TLDR: Intuit has announced the significant national expansion of its IDEAS (Invest, Develop, Empower, Accelerate, and Scale) accelerator program. Now available in nine U.S. cities and featuring a dedicated nationwide cohort for military veterans and spouses, the program offers complimentary access to Intuit’s AI-driven financial tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp, alongside expert business and executive coaching. Building on past successes, where participants saw an average 23% revenue increase, the initiative aims to support an additional 250 small business owners with technology and cash grants, fostering growth and efficiency.
Intuit Inc., the global financial technology platform behind widely used products such as TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, has announced the national expansion of its highly successful IDEAS (Invest, Develop, Empower, Accelerate, and Scale) accelerator program. This significant initiative, launched in partnership with the National Urban League, is now accepting applications from small business owners across nine U.S. cities and a dedicated nationwide cohort for military veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
The IDEAS program, a year-long business accelerator, initially gained traction with successful cohorts in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. Building on this proven model, Intuit is now extending its reach to support an additional 250 small business owners in new locations including Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New Orleans, New York City, and San Diego.
Participants in the program gain complimentary access to Intuit’s comprehensive suite of AI-driven financial technology products, including Mailchimp, TurboTax, QuickBooks, and Credit Karma. This access is complemented by expert business and executive coaching provided by the National Urban League and Zella Life, designed to help entrepreneurs develop robust strategies for growth and operational efficiency. Beyond technology and coaching, the program also provides a technology grant for essential hardware needs and a cash grant upon the conclusion of the 12-month program to further fuel business growth.
The impact of the IDEAS program is evident from its inaugural year, where participants reported an impressive average revenue increase of 23% and saved approximately 16.5 hours monthly, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in fostering small business growth and efficiency.
David Graham, Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Intuit, emphasized the program’s profound effect, stating, “We have seen firsthand how Intuit IDEAS has made a lasting impact on participants, their families, and communities. Unquestionably, this unique and innovative business accelerator has helped small business owners take their companies to new heights.” He added, “We created this program and continue to invest in it because it is an incredible example of our mission and platform coming to life and a proven model of what a small business owner can achieve when they have the products, services, and support they need to not only survive but to thrive.”
Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, underscored the program’s vital role in addressing common challenges faced by small businesses, such as limited funding and access to strategic support. The collaboration leverages Intuit’s technological prowess and the National Urban League’s century-long experience in supporting small businesses to create meaningful and lasting change.
Emilio Daniel Vasquez, CEO and founder of Coffee Cart Boys and an inaugural cohort member, shared a powerful testimonial, stating, “Intuit IDEAS was more than just a program—it transformed my life,” highlighting how it enabled him to overcome impostor syndrome and achieve significant business growth.
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Applications for the Intuit IDEAS program are now open, with a deadline of July 21, 2025, for interested business owners in the selected cities and for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs nationwide. This expansion represents a pivotal opportunity for small businesses to leverage Intuit’s resources and the National Urban League’s expertise for sustainable growth and success.
