At Xcelerate Women, we know that the people closest to the work are closest to the solutions. That’s why we’re launching something powerful: our first-ever Community Action Committee — made up of women and gender-expansive business owners who know this journey firsthand.

This isn’t just another committee. It’s a space for real talk, shared purpose, and shaping the future together. We’re bringing together voices that have been building, pivoting, dreaming, and scaling — and now want to help shape what’s next for our broader business community.

‍

What Is the Community Action Committee?

The Xcelerate Community Action Committee is a new owner-led advisory group that will play a key role in keeping our programs responsive, inclusive, and rooted in real experience.

Think of it as a collective braintrust — a space for honest insight, lived wisdom, and creative ideas that help us level up how we show up for our community.

Who It's For

This committee is for you if:

• You’ve participated in a Xcelerate program or service (past or present)
  
  
• You own a business
  
  
• You’re excited to bring your voice, experience, and leadership into a collaborative space
  
  
• You’re available to join four in-person meetings a year (conducted in English)
  
  

We’re especially looking for business owners who bring a mix of perspectives — across industries, business stages, geographies (rural, urban, and everything in between), and lived experiences. We deeply value racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.

‍

What You’ll Do (and What You’ll Gain)

As a Community Action Committee member, you’ll:

• Attend quarterly in-person meetings (starting Fall 2025)
  
  
• Share real-time insights on the challenges and wins you’re seeing in the business community
  
  
• Help shape new and existing programs
  
  
• Be a trusted voice - spotting gaps and helping us level up support for small businesses.
  
  
• Champion Xcelerate’s mission in ways that feel natural and authentic to you
  
  

And here’s what you get in return:

• Visibility and recognition as a leader in our community
  
  
• LinkedIn & resume cred — this is an official advisory role with Xcelerate Women
  
  
• Early access to programs, pilots, and partnership opportunities
  
  
• Leadership training
  
  
• Hands-on experience in advisory work — a great foundation for future nonprofit or board leadership
  
  
• Genuine connection with other powerhouse business owners

‍

What We’re Looking For

We’re building a committee of 6-8 business owners who bring thoughtfulness, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community. Here’s what we’re looking for in future members:

• You’re a champion for your community — and for what Xcelerate stands for. You’ve built something real, and you’re tapped into what other business owners are facing every day. As a committee member, you’ll bring that boots-on-the-ground perspective to the table — spotlighting real needs, surfacing overlooked voices, and helping Xcelerate stay deeply connected to the people we serve.
  
  
• You’re a connector, not just a contributor. You build bridges — between people, ideas, and resources — and you do it with care. You’re tuned in to what’s happening around you and love bringing folks together to solve problems, share knowledge, or spark something new.
  
  
• You’re someone who shows up — with care and consistency. With just four meetings a year, every voice in the room really matters. We’re looking for folks who can make space for this commitment, be present in the conversation, and follow through with intention. Your presence makes the work better — and we want you in the room.
  
  
• You’re open to learning, growing, and contributing as you go. You don’t need previous advisory experience. What matters is your lived experience, your voice, and your desire to help shape a stronger, more inclusive small business ecosystem — together.
  
  

Key Dates

• Applications close: Friday, August 1, 2025
• Notification of selected members: Early August 2025
• First committee meeting (tentative): September 2025 (Exact date TBD)

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re ready to make an impact and want to be considered for the Community Action Committee, fill out a short interest form here:

👉 APPLY TODAY

Have questions or want to nominate someone from the Xcelerate community? Reach out to Community Coordinator, Jennifer Bolanos, at jennifer@xceleratewomen.org.

‍