Frequently Asked Questions

What is Element 46?

Element 46 is an immersive accelerator program that supports founders of early stage startups right here in Westchester County.  By providing founders with access to programming and resources, it helps turn promising startups into thriving businesses, and promotes entrepreneurship and economic development in Westchester County.

Why is it called Element 46?

There are 45 municipalities in Westchester County, and so the County government is the 46th entity. The 46th element of the periodic table of elements is Palladium. Palladium is a catalyst, and our accelerator is a catalyst for startups, so we thought the name was a good fit. We were very fortunate that Julie Cottineau, the brilliant Founder and CEO of BrandTwist, guided us through the branding and naming process for our accelerator. Thank you Julie!

Why did the County launch Element 46?

The goal of the accelerator is to help entrepreneurs turn their startup into a sustainable business, get their products to market faster, increase sales and help them grow.  It aims to attract startups, business talent and investors to Westchester County, and to help provide the valuable skills needed for running a business, with exposure to like-minded individuals.  From these businesses, we hope to create job growth and bring economic stimulation to our communities. By leveraging all that Westchester has to offer -- engagement, expertise, proximity to NYC, technology infrastructure, transportation, investor potential, highly educated talent and more — the accelerator will foster additional economic development in the region through the cultivation of promising startups.

How many people will be accepted?

Up to 10 startups will be admitted.

When do applications open?

Applications for our Spring 2023 cohort will begin being processed in December 2022.

How will the businesses who participate be chosen?

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are short-listed as a finalist for the next round of evaluation, we’ll set up a meeting to review your business and goals. The Discovery Meeting is an interview between the founders of the applicant business together with the program coordinator and advisors.

What’s the term?

The program will run for 3 months.

Is there a guaranteed investment amount with the network?

The program provides programming, mentoring and advisory support.  We do not take equity in your startup or make a direct cash investment into your startup. While we will make attempts to support investor interest in the accelerator's cohort member companies, there is no investment dollar guarantee associated with the program.

What is the role of the Westchester County government?

The program is facilitated by the County in order to bring together the best business minds to create an accelerator.  The County is building connection points between various business leaders and leading the initiative, but not involved in the day-to-day operation or outcomes.

The development of Westchester County is essential to our future growth, and this administration is committed to promoting our business environment.  We’ve carefully selected an outstanding team of experts who are poised to help new businesses in the program grow and flourish.

Will the accelerator own any part of my business if I apply and get accepted?

No.  The network is a facilitator of the programming, the business connections and a supporting function for the entrepreneurial ventures only.

How can I support the Element46 Accelerator and its founders?

Mentorship is a key to successful entrepreneurship, as well as to any great ecosystem – especially at a world-class accelerator. 

Mentors, if selected, contribute through a variety of formats.  Whether it is by leading a dedicated curriculum session, meeting and advising founders as needed throughout the program, or being a lead mentor that meets regularly with founders, there are many ways to get involved for those that are able to give to our growing community.

To learn more about joining as a mentor, click here.
Want to support our program as a service provider? Find more info here.

What happens at the end of the program?

If selected, in addition to our full program of curriculum, curated introductions and meetings, and events, each founder will pitch to the accelerator’s fll network at its Demo Day. The event is an invite-only event, with a special list of attendees based on the needs and goals of participating founders. Among the event attendees are mentors, investors, advisors, potential partners\clients, and our supportive entrepreneurial community and program alumni.   

If you are an investor interested in attending the Demo Day event, or in exploring investment opportunities with our E46 companies, we invite you to apply as a mentor to the program.

Upon completing the program, selected founders will join E46 alumni network, where each founder will meet fellow program founders.  There is also access to dedicated alumni events, programming, and ongoing support.

Need more information? Email us at info@element46.org