SEED Lab Pre-Accelerator

SEED Lab is Caravanserai’s signature 8-month pre-accelerator designed to empower a new generation of social entrepreneurs who are reimagining the future of their communities. Through a transformative blend of training, mentorship, and capital access, SEED Lab equips early-stage changemakers with the tools they need to build sustainable, mission-driven ventures that create lasting social impact.

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Watch the 2025 Pitch Competition

Eligibility

We are looking for emerging California-based entrepreneurs and ventures that are:

In the pilot or proof-of-concept phase of their entrepreneurial journey
Mission-driven, with a clear commitment to community impact and equity
Innovative, offering fresh solutions to long-standing challenges
Early traction-focused, already engaging with potential customers or beneficiaries
Ready to grow, personally and professionally, in a dynamic and supportive environment
California based

If you’re building a business that tackles a social or environmental challenge—and you’re doing it with heart, courage, and purpose—we want to hear from you.

Tuition

The full program cost is $8,500. Thanks to the support of our partners and donors, full and partial scholarships are available for all admitted fellows. No one should be held back by financial barriers.

Participants Recieve

As a SEED Lab Fellow, you’ll take part in a comprehensive program valued at over $15,000, including:

90+ Hours of Cohort-Based Learning
Interactive virtual and in-person workshops designed around your unique stage of development
Personalized One-on-One Mentorship
Direct support from seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and impact leaders
UC Riverside Extension Certification
9 professional credits and a recognized certificate in social entrepreneurship
Access to Capital Opportunities
Access to potential funding, including micro-grants, investments, and in-kind resources

A Lifelong Network
Join a vibrant community of innovators, mentors, funders, and ecosystem builders who believe in your mission

As a SEED Lab Fellow, you’ll take part in a comprehensive program valued at over $15,000, including:

90+ Hours of Cohort-Based Learning
Interactive virtual and in-person workshops designed around your unique stage of development
Personalized One-on-One Mentorship
Direct support from seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and impact leaders
UC Riverside Extension Certification
9 professional credits and a recognized certificate in social entrepreneurship
Access to Capital Opportunities
Access to potential funding, including micro-grants, investments, and in-kind resources

A Lifelong Network
Join a vibrant community of innovators, mentors, funders, and ecosystem builders who believe in your mission

As a SEED Lab Fellow, you’ll take part in a comprehensive program valued at over $15,000, including:

90+ Hours of Cohort-Based Learning
Interactive virtual and in-person workshops designed around your unique stage of development
Personalized One-on-One Mentorship
Direct support from seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and impact leaders
UC Riverside Extension Certification
9 professional credits and a recognized certificate in social entrepreneurship
Access to Capital Opportunities
Access to potential funding, including micro-grants, investments, and in-kind resources

A Lifelong Network
Join a vibrant community of innovators, mentors, funders, and ecosystem builders who believe in your mission