FAQs
Who is the Cultivate Venture Accelerator for?
This is an early stage accelerator for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. “Early stage” to us means it is not a startup but has a product, service, or programs and is receiving revenue. We also consider ventures that are more mature but are at a “strategic moment.” This could be a new owner, a senior leadership transition, or another circumstance that has created a “clean slate” opportunity. In those cases we are looking for evidence that the senior leader has the desire and ability to aggressively pivot at the level of strategy.
Cultivate is an “accelerator for the whole city”. We are aggressive and intentional in putting together cohorts that represent the networks and neighborhoods of our city. We are excited to see what happens when ventures of very diverse scale, industry, and leadership come together for the good of a city.
Our process is based on the teachings of Jesus and, particularly, his vision for a future where “all things are made new.” We are seeking entrepreneurs that want to align with that vision for the good of the city.
What is Redemptive Entrepreneurship?
Cultivate is grateful to Praxis Labs for allowing us to utilize their resources regarding the Redemptive Entrepreneurship Framework. The definitions and explanations used by Praxis regrading this framework are insightful and clear so they are the best show of what it means to be a redemptive entrepreneur.
What is the Redemptive Frame?
The Redemptive Frame is the main illustration that is used to demonstrate the shift from exploitative to ethical to redemptive entrepreneurship. Cultivate utilizes this frame to display the restoration integrated across leadership, strategy, and operations in venture creation and ongoing innovation.
How many people from my organization can participate?
Cultivate is primarily for Founders. The founder, CEO, or Executive Director must participate for the venture to be considered. Each venture may apply for a second senior leader to participate alongside the senior leaders. A cohort contains a maximum of 12 ventures and 24 leaders.
What is the time commitment?
Each cohort lasts 9 months. During that time there are 5 full day sessions, two 36 hour retreats on the bookends of the 9 m onths, and a Showcase pitch presentation at the end. Sessions take place in and around Oklahoma City. Additionally, there will be assigned projects throughout our time together. The Cultivate venture accelerator has the rigor and intensity required to make lasting change. It requires priority and sacrifice.
What role do mentors play?
Cultivate is “mentor driven” - meaning the focus is on relationships and the content is primarily delivered by proven practitioners. Our goal for mentors is that they simply “bring who they are.” Each cohort has specific mentors invited for specific purposes. The ask is not open-ended but normally for participation in a panel discussion one time during the 16 week cohort.
What are Cultivators?
Cultivators are alumni, mentors, subject matter experts, and trusted friends that are part of the growing relational network committed to multiplying ventures across our city for the good of our city. All of the mentors and subject matter experts that participate in Cultivate cohorts are first Cultivators. Cultivators are formally invited to connect in that role by simply agreeing to alignment with the Cultivate vision as well as to connect others to the greater Cultivate initiative for our city.
What are the desired outcomes?
Our goal is that entrepreneurs who participate in the Cultivate venture accelerator will experience and commit to:
• Personal commitment to redemptive entrepreneurship
• Ventures that multiply their redemptive impact on Oklahoma City
• Relational integration across the Cultivate community
• A tangible sense of being equipped and encouraged
• A shared vision and vocabulary that is loud and generative in our city
How much does Cultivate cost and will I have access to capital?
There is a one time $3,500 fee for the primary Fellow and a $500 fee for the second participant from any one venture. We estimate the cost of the program to be $25,000 per participant. The majority of the cost is underwritten by sponsors. Cultivate does not ask for any equity in our ventures, nor do we make cash investments in our ventures. For those ventures that are raising capital we assist both with strategy and connection to the investor community.
What makes Cultivate different than other accelerators?
First, Cultivate is proud to play our part in the growing eco-system that nurtures entrepreneurs in our city and state. We also agree that all of our friends in that community share a desire for our efforts to result in a flourishing city and state. Cultivate is committed to promoting redemptive entrepreneurship, based on the teachings and example of Jesus and sharing his hope that all things are being made new. We believe that entrepreneurship can play a special role in promoting that renewal. To that end, the paradigm shifts from promoting self to loving and serving others; from Empire to Shalom; from exit to enter, from success to surrender.
What are the key dates for the 2023-2024 Cultivate Cohort?
September 20th - 22nd, 2023
October 19th, 2023
November 16th, 2023
January 18th, 2024
February 15th, 2024
March 14th, 2024
April 17th-19th, 2024
May 9th, 2024