Accelerate 2026 Application

Accelerate 2026: Citizens Make Change, presented in partnership with Citizens

Please answer the following questions regarding your idea. All answers must be 250 words or less.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025.

To be eligible for selection, proposed ideas cannot be affiliated with an established organization or business (LLC/501c). Initiatives proposed on behalf of an organization or business will not be considered.

Accelerate 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026. If selected, you will be expected to present in person that night during the event.

Presenters selected will receive support and training to be ready to pitch at the main event in February.

To learn more about Accelerate, the application/selection process, and what to expect if you are selected, please review the Application Guidebook.

Questions? Contact Angela O'Donnell at (216) 965-9640 or aodonnell@cleveleads.org.

Question Title

* 1. Please provide the following:

Salutation (Mr., Ms., Dr. Rev., etc..) *

First Name:

Last name: *

Employer (if applicable):

Address: *

City/Town: *

State: *

ZIP:

Preferred Email Address: *

Mobile Number: *

Question Title

* 2. Do you have a co-presenter?

Yes

Question Title

* 3. Co-presenter Information

Salutation (Mr., Ms., Dr. Rev., etc..)

First Name:

Last Name:

Employer (if applicable):

Address:

City/Town:

State:

ZIP:

Preferred Email Address:

Mobile Number:

Question Title

* 4. Have you (or your co-presenter if applicable) applied to pitch at previous Accelerate events?

Yes

Question Title

* 5. How did you hear about Accelerate?

Previously attended the event

From a friend/colleague/family member

Cleveland Leadership Center Website

Social Media

Cleveland Leadership Center Email

Through a partner organization (Citizens, other host or sponsor)

From a past Accelerate presenter

Radio or Digital Promotion

Other (please specify)