National Call for Ideas
Anyone. Anywhere. Any Novel Idea.
Got a spark of an idea you can’t stop thinking about? We're here to help you take that first step.
This national call is open to anyone in the U.S. with a novel idea—no business plan, no pitch deck, no startup experience required.
Our experienced team of successful founders has helped thousands of people bring their ideas to life.
This is your sign to take that idea and bring it to life!
See below for details on how this opportunity works.
If you’re ready to take the next step, apply now!
Want to learn more? Join our informational webinar on Wednesday, July 9th at 12:30 pm EST
No Cost.
No Experience Needed. Just a Spark.
Whether you’re a first-time founder, a student, a parent, a teacher, or someone who simply sees a better way—we want to hear from you.
Ready to get started? Let’s go:
Master the Entrepreneurial Learning Curve
AI-Powered
Use our 24/7 platform to move from idea to real-world experiment to new business launch
Get step-by-step support from expert AI agents trained by successful founders
Accomplished Mentors
Access personalized guidance from seasoned founders who have built successful ventures
Get strategic direction, avoid common mistakes, and move faster with confidence
Open Nationwide
This is a virtual, no-cost opportunity open to anyone in the U.S. 18 years of age or older
Opportunities to apply for non-dilutive funding are available to participants
Two Opportunities to Participate
Join a select group of early-stage innovators in our virtual Idea Accelerator cohort. You’ll be guided by expert coaches, attend biweekly workshops, and get direct support from our Builders + Backers Venture Studio to test and refine your idea.
Structured Cohort Experience
AI-Powered Self-Paced Platform
Prefer to work independently? Our AI-powered platform offers a flexible, supportive experience. With 24/7 smart tools and two expert coaching sessions, you can explore and validate your idea on your own schedule—without going it alone.
No matter which path you take, you’ll:
Access powerful tools, mentorship, and community
Get support turning your idea into action
Be eligible to apply for non-dilutive funding through our Pebble Fund
Key Dates
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July 29th at Midnight EST
Submit before the deadline
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August 28th, 2025
Program begins with orientation
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November 11, 2025
Final presentations and graduation
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August 28th - September 30th
Exclusive access to resources and tools
Dedicated Spots for Mobility Ideas
Through a partnership with Capital One, we’re especially seeking ideas that reimagine how people and goods move.
Mobility isn’t just about transportation—it’s about solving problems at the intersection of tech, transit, and access. From transparency in car buying to the future of mobility jobs, this is your chance to shape what’s next.
Click below to apply for this Mobility opportunity
Dedicated Spots for Alabama Residents
Thanks to the generous support of our Alabama-based partners, we have dedicated spots reserved specifically for residents of the state.
What Our Builders Say:
“Builders + Backers is THE best place to start” - Kathy
"I had no idea what a special tailwind and community this would be for me" - Sarah
“Builders + Backers is THE best place to start” - Kathy "I had no idea what a special tailwind and community this would be for me" - Sarah
"Builders + Backers approach cuts through the noise." - Karen
"The platform really opened my eyes to the true problem to be solved and customers for it." - Ian
"Builders + Backers approach cuts through the noise." - Karen "The platform really opened my eyes to the true problem to be solved and customers for it." - Ian
"This program has been instrumental in helping our startup grow and thrive." - Houston
"My idea went from big and unmanageable, to specific things to do and now a real business!" - Aramis
"This program has been instrumental in helping our startup grow and thrive." - Houston "My idea went from big and unmanageable, to specific things to do and now a real business!" - Aramis
FAQs
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Anyone in the U.S. with a novel idea who is 18 years or older.
You don’t need a business plan, pitch deck, or startup experience — just an entrepreneurial idea and the drive to explore it.
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This program is designed for people at the very earliest stages of an idea. If you have a concept, aren’t sure where to start, or have only just begun, you’re a great fit. The participants who benefit the most are open to holding their ideas loosely — using the tools, mentorship, and feedback to evaluate, refine, and reimagine their concepts. In fact, many ideas evolve significantly (and for the better!) throughout the program.
This opportunity is not ideal for ventures that are already well-defined, fully validated, or in a growth phase.
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All kinds! We welcome applications regardless of the area or industry of the idea. Right now we do have dedicated spots for mobility ideas, which you can read more about at www.buildersandbackers.com/mobility-cohort. But we also welcome any novel idea, in any industry, from anyone.
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Nope. Thanks to our partners, this opportunity is 100% free to selected participants.
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Our team reviews every application in detail. If selected to participate, you’ll be placed into one of two pathways:
Our structured Idea Accelerator cohort with coaching and virtual workshops, or
Our AI-powered platform with self-guided tools and expert support.
We’ll match you to the best path based on your idea and goals.
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All participants in either the Idea Accelerator or users of the AI platform are eligible to apply for Pebble Funds, our capital to support real-world idea testing. Selection of participation is not a guarantee of funding. Funding is provided based on evaluation of the work completed, novelty of the idea and other factors.
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Absolutely! We have dedicated spots for Alabama residents, thanks to our incredible local partners.
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Sort of. Some participants will join a cohort that looks a lot like a traditional accelerator. Others will work independently using our AI tools. It’s all about finding the path that works best for you.
BRINGING ENTREPRENEURIAL DREAMS TO LIFE