Supporting startups and small businesses in underinvested communities looking to attract capital for growth.
Unlock Capital is an accelerator program for startups and high growth businesses focused on raising capital from investors that seek both financial and social returns. Unlock Capital offers education, mentoring, technical assistance, and individualized advisory services to help businesses attract investments and raise capital.
Because of our experience and focus on venture capital and private equity investments, Community Development Venture Capital Alliance (CDVCA) has a deep understanding of what it takes to prepare businesses to raise capital effectively.
Unlock Capital. Invested in Your Growth.
2025 Cohort
Apply now for the 2025 Cohort. Applications close on February 28, 2025.
2024 Cohort
A premier cold chain solutions provider, delivering "Cooling as a Service" through cutting-edge products such as the Solar Cool Cube, Solar Ice Maker, Solar Milk Chiller, Solar Post-Harvest Loss Wash Station and Packhouse, and e-mobility transportation solutions. These innovations ensure the safe and efficient handling of temperature-sensitive goods.
The World's First Pantiless Panty Liner - A Liner Alternative. This innovative product attaches to the person’s body rather than your panties. These ‘pantiless’ liners will keep women fresh and dry while giving protection and comfort all day.
As a dynamic SaaS startup, the platform revolutionizes workforce flexibility with its innovative mobile app, creating a seamless marketplace for employees to find hours and for employers to generate additional hours and revenue.
A comprehensive platform for retailers to generate revenue renting wardrobes in an environmentally conscious way.
Moneyball is the next generation of early-stage private company data. It uses AI to reduce friction between early-stage founders and investors, providing fundraising tools to founders that generate timely and accurate insights for investors. Moneyball enables both sides to make data-informed decisions, connecting with the right people at the right time, reducing risk and improving venture returns.
A medical device and software solution designed to provide advanced analysis of early-stage cancer. Using artificial intelligence models, Pons enhances ultrasound imaging by revealing visual insights that are invisible to conventional devices. This innovative approach supports earlier detection and more accurate diagnosis, offering powerful tools in the fight against cancer.
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Sunflower Fuels partners with fuel and energy companies to address the increasing shortage in U.S.-made energy resources critical to global energy production by offering leased land for carbon capturing crop production coupled with pre-negotiated lease agreements to meet the needs of energy consumers and generate new revenue for land-owners.
SaaS company enabling widespread environmental mitigation efforts using earth-observation, proprietary physics engines, and AI.
VoltX is a fast & efficient electrical vehicle charging company with comfortable park stations.
CarbonMinus empowers enterprises to achieve net zero goals by minimizing energy and resource waste, ensuring sustainability reporting, and complying with regulations.
Gratis Intelligence is revolutionizing the $49 billion consumer sampling market by enabling brands to distribute samples without brand ambassadors, using POS integrations and AI-driven automation to gather real-time consumer data.
Viable Gear has created a solution using seaweed to reduce petroleum-based plastics in the fishing, aquaculture, and agriculture industries that contribute to the ocean plastic problem. Viable Gear's SeaTwine is a seaweed-based bioplastic that is 100% natural, marine degradable, non-toxic, and an alternative to petroleum-based plastics that get into our food system.
EVerlong’s Outlet app connects EV drivers with nearby privately-hosted charging spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Unlock Capital do?
Unlock Capital offers a suite of services, including education, technical assistance, and mentoring for businesses seeking high-level support to attract venture capital and equity financing. The program features industry leaders and experts who provide workshops, webinars and one-on-one mentoring. Services are offered remotely and tailored to individual business needs.
What makes Unlock Capital different from accelerators or incubators?
Rather than providing general business advice, Unlock Capital is laser-focused on helping companies identify and attract risk capital and equity financing to help high growth businesses reach their next stage.
Who is encouraged to apply?
Startups and small businesses located in communities across the United States that are traditionally overlooked by venture capital investors. Businesses with high growth potential that are owned by entrepreneurs facing social and economic disadvantages in securing investments and equity financing are especially welcomed.
Will there be a fee for the services offered through Unlock Capital or will it require giving up equity?
Unlock Capital services are provided free of charge thanks to an award from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Capital Readiness Program. CDVCA has partnered with MBDA to promote access to capital, access to networks, and capacity building efforts for high growth businesses.
When will the services be available and how long will they last?
CDVCA’s National Unlock Capital program typically runs from April to September, barring necessary changes or exceptions. During this span each participating business develops a tailored investment readiness plan, and takes part in a series of cohort activities to address shared growth needs and challenges that are specific to each business.
Can a single person/solo founder apply?
Yes. Solo founders are welcomed to apply, however, Unlock Capital will be of greater benefit to businesses that already have a core team in place and are positioned to scale.
Does CDVCA invest in companies selected by the Unlock Capital program?
CDVCA evaluates businesses for investment potential after they’ve successfully completed the program. During the program, participants are introduced early on to venture capital funds and investors in the CDVCA network.
If we have participated or currently participate in an accelerator/incubator program, can we apply for Unlock Capital?
Yes. Because Unlock Capital is laser-focused on helping founders with their capital raising journey, our services may complement those offered by other programs. You might receive more general business development services from another program and apply to Unlock Capital for assistance in securing investments and growth financing.
Do businesses interested in applying need to be part of a specific industry?
No. Businesses from all industry sectors can apply. However, company’s will need to meet certain eligibility criteria that are related to underinvested geographies and socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
How to apply to Unlock Capital?
Join our mailing list for updates on upcoming cohorts.
The Community Development Venture Capital Alliance (CDVCA) is a 28-year-old organization dedicated to driving economic development in underserved communities through venture capital and equity financing. CDVCA is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that also provides growth capital to businesses in underinvested markets, seeking market-rate financial returns and job creation.
CDVCA manages over $330 million of investments in funds and businesses. With a focus on risk capital, CDVCA works with private investors, state governments and federal agencies to promote economic and community development across the United States. We are currently active in 36 states and territories across the nation and manage a network of over 180 investors.
Meet Our Team
At Unlock Capital, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs like you to take their businesses to new heights. Our program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to attract investment and fuel your growth. Meet our team of dedicated professionals who will guide you on your investment journey.
Ernesto Villarini-Baquero, DBA
Managing Director
Emmanuel Loubriel Carreras,
CPA, CIMA®, Esq.
Senior Program Manager
David Greeter
Program Manager
Maria Roberta Duarte Miranda
Program Administrator
Olivia Al
Venture Associate
Supporting Business with High Growth Potential. Learn. Collaborate. Achieve.
Complete this contact form to submit your questions or request a personal orientation.
For general inquires write to: unlockcapital@cdvca.org
Address
475 Riverside Dr.
Suite 1264
New York, NY 10115