Intuit Inc., the global financial technology platform behind TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, has announced the national expansion of its IDEAS (Invest, Develop, Empower, Accelerate, and Scale) accelerator program. This initiative, in partnership with the National Urban League, is now accepting applications from small business owners in nine U.S. cities and a nationwide cohort exclusively for veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs.
The IDEAS program, which initially launched in Los Angeles before expanding to Atlanta and Philadelphia, has demonstrated significant success. Participants reported an average revenue increase of 23% and saved 16.5 hours monthly, thanks to access to Intuit's AI-driven products and expert coaching from the National Urban League and Zella Life.
David Graham, Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Intuit, highlighted the program's impact, stating, 'This unique and innovative business accelerator has helped small business owners take their companies to new heights.' The expansion aims to support an additional 250 small business owners across Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New Orleans, New York City, and San Diego, alongside a dedicated cohort for military veterans and spouses.
Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, emphasized the program's role in addressing challenges faced by small businesses, such as limited funding and access to capital. The collaboration leverages Intuit's technology and the National Urban League's century-long experience in supporting small businesses to create meaningful change.
Participants in the IDEAS program gain complimentary access to Intuit's financial technology platform, including TurboTax, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and Credit Karma, supported by platform experts. Additionally, they receive business and executive coaching, a technology grant for hardware needs, and a cash grant upon completing the 12-month program to further business growth.
Emilio Daniel Vasquez, CEO and founder of Coffee Cart Boys and an inaugural cohort member, shared how the program transformed his entrepreneurial journey, enabling him to overcome impostor syndrome and achieve significant business growth.
The application for the Intuit IDEAS program is now open, with a deadline of July 21, 2025, for interested business owners in the selected cities and veteran or military spouse entrepreneurs nationwide.
