reSET + Collab Impact Accelerator is a three-month, community-driven growth program for entrepreneurs who are building for-profit businesses with a social, environmental, cultural, or economic impact, either directly through the products they offer or indirectly through how they operate. This program is designed for founders who have already launched and tested their ideas in the real world, and are ready to move from early traction into focused, sustainable growth. Through expert-led workshops, mentorship, and peer learning, participants strengthen their business models, clarify their growth strategies, and build systems that support long-term success. In addition, founders become part of a supportive cohort and broader reSET alumni community that values collaboration, learning, and accountability. Applications are due March 8. More information here.
The Business Planning for Food-Preneurs (BPF) is designed to help plan, expand and grow your food business. With the training, business plan, networking, and access to resources, the food-preneur will create plans to effectively start and scale their business. This program is seeking food entrepreneurs who have recently launched and started to sell their products (such as a food truck, catering company, or food product line).Accepted applicants receive a 6-month subscription to LivePlan, the world’s leading business plan writing software. Application deadline is March 9. More information here.
The InnovateMass program provides up to $350,000 in grant funding and technical support to applicant teams deploying new clean energy technologies or innovative combinations of existing technologies with a strong potential for commercialization. Successful applicants will propose projects that address important energy challenges within our four focus areas, help to grow the state’s clean energy economy, and contribute to Massachusetts’ continued clean energy leadership. Applications are due March 9. More information here.
Greentown GOMake 2026: Greentown Labs, Shell, and Technip Energies are seeking startups developing novel catalytic technologies that advance decarbonization and defossilization across the energy and chemical sectors. This program is for startups TRL 3-8 that are developing process technology and catalytic innovations for low-carbon fuels, low-carbon gases, CO2 removal, and sustainable chemical manufacturing. Apply by March 10th. More information here.
MassVentures and MassCEC Catalyst & DICES Grants: This program is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of transforming new ideas from the research stage into commercially viable technologies that attract industry and investor interest. All awardees gain access to a vast network of partners, expert local market and policy insights, and mentoring from MassCEC and MassVentures, while all finalists receive complimentary pitch coaching and business mentoring. Applications are due March 13. More information here.
Blueprint by The Engine™ is designed to help graduate students, postdocs, researchers, and their teams explore the translational potential for their breakthrough research and innovations. This primarily-virtual program runs over the course of 8 weeks with Friday core sessions, midweek chats and office hours, specifically designed for technologists who have been developing a Tough Tech innovation for over 6 months and who plan to pursue it full-time as a startup within the next 12-18 months. Applications are due March 13. More information here.
National Grid is pleased to continue to support its Small Business Impact Initiative, a $500,000 investment in collaboration with ALX, The Asian Business Empowerment Council, the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce. This initiative will award a series of $10,000 grants in 2026 to businesses affiliated with the partnering organizations, aiming to support projects that drive business growth and development. Applications are due March 15. More information here.
TiE Boston’s TiE U is a collegiate pitch competition designed to help student founders turn ideas into market-ready ventures. The program supports entrepreneurs with mentorship, investment readiness, and meaningful connections between academia and industry. Applications are open to startups at any stage, from early ideation to revenue-generating, as long as at least one founder is a student, either currently enrolled or graduated within the past academic year. Shortlisted teams will be invited to pitch at the TiE Boston Regional Pitch Competition on May 2, 2026. The regional winner receives mentorship and the opportunity to represent TiE Boston at the TiE U Global Pitch Competition during the TiE Global Summit. Students can apply through the TiE U application portal now through March 15. More information here.
The Women’s Business Development Council’s Ignite Grant Program, designed to help women-owned businesses grow, is offering grants of up to $10,000 to eligible firms. Connecticut women-owned businesses that have been in operation for two or more years, with annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million, are eligible to apply. Applications are due March 18. More information here.
The LearnLaunch Accelerator Breakthrough to Scale program is a growth-focused accelerator designed for early-stage, mission-driven edtech startups that are ready to scale their impact. The program supports companies across K–12, Higher Education, Workforce Development, and Lifelong Learning, with a strong emphasis on solutions that improve outcomes for learners, educators, and institutions. Applicants should have a working product, along with initial market traction and revenue. The program is best suited for startups that are moving beyond early validation and are focused on building repeatable revenue, strengthening go-to-market strategy, and preparing for the next stage of growth. Applications are due March 20. More information here.
Yes/Boston Innovation Challenge: The Challenge calls for early-stage ventures at the intersection of health access, resilience, and sustainable food systems to accelerate and scale innovative solutions that deliver measurable impact in Boston. Selected ventures will gain access to UpLink’s Innovation Ecosystem and connect with a coalition of collaborators to support them to deploy their solution to address challenges in Boston’s food and health landscape and make a sustainable impact. Applications are due March 23. More information here.
EmPower Massachusetts offers multiple stages of investment in communities and community-based organizations so that they can explore, develop, and implement program models or projects that provide access to the benefits of clean energy for previously underserved populations. Applications are due March 26. More information here.
The EforAll Business Accelerator Trimester 2 is a free, 12-week program offered three times a year. The program delivers immersive business training, peer-to-peer support, mentorship, and access to an extended professional network. Anyone looking to gain increased business confidence, clarity, and connections is encouraged to apply. Applications are due March 26. More information here.
The #StartinFrance program is back for its second edition in 2026! Are you a scientific project leader or proof-of-concept developer based in the USA and eager to explore the dynamic French innovation ecosystem? This program is made for you! Start in France offers a unique training and immersion experience tailored to early-stage scientific talents in innovation. Selected laureates will gain firsthand exposure to France’s expertise and dynamism, while connecting with leading innovation hubs. They will be able to assess France’s attractiveness in terms of innovation and research and identify relevant support programs for their potential development. Applications are due March 31. More information here.
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Tax Incentive Program supports companies engaged in life sciences research and development, commercialization and manufacturing in Massachusetts. The program provides incentives to companies, of all sizes, looking to expand their efforts by creating new, long-term jobs in Massachusetts. Up to $40 million in tax incentives are available for the current program round. Application deadline is March 31. More information here.
gALPHA from Startup Rutland is a free, four-week venture-creation workshop designed to help entrepreneurially minded students and technologists create high-growth startups. Get product ideas, mentorship and one-on-one coaching to develop a high-growth startup company. gALPHA is a program of a nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor. Applications are due March 31. More information here.
Cleantech Open is looking for the world’s most promising startups in the cleantech industry! Do you have an idea that could help solve an environmental or energy challenge? Apply to the 2026 accelerator to gain access to a full business development program that includes expert mentors, investor networking opportunities, industry connections, and a chance to compete regionally and nationally for cash prizes and in-kind services to launch your venture. Applications are due April 6. More information here.
CriticalMass, MassCEC’s latest growth-stage Tech-to-Market program provides up to $1,000,000 in grant funding, specialized services, and partner matchmaking to startup applicants with strong track records of early-stage commercialization and successful demonstration projects. Successful applicants will propose commercial deployment projects that address important decarbonization challenges within MassCEC’s four focus areas, help to grow the state’s clean energy economy, and contribute to Massachusetts’ continued clean energy leadership. Applications are due April 7. More information here.
Aspire Climatetech: Climatetech startups, engage with investor-mentors and prepare to raise capital with Aspire Climatetech! Aspire is a five-week intensive, hybrid program that prepares startups for investor engagement. Investor-mentors work one-on-one with startups to simulate due diligence conversations and integrate feedback into deal room materials in real-time. This program aims to prepare startups to raise equity investment. Apply by April 8, 2026. More information here.
The Auxilium-MBI (Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives) accelerator is a three-month, in-person program supporting early-stage life science and healthcare startups. Companies selected to participate receive a $250,000 investment from Auxilium to support growth beyond early validation. Applications are due April 11. More information here.
DEBUT 2026: With $190,000 in prizes, the DEBUT Challenge is open to undergraduate student teams working on innovative solutions to unmet health and clinical problems. Applications are now being accepted for the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and VentureWell Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge, a competition that recognizes undergraduate excellence in biomedical design and innovation. DEBUT challenges teams of students in undergraduate biomedical education to solve real-world problems in healthcare. Apply by June 5, 2026. More information here.
The EforAll Business Accelerator Trimester 3 is a free, 12-week program offered three times a year. The program delivers immersive business training, peer-to-peer support, mentorship, and access to an extended professional network. Anyone looking to gain increased business confidence, clarity, and connections is encouraged to apply. Applications are due July 16. More information here.
Startup Boston Week – September 14-18: Are you a founder? Do you currently work at a startup? Are you new to the startup scene in Boston or New England? Looking to grow your network? You’re in the right place. Startup Boston Week, is BACK for Year 10. This is THE conference where the entire startup community comes together – all industries, all departments, all company stages. Don’t miss out on your chance to network with the startup community! More information here.
ARPA-E SCALEUP Ready Program: The SCALEUP Program is ARPA-E’s early commercialization program designed to help teams turn their groundbreaking ideas into reality. During the SCALEUP Ready program, ARPA-E experts will provide guidance to awardees as they establish their business model, supply chain, and sales channels. Applications are now accepted on a rolling basis. More information here.
Accelerate Your Impact: Massachusetts Small Business Coaching Program: Boston Impact Initiative (BII) and Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) have partnered to offer entrepreneurs and small business owners coaching and resources to build sustainable and socially impactful businesses. More information here.
FinTech Sandbox is a nonprofit which enables financial technology entrepreneurs to build robust products by providing access to critical data, development tools and a curated network of customers, entirely for free. FinTech Sandbox is open to all startups innovating in financial services that can use financial data products we offer for product development and testing. The spirit of the program is to offer data to start-ups that could not otherwise afford it. More information here.
Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. As one of the largest pre-seed investors in the world, they funded over 3,200 companies that have gone on to have a market cap of $79B+. Each company receives up to $120,000 in funding, and access to the worldwide network of investors, hands-on mentorship, and over $4M of perks. Applications are open year-round and will be considered on a rolling basis. Your application will be valid for 12 months from the date of application. More information here.
Through its 2030 Fund, MassCEC invests at the earliest stages of company development across the climatetech landscape. With a focus on tough tech and underserved sectors, MassCEC investments aim to advance clean technology, fill funding gaps, create green jobs, and leverage private capital throughout the Commonwealth. More information here.
P&G Ventures is an early stage startup studio within Procter & Gamble that partners with entrepreneurs to accelerate billion dollar ideas that improve consumers’ lives. Focus areas include nontoxic home and garden, women’s health, anti-aging, daily wellness, and cleaning/sanitizing. More information here.
IFundWomen Boston is a crowdfunding ecosystem designed to help the women-led startups, small businesses, nonprofits, side hustles, and passion projects of Boston raise funds to launch and grow. Join iFundWomen if you are a Boston-area women-led startup to fundraise for your business and get your ideas launched. More information here.
AmplifyMass supports academic researchers and companies who need cost-share or adders for federal/non federal prime awards. AmplifyMass provides up to $300,000 for academic or company projects pursuing cost-share or adders for federal or non-federal prime awards (such as awards from ARPA-E, NSF, DOE, and USABC), or up to $100,000 for academic projects that are not tied directly to a prime grant. The program supports projects that aim to commercialize or substantially de-risk an innovation that falls within MassCEC’s mission. More information here.
SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, Twilio, and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large so that they will have a more equitable opportunity at scaling the next billion dollar idea. They will also receive lifetime “ask-me-anything” access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams. More information here.
The Innovate413 Accelerator is a five-month, no-equity launch program that helps founders test ideas, find real customers, and raise early funding. Innovate413’s model emphasizes early customer access, providing introductions to more than 100 employers and nonprofits in advanced manufacturing, sustainability, fintech, and adjacent sectors. Startups also receive hands-on AI and product development support through UMass Center for Data Science & AI and PixelEdge, along with structured investor exposure throughout the program. Standout teams may receive up to $10,000 in grant funding. More information here.