Prosper Women Entrepreneurs (PWE) is accepting applications for women business leaders who want to take their company to the next level of growth and funding. One of the first programs in the country designed exclusively to advance women-led businesses, PWE has now graduated 16 companies and invested nearly $1.5 million in their success.

PWE Startup Accelerator’s selected participants receive:

• $50,000 capital investment (initial)
• Opportunity for up to $100,000 in follow-on funding
• Access to world-renowned mentors, exposure to a network of experts and investors, and a customized curriculum designed to advance business growth and raise follow-on capital
• Alumnae receive continued growth and support through PWE’s partnerships with prosperous executives who are dedicated to helping women-led businesses succeed

The Accelerator culminates on Demo Day, when the entrepreneurs pitch their plan to business leaders, venture capitalists, angel investors and potential clients.

“More than 60% of the companies from our previous investments have received follow-on funding within one year of participation,” said Mary Jo Gorman, MD, MBA, Lead Managing Partner of PWE Startup Accelerator and Founder of Advanced ICU Care. “We hope to provide the same results for more women business leaders from around the country.”

Based in the heart of St. Louis’ innovation district, PWE Startup Accelerator participants commit to being in St. Louis for just 15 days during the three-month program. Relocation is not expected.

The PWE Startup Accelerator is for women-led startup businesses with a focus in technology, healthcare/IT, SaaS, FinTech and consumer products. PWE defines a women-led business as a company with at least one woman in a position of leadership with significant and meaningful equity. PWE defines startups as companies that have a working product and preferably customers.