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Accelerating Sales.
Amplifying Impact.

EIF Catalyst

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.

The next application window will open in the fall of 2025.

What You'll Build

By the end of EIF Catalyst, you'll develop:

  1. A strategic Sales Engine—Build a compelling go-to-market strategy and streamlined acquisition process that moves beyond founder-led sales.
  2. Data-Driven Growth Framework—Implement metrics and analytics to measure progress and optimize your sales approach.
  3. 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:

  1. Market understanding and customer discovery
  2. Value proposition and strategic positioning
  3. Customer engagement and relationship building
  4. Closing deals
  5. 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:

  1. If you're currently fundraising, we’ll review your existing investment documents and match those terms if we join your round.
  2. If you're not fundraising, we provide up to $250,000 in the form of a convertible note.

Contact

Questions? Schedule a call during office hours here or email Danny Bolling, program manager, at dbolling@ecmc.org.

FAQs