Deadline: December 31, 2026
Applications are open for the CDI Community-Based Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (CETA) Accelerator 2027. Community Development Investors (CDI) in partnership with Zelle® offers an intensive 12-week CETA Accelerator for students and mid-career professionals. The program is designed to prepare aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire, operate, and grow existing small businesses while creating lasting economic opportunity for workers and communities.
Participants will move through the full acquisition journey and combine practical instruction with hands-on coaching and support for participants interested in pursuing real acquisition opportunities.
Cost
- The CDI Accelerator is a selective, tuition-free program designed specifically for emerging entrepreneurs.
Eligibility
All participants must commit to the principles of Community-Based Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (CETA) by incorporating community development into their long-term business ownership approach, including creating quality jobs, investing in employees, supporting local organizations, engaging in civic life, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of the communities they serve.
Applicants must also meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Option 1: Be an undergraduate business student, MBA candidate or mid-career professional from a low-income or low-wealth background; or
- Option 2: Be an undergraduate business student, MBA candidate or mid-career professional who does not meet the low-income or low-wealth criteria but demonstrates a commitment to acquiring, operating, and growing a business that serves and strengthens a low-income community.
To ensure that the accelerator remains focused on expanding access to business ownership, CDI is committed to selecting at least 60 percent of each cohort from Option 1. The remaining participants may be selected from either eligibility pathway based on the strength of their application, commitment to CETA, and potential to create lasting economic opportunity in underserved communities.
Application
The Accelerator is expected to meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, beginning February 2 and ending May 4, 2027. To ensure applicants can make an informed commitment, the final schedule, including any weeks without a session, will be provided before selected applicants are required to accept admission.
For more information, visit CETA Accelerator.
