Accelerate 2027 Application

Accelerate 2027: 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 Saturday, October 31, 2026. 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 2027 is a two-night event:

Thursday, January 28, 2027 - The Prelims

Thursday, February 25, 2027 - The Finals

All selected presenters are required to attend both nights.

All presenters pitch in person at The Prelims. While only Finalists pitch on February 25, all presenters will be recognized on stage.

Presenters receive guidance and training in advance of The Prelims in January. Finalists receive additional support and mentorship leading into The Finals 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: (Required.)

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? (Required.)

Yes

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3. Co-presenter Information

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? (Required.)

Yes

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5. How did you hear about Accelerate? (Required.)

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)

Question Title

* 1. Please provide the following: (Required.)

Question Title

* 2. Do you have a co-presenter? (Required.)

Question Title

* 3. Co-presenter Information

Question Title

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

Question Title

* 5. How did you hear about Accelerate? (Required.)

1. Please provide the following: (Required.)

2. Do you have a co-presenter? (Required.)

3. Co-presenter Information

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

5. How did you hear about Accelerate? (Required.)