Build one million small startups that lift families out of poverty.
One Million Small Startups is a nonprofit accelerator bringing YC-style rigor, grants, and mentorship to founders overlooked by traditional capital.
Cohort sprint
12-week accelerator
Founder-first capital
$5k non-dilutive grant
Ownership stays local
0% equity taken
YC discipline, community wealth-building.
The playbook is familiar. The outcomes are different: profitable local businesses, family stability, and community resilience.
Founder-first curriculum
Customer discovery, unit economics, and traction in 12 weeks.
Mentorship that looks like you
Operators, owners, and local experts who have built real businesses.
Launch-ready support
Grants, legal setup, and go-to-market support for day one.
Our model
A clean, modern path from idea to sustainable business.
We adapt the YC model for community entrepreneurs. That means clear milestones, accountability, and capital - without gatekeeping.
Access without gatekeeping
Open applications, no warm intros, and no equity required to participate.
Rigorous 12-week sprint
Weekly workshops, office hours, and measurable traction checkpoints.
Community wealth focus
We measure success by household stability and local job creation.
Programs
A full-stack accelerator for founders building in their own neighborhoods.
From validation to launch, we offer the structure and support needed to move from idea to revenue.
Weekly curriculum built around customer discovery and sales.
One-on-one coaching plus a peer cohort to keep momentum.
Non-dilutive grants and incorporation support to get legal fast.
Accelerator curriculum
A 12-week sprint covering validation, pricing, marketing, and operations.
Mentor network
Operators and owners who understand local business realities.
Micro-grant fund
Up to $5,000 for incorporation, equipment, and first customers.
Impact
We measure what changes lives.
1M
Startups launched in the long term
0%
Equity taken from founders
$5k
Average initial grant per founder
Ready to build the next generation of community-owned businesses?
Join the founding cohort or support the entrepreneurs who will transform their neighborhoods.