Building Cherokee Businesses.
Strengthening Cherokee Futures.
The Cherokee AcceleratHER is a 12-week hybrid fellowship designed to help Cherokee founders launch, grow, and scale venture-ready businesses.
Grounded in culturally rooted entrepreneurship, AcceleratHER combines education, community, coaching,
and capital access to help founders turn bold ideas into sustainable ventures by expanding access to opportunity and closing gaps in entrepreneurship.
Selected Fellows receive a $10,000 non-dilutive seed grant from the Cherokee Nation, plus business coaching, investor and ecosystem connections, and a powerful peer network - all without giving up ownership or equity.
Fellows leave with clear strategies, real traction, and strong pathways to funding, customers, and long-term growth - helping drive inclusive economic impact across Oklahoma and beyond.
The Cherokee AcceleratHER is a 12-week hybrid fellowship designed to help Cherokee founders
launch, grow, and scale venture-ready businesses.
Grounded in culturally rooted entrepreneurship, AcceleratHER combines education, community, coaching,
and capital access to help founders turn bold ideas into sustainable ventures by expanding access to opportunity and closing gaps in entrepreneurship.
Selected Fellows receive a $10,000 non-dilutive seed grant from the Cherokee Nation, plus business coaching, investor and ecosystem connections, and a powerful peer network - all without giving up ownership or equity.
Fellows leave with clear strategies, real traction, and strong pathways to funding, customers, and long-term growth - helping drive inclusive economic impact across Oklahoma and beyond.
Meet the Fall 2026 Cherokee AcceleratHER Fellows
The University of Tulsa and the Cherokee Nation have announced the third cohort of the Cherokee AcceleratHER Fellowship — a 12-week hybrid program helping Cherokee entrepreneurs scale their businesses through mentorship, culturally grounded curriculum, and $10,000 in non-dilutive seed funding.
This fall's cohort welcomes 10 Cherokee-owned businesses spanning industries from wellness to food to construction. The Fellowship runs September through December 2026 and culminates in a live Showcase in Tulsa on December 4, where Fellows will pitch their ventures to mentors, funders, and the community.
Since launching in 2023, AcceleratHER has awarded $250,000 in seed grants and supported founders across 32 states — earning national recognition from USA Today, Ms. Magazine, and Tribal Business News along the way.
Autumn Engel
Engel Decon
Danielle Williams
EmpathyEd
Dr. Tamecca Rogers
CareerVibes
Hannah Weilert
Labrynto Pilates
Heather Calloway
Endangered Collections
Kelly Rowlett
Barrister's Mark, LLC
Kellie Morse (Walkingstick)
The Clayground
Monica Lewis
The Caring Crumb Co.
Ruth Ann Reagan
Reagan Strategic Solutions
Whitney Virden
Roots + BlBloom-By Bakery & Cafeooms
Save the Date
The Fall 2026 Cherokee AcceleratHER Showcase
This is the culminating week of the Fellowship — where Fellows step into the spotlight. Fellows will present their businesses at the in-person Showcase in Tulsa, sharing their journey and progress with the AcceleratHER community, mentors, funders, and Cherokee Nation partners.
In the News September 1, 2026
UTulsa and Cherokee Nation announce the third AcceleratHER cohort
“When a program is built to affirm identity rather than set it aside, founders don't just build stronger businesses - they build stronger selves.”
- Lesley Robinson, PhD
Program Director, Cherokee AcceleratHER
“Native American women often face unique challenges within the business community, including systemic disparities and lack of resources. We stand ready to change that statistic by providing a supportive platform for these talented entrepreneurs."
– Kathy Taylor, program sponsor and Former Dean of UTulsa’s Collins
College of Business
– Kathy Taylor, program sponsor and Former Dean of UTulsa’s Collins College of Business
“As we continually explore new ways to further the success of the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma, our tribe stands at the forefront of supporting small family-owned businesses and creating quality jobs within our tribal communities. Native American women represent the lowest rates of business entrepreneurship across all groups. This fellowship is an excellent means of beginning to address such an unacceptable statistic, while also pursuing the longtime mission of the tribe and its businesses of investing in the success of every Cherokee citizen.”
– Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Principal Chief
Get involved
Interested in becoming a sponsor or mentor?
Send us an email!
accelerather@emboldeneducation.org
Cohort 4 Interest List
Interested in becoming a sponsor or mentor? Send us an email!
“AcceleratHER starts with the founder first. This next cohort is intentionally designed to center the voices, journeys, and impact of each founder. We’re building more than businesses - we’re cultivating a community where founders support one another, grow together, and lead with purpose. That’s where real, lasting impact begins.”
- Lesley Robinson, PhD
Director, Cherokee AcceleratHER
Founder & CEO, Embolden Education
