AKRON-CANTON (September 29, 2025) – Across the United States, social entrepreneurs and health tech founders are igniting impact by driving changes in the health of their communities. The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, is inviting business founders to apply for funding from the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™: Akron/Canton.
This accelerator supports entrepreneurs who are transforming the social drivers of health. Thanks to local funding from the Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation, this program will offer training and grant opportunities to local companies focused on addressing health disparities within the Stark and Summit County communities.
“This accelerator is all about ensuring everyone, everywhere has the chance at their longest, healthiest life,” explained Buffy Phillips with the Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation. “The goal of this accelerator is to help local entrepreneurs and organizations who are actively working to improve health outcomes for all of our neighbors in Akron and Canton.”
Applicants will be evaluated based on the strength of their existing business models as well as their potential to impact and improve health at the local level. The finalists will be formally evaluated by the American Heart Association’s professional science health metrics evaluation experts and scored based on a variety of evidence-based criteria including health impact, innovation and scalability. The top finalists will receive training and financial grants of up to $30,000.
“With the knowledge gained in the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator, these local changemakers will be well-suited to take their businesses to the next level in improving health and wellness where they are needed most in our community,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director of the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “We are eager to see the innovative breakthroughs that will come from this experience.”
Business founders interested in applying can do so on the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator: Akron/Canton website.
Final grant recipients will ultimately be selected by an independent panel of judges that includes community leaders and local health professionals by February 2026.
Now in its ninth year, the Business Accelerator has engaged and celebrated the work of more than 160 individuals, non-profits and for-profits, who are developing innovative ways to impact the health of the communities where they live, work and play.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the National American Heart Association’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business AcceleratorTM
The National accelerator program empowers entrepreneurs who are transforming the social drivers of health across the country. Finalists in the national program participate in a six-week intensive, online business training. The core curriculum includes formal instruction in design thinking, customer discovery, market positioning, brand development, fundraising and other essential business functions. These tools help entrepreneurs refine their business models and demonstrate the viability of their solutions. At the conclusion of the program, finalists present their business model and brand stories to a panel of experts from the business, community, and health sectors.
Local accelerators, such as Akron/Canton program, operate as regionally funded spin-offs of the national accelerator program to meet the specific health needs of the community. The local first place finalist gets an automatic spot in the national accelerator, gaining access to broader resources, mentorship, and visibility.
For Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Caldwell; chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
|For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
