Accelerator FAQ
About Accelerator
What is the EO Accelerator programme?
The EO Accelerator programme is a learning programme for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business to pass the $1M US mark and join EO through direct learning, access to mentors, leaders, peers and experts and the opportunity to take control of their business.
When was Accelerator founded?
2005! And since then, we’ve grown to 93 programs in 31 countries with over 1700+ graduates to EO chapters!
Will Accelerator tell me what to do?
No, our mentors, EO members, and participants will share from experience and provide tools and examples. It’s up to you to make the changes in your business to accelerate its growth.
Will the EO Accelerator programme take any ownership of my business?
Not at all! We are a not-for-profit programme and will only charge you participant fees to cover the cost of operating our programme. Your business is your business. We just want to help you grow it.
When does the programme start?
Our Fiscal Year runs 1 July – 30 June. Programme intake depends on the location. Most programmes either do ongoing start dates, quarterly start dates, or two intakes a year.
What does the programme include?
The EO Accelerator programme includes:
- Four full-day learning events planned one per quarter, facilitated by EO members
- Monthly Accountability Group meetings focused on goal-setting and peer accountability led by an EO Member
- Use of EO goal-setting and tracking tools
- Access to local and global EO events as shared
What does the content cover?
Our content covers four main pillars for running and growing a successful business: Q1 – Cash, Q2 - Strategy, Q3 – People and Q4 – Execution.
What are the qualifications to apply?
- Be the owner or founder of an operating business with gross yearly revenues between US$250,000 to US$1 million
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- For venture-backed companies to qualify, they must have privately raised funds between US$250,000 and US$999,999
- Interest in growing your business rapidly
- Interest in joining EO when you hit that $1M mark
What is the time commitment as an Accelerator Participant?
4 full-day learning events each year, 8-12 accountability group meetings (usually held 2-4 hours per month) and any additional time you need to apply changes and goals to your business.
If I move or move my business, can I switch to a different programme?
Absolutely! Just
let us know and we will work with you to make it happen.
Can both my business partner and I be a part of the programme?
Yes! However, you each need to apply separately and pay individual participant fees.
If I leave the programme part way through, can my business partner take over my spot in the programme?
Yes, but they would need to apply and be accepted by the local programme and pay their own participation fees.
There is no programme near me, can I still be involved?
Yes! We are currently piloting an all-virtual EOA Global programme for interested applicants anywhere in the world. Email us at [email protected] for more information!
What do I do if I am moving and want to switch Accelerator program locations?
Notify your local Accelerator Chairs and [email protected] to see if there is a local programme in your new location. EO Global Staff will act as the liaison between programmes to facilitate the changeover. Additional local fees may be required depending on the current fees of the programme you are switching to and from.
Is there a disadvantage to starting the programme in the middle of the EO Fiscal Year?
No-our content is designed to rotate. You will learn about each subject and module over time and will be able to continue setting goals and changing the path for your business regardless of when you start.
I don’t have a calendar of events for my programme, who do I contact?
Most events are shown under “Learning & Events”>”Accelerator Events” at the top of this page and can be sorted by location or date. If you’re looking for more than what’s listed there, please contact your local EO leadership or
Email us!
Money
What are the total costs of the programme?
A full year of Accelerator is $1750 and covers 1 July – 30 June. Please note that this does not include any local fees that may apply.
I’m starting the programme after July, do I still have to pay the full $1750?
No. We will pro-rate your charges depending upon the month you’re aproved to join. We will also pro-rate the local fee by month. You will receive a full breakdown of the amounts through 30 of June. Want to know what the amount is where you are right now?
Email us!
I only paid through 30 June, can I keep participating?
Yes! If you have not reached the end of your third year in the programme, you will have the option to renew in June for the following year.
Can I pay my fees monthly?
No. Please
contact us with your situation and we will see if we can accommodate you and your circumstance.
When do I renew my participation?
All Participant renewals occur in June for the following 1 July start date.
If I leave the programme before 30 June, can I get a refund?
Refunds are approved locally. Please contact your local EO Accelerator Chair and chapter manager should you need a refund. If approved, your refund will be based on the $1750 global fee and is pro-rated based on the date of the request approval through the remaining fiscal year quarters. Any refunds must be returned to the credit card or wire account the payment came from. Local fee refunds are at the chapter’s discretion.
Graduating from Accelerator
How long does it take to reach the $1M mark?
The current average is 24 months. It all depends on what changes you make in your business and how you experience growth.
I’ve hit the $1M US mark, now what?
Congratulations! It’s time to celebrate! All you need to do is let your local EO Accelerator leadership know and apply for EO using the EO Accelerator graduate application! You can find this application by selecting “Graduate to EO” from the menu on the left.
Please note: aceptance to EO is at the chapters' discretion. Accelerator participants are not automatically accepted to EO chapters and must follow the chapter application process.
If I graduate before the end of the year, what happens to the remaining portion of my Accelerator fees?
We will partner with the EO Membership team to credit them towards your EO new member fees at the time of processing.
Entrepreneur's Organization
What is the relationship of EO to the Accelerator programme?
Each Accelerator programme is housed at a location where there is an EO Chapter. The EO members manage and execute the programme locally from recruiting to learning days and are the main driver of the success of the programme.
What is EO?
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000+ leading entrepreneurs in more than 220+ chapters and 80+ countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO enables business owners to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. We educate, we transform, we inspire and we offer invaluable resources in the form of global events, leadership-development programmes, an online entrepreneur forum and executive education opportunities, among other offerings designed for personal and professional growth. Check us out!