Accelerating Sales.
Program Overview
EIF Catalyst is a 12-week remote program to help EdTech and workforce companies move from early traction to systematic scalability. Led by product-market fit (PMF) and founder-led sales expert Rob Snyder, the program guides founders through the process of:
- Refining PMF
- Building repeatable sales strategies
- Developing effective go-to-market tactics
- Scaling impact
Why EIF Catalyst?
Many founders are ready to accelerate and develop a repeatable sales engine after initial PMF—juggling founder-led sales and lacking a formal, scalable process. EIF Catalyst helps founders tackle this challenge through:
- Hands-on sales expertise—Work with a seasoned sales leader to build your playbook
- Targeted mentorship—Get guidance from (directly matched) industry experts
- Investment capital—Receive flexible funding (up to $250,000) to power your next stage of growth
We seek ambitious U.S.-based EdTech entrepreneurs building companies that deliver positive outcomes for underserved learners, with a focus on postsecondary and career success. If you have a proven solution—whether that proof is revenue (typically $100,000–$500,000 in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)) or a strong base of engaged users—and you’re ready to develop a systematic, repeatable sales approach, apply to EIF Catalyst today and unlock your next level of growth.
What You'll Build
By the end of EIF Catalyst, you'll develop:
- A strategic Sales Engine—Build a compelling go-to-market strategy and streamlined acquisition process that moves beyond founder-led sales.
- Data-Driven Growth Framework—Implement metrics and analytics to measure progress and optimize your sales approach.
- Strong Network and Relationships—Connect with like-minded founders and industry mentors while building authentic customer relationships that drive lasting impact.
Program Structure
Over 12 weeks, participants receive guidance in five core areas:
- Market understanding and customer discovery
- Value proposition and strategic positioning
- Customer engagement and relationship building
- Closing deals
- Growth strategy development
The program delivers results through a combination of structured learning and practical application:
- Group learning sessions with our founder-led sales and PMF expert, Rob Snyder.
- Individual sessions with Rob Snyder and the EIF team for hands-on implementation guidance to transform insights into action.
- Regular mentorship meetings customized to address your specific challenges.
Who We're Looking For
EIF Catalyst is designed for early-stage companies that have established initial PMF but need help scaling sales. Our ideal candidates have:
- Founder-led sales—The founder is currently managing sales and wants to build a repeatable playbook.
- A product in the market—Some paying customers or an actively engaged user base proving market need.
- Revenue or traction—Typically generating $100,000–$500,000 in ARR (though this can vary for each company).
If you’re at the stage where you can show clear market demand but need a structured path to grow your sales organization, EIF Catalyst is for you.
Terms
We offer flexible, founder-friendly investment structures:
- If you're currently fundraising, we’ll review your existing investment documents and match those terms if we join your round.
- If you're not fundraising, we provide up to $250,000 in the form of a convertible note.
Apply Today
Ready to find your true PMF and master your sales strategy?
- Applications Close: June 15, 2025
- Program Start: Mid-August 2025
Contact
Questions? Schedule a call during office hours here or email Danny Bolling, program manager, at dbolling@ecmc.org.
FAQs
What is the Education Impact Fund
The Education Impact Fund (EIF) is a $250 million evergreen venture capital fund investing in early- and growth-stage companies—and other impact-focused funds—that remove barriers to quality education and improve outcomes for underserved learners and workers.
Our vision is to transform America’s postsecondary and workforce ecosystem by investing in innovative companies and collaborating with institutions, employers and communities. With 6 in 10 Americans holding credentials below a bachelor’s degree and roughly 40% of recent college grads underemployed, there’s a massive opportunity to disrupt the $1 trillion U.S. education and workforce training space. Learn more about EIF here.
What stage of startups do you accept?
We look for postsecondary and workforce development companies with proven market need, seeking to build a scalable sales engine.
Where can startups be located?
We accept applications from U.S.-based startups only. Your primary market focus must remain in the U.S. during the program.
Who qualifies to apply?
Companies that are aligned with our mission, generate at least $100,000 in Annual Recurring Revenue or show strong engagement metrics, and are committed to building a repeatable sales playbook qualify to apply to EIF Catalyst.
What are the investments terms?
We invest up to $250,000. If you’re raising, we’ll join your round on your current terms; if you’re not, we use a convertible note. No equity is taken upfront.
Will you invest under the same terms as our current investors?
Yes. If you're in an active round, we'll match the terms of your existing investors.
What do we give up by joining the program?
There’s no tuition fee or board seat requirement. Your commitment is the time to apply, interview and participate in the 12-week program, plus the equity from our investment. You will receive hands-on sales support, mentorship and capital in return.
Does the founder have to attend?
Yes. The founder who leads sales must fully participate in the remote sessions. There are two mandatory in-person events: final round interviews and an end-of-program gathering.
What's the time commitment?
This is a full-time program integrated into your daily operations. Expect to maintain your regular work while adding biweekly learning sessions, weekly mentor and team meetings, sales call teardowns and periodic check-ins.
How is the program structured?
Over 12 weeks, you’ll join:
- Biweekly learning sessions with our content partner
- Weekly one-on-one meetings with our content partner
- Weekly sales call teardowns
- Weekly one-on-one meetings with the EIF team
- Four mentor sessions with matched experts
- Optional office hours for additional support