobility across the country.
Scalable platform delivering financial literacy to urban youth. Trained 10k+ to-date.
Improves loan performance for financial institutions by equipping them with the most relevant and comprehensive financial health resources.
A debt reduction model for student loans that funds the gap for education at lower interest rates.
Creates on-ramp opportunities for underserved New York youth to gain living wage opportunities in the tech sector.