The OI!+WEDC Inclusive Accelerator is a one-year program designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses.
The program includes an intensive pedagogical phase where participants are taught a rigorous process of challenging their biases, conducting customer discovery interviews, designing business models, and testing their assumptions with MVPs. Throughout this journey, participants are matched with at least one mentor who provides guidance and support. The program also features two pitch contests, with the final pitch judged by three guest judges evaluating 8-minute presentations that showcase evidence-based decision-making.
Here are some inspiring stories from our latest Final Pitch Contest winners:
Cherie Lee, Cherie Lee Creations, 1st Place Winner
"I was introduced to the Ossining Innovates! Accelerator through colleagues who I first met in my capacity as an artist and educator.
As an emerging artist, I had very little knowledge of my own industry, and with only a 'self-taught' education, I had even less business acumen. Interested in my friend's work, I inquired further, but having never heard of 'lean start-ups', 'pitch decks' or 'business accelerators' before, I frankly glazed over at the answers, failing to understand, and not seeing how it pertained to me (sorry A.L.!).
It wasn't until I was encouraged to participate in what they were calling a "Customer Discovery" course that I started to see the value of this curriculum, not just as a half-curious entrepreneur, but how broadly these skills could be used in everyday life. A handful of weeks later and suddenly I'm using the 'discovery question' format in casual conversations and getting so much more out of them!
The material was engaging and informative, the encouraging community and camaraderie was instantly comfortable and supportive, and what I learned in that short amount of time impressed me and has stuck with me since. I liked the class sessions, I respected my instructors and classmates, and we were all saddened when the course concluded.
Even though I didn't have an actual business concept or product idea in mind, like my fellow class-takers, I was delighted to then learn about the fuller curriculum, and to be invited into the 6th Cohort...where absolutely everything changed.
Most were there to develop their beloved businesses or products, their 'babies', each in their various stages of development. I briefly felt like a fraud among these innovative and passionate originators, being there mostly to learn the skills of start-up entrepreneurship. But class by class, assignment by assignment, my vague "toss-in" idea, originally intended as a classroom exercise, started to actually take shape, and the process of starting a business was demonstrating itself before me, through the very act of acting it out.
The lessons shared, the guidance offered, the give-and-take collaboration and the critical mentorship became the tools which forged a powerful mission, soon to become a 501(c)3 campaign for social change. The best part? I have this mighty team for life now, supporting (and pushing!) me all the way. The course will end, but the Ossining Innovates! instructors, mentors and cohorts continue to want to help make our ideas happen. They believe in the ability to implement this knowledge successfully.
I can't help but believe it, too."
Elizabeth Naughton
ARtivate Studios, 2nd Place Winner
"After being laid off from a fintech startup, I was consulting and exploring new opportunities. I originally registered for the business idea bootcamp (which ended up being cancelled), and at the last minute just before the application deadline, I decided to go for it and applied to the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Accelerator. I've always wanted to have my business, and OI felt like the perfect fit at the right time. It was a lot of work, but definitely worth it—the structure, deadlines, mentoring, and lessons have been invaluable in helping to define my business and guiding my next steps. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity!
My business idea is for sentimental gift-givers seeking unique and memorable gifts. ARtivate Studio brings ordinary products to life with augmented reality, enabling fun, interactive experiences.
The initial plan is to offer my AR products on Etsy and print-on-demand platforms (Society6, Red Bubble), then launch a website with a curated collection and eventually develop a platform for mass customization and co-creation. I recently created a series of AR-enhanced postcards featuring Montauk. My next AR-enhanced products will be calendars and holiday ornaments. I'm excited to share the magic of AR and help others create meaningful, unforgettable experiences."
YOlanda Shinault
LLEGOO Project, Tied for 3rd Place
"Before the OI Accelerator, I was trying to find my way after completing another entrepreneur cohort. I laid the groundwork in the previous program but wasn't sure how to expound upon what I'd learned to get to the launching phase. OI gave me EXACTLY what I needed to proceed and build my confidence along the way. It gave greater understanding and clarity to what I'd learned that I could begin to apply it.
The LLEGOO House Project is a three-phase project for young moms ages 15-25 in Yonkers, and we are preparing to launch in fall 2024 with:
Phase 1: LLEGOO Mommy Mentoring Program, a weekly mentoring group for young moms aged 15-25, where we provide unwavering support, education, and empowerment to young mothers in Yonkers. Embracing the belief when a young mom has a baby, 'A new reason for her to live just came alive!' We aim to create a nurturing environment where young mothers can access the resources, guidance, and community they need to thrive.
Phase 2: (Fall 2025) Mommy'Preneur' adds basic entrepreneur skills to the weekly session to help open young moms' minds to the possibilities of being future CEOs!
Phase 3: (By 2027) LLEGOO House, a comprehensive 3-5 year housing and development program for teen moms aged 15-19 in Yonkers."
Janira Hernandez
Lily Bottle, Tied for 3rd Place
"Before joining the OI accelerator, I was in the early stages of developing Lily Bottle. I was seeking a program that could provide me with the mentorship, resources, and network necessary to bring my innovative baby bottle design to life. The OI accelerator stood out due to its focus on supporting minority and female entrepreneurs, and I believed it would be the perfect platform to help me refine and advance my product.
Lily Bottle is an innovative baby bottle designed with an integrated cap that prevents spills and contamination, ensuring the bottle remains clean and safe for babies. My journey began during the pandemic when I faced numerous challenges as a new mother. With Lily Bottle, I aim to make feeding time easier and stress-free for parents. Currently, we are in the prototyping phase and seeking funding to move forward with manufacturing and marketing. Our next steps involve finalizing the prototype, securing partnerships, and preparing for a market launch."
These inspiring stories demonstrate the transformative power of the OI!+WEDC Inclusive Accelerator. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur with a new idea or looking to refine your existing business model, this program teaches you to create your own roadmap, while reducing risk, and building a robust network. Join us and take the next step towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams.