The Association of International CPAs (AICPA) and its technology arm, CPA.com, are now seeking candidates for their joint startup accelerator program, designed to encourage innovation in accounting and finance.

The accelerator, launched last year, focuses on early-stage companies in two categories: technology and financial information, and professional competency innovation. Companies invited to join have access to the expertise of senior leadership and advisors of the AICPA and CPA.com, and CPA firm leaders and other influencers within the profession; and they qualify for up to $25,000 in funding.

Applications are due Nov. 30, 2018. Selections will be made by early 2019, and the program will last approximately six months. Companies who are chosen will be featured in June at AICPA ENGAGE, the association’s annual conference.

“The Association and CPA.com can offer startups a huge boost to their strategic engagement with the accounting profession,” said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com, in a statement. “And for us, this is a great opportunity to see what disruptive technologies are emerging in accounting and finance.”

The startup accelerator program is open to entrepreneurial companies worldwide. To be eligible, firms should be:

• At seed or pre-Series A stage (with some exceptions);
• Have a working product or service; and
• Focusing on fintech or edtech solutions.

“Our first round of four companies made great progress this past year, sparked innovation in the profession and we’re excited to see what the new applicants will bring,” added Lawson Carmichael, chief operating officer of the AICPA.

For questions about the program, please contact Mark Brooks at mark.brooks@aicpa-cima.com, or Kacee Johnson at kacee.johnson@hq.cpa.com.