Accelerate 2025The Cleveland Leadership Center’s 12^th annual Accelerate: Citizens Make Change 2026, a civic pitch competition sponsored by Citizens Bank, gives participants a chance to win seed money to launch their business concepts.

The pitch competition will take place on Thursday, Feb. 26 at Huntington Convention Center and will be emceed by WKYC Studios morning news anchor Danita Harris.

This year, 35 presenters will pitch 26 unique and innovative ideas—tackling some of the community's most pressing challenges with creativity and determination.

“The 2026 Accelerate cohort represents one of the strongest groups of changemakers in the event's history,” says Cleveland Leadership Center president and CEO Becky Ruppert McMahon. “They bring an extraordinary combination of innovative thinking, unwavering commitment to their communities, and genuine passion for solving Cleveland's most pressing challenges.”

The candidates will pitch their ideas in three categories: Core Accelerate, Technovation Accelerate, and Teen Accelerate.

WKYC Studios' morning news anchor Danita Harris.Core Accelerate
The core Accelerate competition has five categories:

• Arts & Culture
• Climate & Energy Innovation
• Education
• Health & Well-being
• Social Change

The five finalists will also pitch their ideas to audience members, who vote to choose the $5,000 winner. The four runners-up each receive $2,000.

In addition to the cash prizes, all finalists will receive a spot in the 2026 NEO SEA Change Cohort, an accelerator program to help drive the finalists’ businesses forward, as well as a one-year ECDI membership.

Technovation Accelerate
Sponsored by the Cleveland Foundation, Technovation is an optional opportunity for tech-driven ideas for social good in Cuyahoga County to win $3,500.

2025 Technovation winner and AISA School co-founder Amirali Rezaei and friendsAccelerate applicants whose idea includes a technology component can opt in to be considered for Technovation. Applicants may be chosen for one or both of the competitions. A judge panel of community leaders select the Technovation winner, who receives $3,500.

Teen Accelerate
Additionally, the Young Entrepreneur Institute will host 10 high school students who were named finalists and those finalists will pitch ideas for making a difference in their communities.

The grand prize winner will get $1,000 and a mentor, while the runner-up will get $500.
The remaining eight finalists will get $250 each.

For the next month, the 35 presenters will be honing their pitches and preparing to convince attendees and judges that their ideas are worth investment.

“They are actively participating in the Accelerate training sessions to refine their pitches, sharpen their storytelling, and prepare to turn their stage time into real community impact,” observes McMahon. “Their enthusiasm isn't just about winning funding; it's about transforming Northeast Ohio—one bold idea at a time.”

Event details
Accelerate will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 Lakeside Ave E, 44114.

Tickets are $40 for general admission, $25 for students and provides access to the full Accelerate event.

Timeline
4 p.m.: Doors open and networking begins
4:30 p.m.: Category pitches, Teen Accelerate, and Technovation begin
5:45 p.m.: Additional category pitches
7:15 p.m.: Finalist competition and awards ceremony

Networking opportunities take place throughout the evening. Past Accelerate winners will be onsite to share their progress.