Cherokee AcceleratHER accepting submissions for third cohort

TULSA, Okla. - Cherokee Nation and The University of Tulsa are accepting applications for the Cherokee AcceleratHER Fellowship, empowered by Embolden Education.

The 12-week hybrid program is designed to help Cherokee women launch, grow and scale venture-ready businesses. Applications to join the program's third cohort opened on June 15.

"Now in its third year, the Cherokee AcceleratHER Fellowship continues to prove successful in empowering entrepreneurs, fostering growth and, most importantly, helping Cherokee-owned businesses thrive," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "We are proud to once again be working with such great partners focused specifically on helping Native American women pursue their ambitions of creating, refining and growing businesses of their own."

The collective effort, and its transformative programming, is designed to uplift businesses led by Native American entrepreneurs through comprehensive, founder-first support - from business planning to growth strategy - culminating in the opportunity to pitch their ventures to potential investors, partners and champions of their success.

"This is more than just a business accelerator; it is yet another avenue to provide Cherokee citizens with an opportunity to make their dreams a reality," said Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. "In addition to supporting diversity in the business world and promoting economic growth, this program specifically supports Native American female entrepreneurs and creating role models to help inspire Native girls and women to pursue their own aspirations in business."

The Fall 2026 Fellowship runs from September through December. Selected Fellows receive a $10,000 non-dilutive seed grant from the Cherokee Nation, plus business coaching, investor and ecosystem connections, and a powerful peer network - all without giving up ownership or equity.

The 12-week hybrid accelerator is made possible through the support of The University of Tulsa in collaboration with the Cherokee Nation and dedicated community sponsors. The Fellowship, empowered by Embolden Education, is grounded in culturally rooted entrepreneurship and combines education, community, coaching and capital access to help turn business ideas into sustainable ventures by expanding access to opportunity and closing gaps in entrepreneurship.

Program Highlights

• Duration: 12 weeks (mid-September to mid-December 2026)
• Direct funding: The Cherokee Nation is providing a $10,000 non-dilutive seed grant to each Founder Fellow.
• Format: Hybrid (Online and in-person with showcases held in Tulsa and Tahlequah)
• Participants: 10 selected Founder Fellows
• Curriculum: Customized, founder-focused and business-focused
• Support: Assigned accountability partner plus mentor matching
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with a diverse community of founders, funders and industry experts

A first of its kind in the region, the Cherokee AcceleratHER Fellowship supporting Native American entrepreneurs launched in 2023. The Fellowship was co-created by UTulsa's Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the Cherokee Nation, with foundational support from Kathy Taylor.

Interested applicants can find more information by visiting https://sites.utulsa.edu/cie/accelerather/ or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..