Program Eligibility & FAQ

​1. Do you support both for-profit and non-profit entrepreneurs?

Yes! The program is open to both for-profit and non-profit entrepreneurs.

2. How big is each cohort?

We operate cohorts composed of a mix of 6 to 8 for-profit and non-profit companies.

3. What stage of company does FS6 support? 

FS6 supports early-stage companies. For nonprofits, that typically means that you are within 3-5 years of formation. For for-profits, that means seed or pre-seed stages of growth, with some sort of revenue, product in market, or significant proof of concept. In rare cases, we may work with pre-revenue companies.

The materials requested in the Stage I application (which you can request via our online intake form) will help us to determine if you are at the right stage to apply.

4. Who is eligible to take part in a cohort from each participating entity?

This program is explicitly focused on supporting the primary leader of the company, typically the CEO.  If accepted, the CEO, or another delegate of the company who has a job title and responsibilities similar to a CEO, must participate in all program sessions. At the discretion of FS6, a secondary C-suite executive may be invited to participate to support the CEO in the program.

5. How will I know if I qualify to apply to an FS6 program?

The Stage I Application (which you can request through the website intake form) will help us determine whether you are qualified to submit the more extensive Stage II Application.

The Stage I application should only take about 10 minutes to fill out and is designed to save applicants time by determining the high-level stage-gates for qualification such as stage of growth and any applicable programmatic focus.

6. How will I know if my Stage I Application qualifies me to submit to the next round of the application process?

Once we receive your information, FS6 will be in touch if you are qualified to move on to the next round of applications.

7. What does it cost to apply to an FS6 program?

There are no costs associated with applying for FS6 programming.

8. What is the cost of participation in an FS6 program?

See FSQ #10 for details about the Business Accelerator Program. For more information on our C-Suite Support services and pricing, visit the program page here.

9. What if I have more questions about my application?

FS6 will host informational webinars throughout each application season. Webinar dates will be announced in our newsletter and via email to anyone who has submitted an application. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide feedback on individual applications.

10. What is the cost of participation in the FS6 Business Accelerator?

Through the generous support of our funding partners, we are able to offer the FS6 Business Accelerator to non-profits  at no-charge, while for-profit companies are required to make a 1.5% equity contribution. All participants are asked to cover travel and lodging expenses, if applicable.

NOTE: Due to travel restrictions and COVID-19, all current FS6 programs are digital and do not require travel for participation.

11. Does FS6 offer funding to their cohort? Does FS6 take equity stake in companies?

For-profit companies that are selected to participate in the core program will pay 1.5% in equity to FS6 upon acceptance to the accelerator program. In addition, thanks to a partnership with investment fund 1st Course Capital, eligible* participants will receive a $25k SAFE note upon successfully completing the initial program.

Non-profit organizations are accepted into the program at no cost and are invited to join the FS6 Portfolio at the conclusion after the program.

12. Is there an investment or grant available for non-profits?

​At this time, we are able to offer the program at no charge to non-profits but are not able to offer a participation grant. Our goal is to offer a stipend to support participation for non-profits and we are currently fundraising to activate this benefit.

13. How is the accelerator structured?​

The FS6 Accelerator Program is a non-residential program designed to support the development of a more just, healthy, and sustainable food system. Program length may vary, however, it typically ranges from 10-16 weeks. The specific dates and details of each cohort will be provided during the open call for applicants each season and can be found here. The CEO must be present at any in-person or group learning sessions.

All FS6 Programs are collaborative in nature, and the group sessions are designed to work on elements of the startup process that are broadly useful to all cohort members. In addition, our goal is to create a community of entrepreneurs who can help each other in their long and challenging journeys.

NOTE: Due to travel restrictions and COVID-19, all current FS6 programs are digital and do not require travel for participation.

14. When can I apply for the next cohort?

Applications for Cohort 7 closed on March 5th, 2021. To be notified when selection opens for Cohort 8, follow our newsletter.

15. Will you work with non-US based entrepreneurs?

FS6 sources entrepreneurs and their innovations from all over the US and all over the world. For the core Business Accelerator Program, we support international companies when they are working on US market entry, as this is where our greatest breadth of knowledge lies.

If you are an international organization looking to be part of the FS6 community, but are not ready for expansion into the US, you can follow our newsletter for information about additional programming.

16. Do applicants need to be US citizens?

No, though you do need to be able to participate in the on-site portions of the program.

17. What happens after a company completes the program?

All entrepreneurs that successfully complete the accelerator program are invited to join the FS6 Portfolio. Each portfolio member receives quarterly calls with our team, access to the FS6 peer network, and discounts on services and workshops. FS6 is committed to actively advocating on behalf of our portfolio across our community of stakeholders over the long term.

18. What are the terms of the $25k investment that is being offered by 1st Course Capital?

1st Course Capital (https://www.1cc.vc) will offer each eligible company a SAFE note to convert in the company’s next priced round equity financing. To be made eligible for investment, the company must participate and successfully complete the accelerator program and they must be incorporated as either a US domiciled C-Corp or S-Corp.

The offer of investment is made available following completion of the program and will be open until 60 days later. ​1CC reserves the right to determine final terms and eligibility for the SAFE investment.

19. Which types of for-profit companies are eligible for the $25k SAFE note? 

The 1st Course Capital investment is only available to for-profit companies that are incorporated as either a US C-Corp or S-Corp. 

20. If a foreign company or an LLC is accepted into the accelerator program, will they be eligible for the 1st Course Capital investment? 

Companies may become eligible for the investment if they change their corporate structure to a type that is eligible prior to the expiration of the 120 day time period following the forum event.