In the greater Boston area alone, there are more than 50 accelerators, incubators, and support programs that offer startups co-working space, education, capital, mentorship, networking, and other support. With so many options—and so many differences between them—how should a founder decide which accelerator to apply to? And, more importantly, what can be done in the program to ensure growth actually is accelerated at the end? We talked with four experienced accelerator alumni to find out.

1. Advice from experienced accelerator alumni

3. In the greater Boston area alone, there
are 50+ accelerators, incubators, and
support programs for startups.

5. Some are free.

6. Some are free.
Some take equity.

7. Some are free.
Some take equity.
Some have cohorts of 10.

8. Some are free.
Some take equity.
Some have cohorts of 10.
Some have cohorts of 100.

9. How should a founder choose which
accelerator to apply for?

10. How should a founder choose which
accelerator to apply for?
Once in, how can a founder maximize the
accelerator experience?

11. Here’s what they had to say…

12. “Know what areas your
company is struggling
in, then find an
accelerator that will help
to address those issues.”
– Kathryn Jones
Chief Product Officer, SuperHealos

13. “Choose your mentors
based on what you’re
hoping to gain during
the accelerator.”
– Hanson Grant
Founder and CEO, Think Board

14. “Don’t expect an accelerator
to fix your [business’s]
problem. If you prepare, do
your homework, and are
proactive, you’ll be much
more successful.”
– Yuan Yin
CEO, SuperHealos

15. “When you fail, fail
fast, and learn from
your mistakes. Then
move forward.”
– Bernette Dawson
Founder, Made Organics

16. eak.org/accelerators