Milestone Makers is a competitive, free 12-week program designed to help early-to-mid-stage entrepreneurs achieve key business milestones. The program provides access to customized mentoring, coaching, training, and resources aimed at accelerating individual growth. Participants are matched with experienced mentors and coaches, and they also benefit from media exposure and recognition.

Fall 2026: The future of innovation is about creating a more sustainable world.

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center‘s Milestone Makers: CleanTech cohort brings together the next generation of founders and innovators who are developing solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. This program is designed for entrepreneurs who believe that building successful businesses and creating positive environmental impact go hand in hand.

Who should apply: Early- to growth-stage founders and operators building ventures across the CleanTech ecosystem, including climate technology, renewable energy, energy storage, sustainable agriculture, food systems, water technology, the circular economy, carbon solutions, sustainable manufacturing, clean mobility, green infrastructure, environmental data, and other innovations driving a more resilient and sustainable future

About Milestone Makers: Milestone Makers selects a small cohort of impact entrepreneurs to receive individualized business mentoring, executive coaching, customized training, and access to world-class experts and resources—all at no cost. The goal is to help founders set, achieve, and celebrate the milestones that accelerate company growth while advancing meaningful environmental and economic impact.

Milestone Makers is more than a program, it’s a proven launchpad for founders building with impact.  

Here’s what our community has achieved:  

• 406 founders served 

• $922M+ raised in capital 

• 54% women founders 

• 77% underrepresented and under-resourced founders 

• 43% international founders 

These numbers reflect more than growth; they reflect access, opportunity, and momentum. If you’re building AI responsibly, you don’t have to do it alone. Applications close July 27. 

In this context, a milestone is a significant goal you aim to achieve in the next 12 weeks, crucial to your business’s growth. These milestones can vary from launching a product to securing funding or expanding into new markets. The program helps you focus on achieving these goals.

Entrepreneurs can express interest in the program through the form on our website. Once you submit your interest, you’ll be invited to complete an application for the current or upcoming cohort. Each cohort has specific focus areas related to SDGs, so be sure to check which goals align with your business. While we accept applications on a rolling basis, you will need to re-apply per cohort.

The program runs in cohorts throughout the year. Once selected, participants will attend virtual onboarding sessions, and the program culminates in a graduation event celebrated with media exposure, including a feature on the Nasdaq’s MarketSite Tower in Times Square.

No, Milestone Makers is completely free to participate in. The program, funded through [partnerships and sponsors], has the goal of creating a “pay-it-forward” community where alumni return to teach, mentor, and nominate future participants.

Participants in Milestone Makers receive:

• Personalized Coaching & Mentoring: One-on-one support from industry leaders and experienced coaches.
• Business Resources: Access to resources tailored to the entrepreneur’s specific needs and business stage.
• Media & Recognition: Opportunities to showcase your business, including media coverage and a graduation celebration on Nasdaq’s Times Square Tower.
• Peer Support: A community of like-minded entrepreneurs to collaborate and grow with.

Each cohort has a competitive application process. Entrepreneurs who are addressing critical global challenges through their businesses and are ready to achieve significant milestones are selected to participate.When considering applications, we look closely at the goal a founder is aiming to achieve over a 12 week period. We also consider the founders closeness and passion for solving the problem they are addressing with their business.

There are several ways to contribute to Milestone Makers:

• Mentor: Share your expertise and mentor participants through their journey.
• Coach: Provide one-on-one coaching to help entrepreneurs prioritize and achieve their goals.
• Nominate
• Become a Sponsor

For more details on these opportunities, contact Colin Mahin at colin.mahin@thecenter.nasdaq.org.

Graduates become part of an exclusive alumni network and are encouraged to “pay it forward” by mentoring, teaching, and nominating future participants. You’ll also have opportunities for continued media exposure and recognition through Nasdaq and other partners.