Halcyon
DC-based accelerator for social entrepreneurs.
About
Halcyon is a social enterprise accelerator based in Washington DC, providing fellows with 18 months of support, housing, mentorship, and up to $20,000 in no-strings funding.
Halcyon is a distinctive social enterprise accelerator located in Washington, DC, designed specifically for founders committed to creating positive social and environmental impact. The program offers an intensive 78-week support journey that goes beyond typical accelerator models by combining mentorship, housing, and direct funding. Fellows receive up to $20,000 in no-strings funding, meaning founders maintain full equity in their ventures while accessing capital to fuel growth. The program focuses on four critical impact areas: equity, environment, education, and health, making it ideal for social entrepreneurs tackling systemic challenges in these domains. Halcyon's comprehensive support model includes dedicated mentorship from experienced practitioners, a collaborative community of fellow founders, and stable housing during the program period—removing common barriers that early-stage social entrepreneurs face. The 18-month fellowship structure provides sufficient runway for founders to validate ideas, build teams, and achieve meaningful traction. Whether you're pre-seed or early-stage with a mission-driven venture, Halcyon's combination of capital, community, and operational support creates an exceptional environment to scale social impact.
Program Details
Duration
78 weeks
Funding
$20K
Equity
No equity taken
Program Type
Social Enterprise Accelerator
Focus
Social Impact, Equity, Environment, Education, Health
Best For
Early-stage social entrepreneurs and impact-focused founders in equity, environment, education, or health sectors
Focus Areas
Impact Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Halcyon offer startups?
Halcyon provides fellows with an 18-month comprehensive support package including up to $20,000 in no-strings funding, personalized mentorship, housing during the program, and access to a community of impact-focused entrepreneurs. The program is designed to help social enterprises validate their models and achieve meaningful traction.
What types of startups does Halcyon accept?
Halcyon accepts social enterprises and impact-focused startups working in four primary areas: equity, environment, education, and health. The program is ideal for founders building solutions to systemic challenges within these sectors and committed to measurable social or environmental impact.
Does Halcyon provide funding?
Yes, Halcyon provides up to $20,000 in no-strings funding to fellows. This capital comes with zero equity requirements, allowing founders to maintain complete ownership of their ventures while accessing essential early-stage capital.
How do I apply to Halcyon?
Interested founders should visit Halcyon's official website or contact their team directly to learn about current application cycles and requirements. Typically, accelerator applications require information about your team, mission, business model, and the social or environmental problem you're addressing.
Last updated: February 27, 2026