Intuit IDEAS 2026 FAQ

General Program Information

When is the application deadline?

Applications open in August 2026. The priority deadline to apply for the 2026 Intuit IDEAS Program is September 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. Click HERE to apply!

What benefits will participants receive?

Participants gain access to Intuit Experts, a year of executive coaching and business advising  from Zella Life, business advising from experienced community partners, hands-on training in Mailchimp, QuickBooks, and TurboTax, networking with Intuit professionals and program alumni, exposure through product presentations and other marketing opportunities, and a personalized IDEAS Growth Plan with clear business milestones.

How much is the cash grant?

Participants receive a $5,000 grant upon successful completion of the program, a meaningful investment in their business growth. Participating businesses may also receive a $1,000 technology grant to support eligible business technology needs.

I would like to support Intuit IDEAS. How can I get involved?

You can support the program by mentoring or providing coaching, partnering as a sponsor or resource provider, volunteering at events, or referring eligible entrepreneurs.

Why is Intuit working with small businesses?

Intuit IDEAS helps small businesses grow and save time through Intuit’s AI-driven products, services, and Intuit Experts, combined with business coaching from experienced community partners and executive coaching from Zella Life. Intuit has worked for small businesses for years and is excited to continue scaling the IDEAS Program.

Application Eligibility

What kinds of businesses are eligible to apply?

The program is open to registered small businesses operating in one of the eligible program markets and military veteran/military spouse owned businesses nationwide. Businesses should have an active customer base and a desire to grow. Current Intuit employees, including contractors and experts are not eligible for the IDEAS Program.

What are the program markets for 2026?

The 2026 program markets are Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; New York City, NY; Philadelphia, PA; San Diego, CA; and West Virginia. Entrepreneurs should live within a ~40mile radius of the selected metro area to attend in-person events. Military veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs nationwide are eligible to apply for a special virtual cohort of military entrepreneurs.

Los Angeles, CA will be supported through a separate, dedicated cohort with its own application. Please fill out the interest form to be first to know when that application opens at the end of August.

Is there a separate program for Los Angeles-based businesses?

Yes. We're finalizing a dedicated LA cohort focused on growth opportunities tied to major upcoming events in the city. It has its own application, which will go out by the end of August. Fill out the interest form to be notified as soon as it opens.

How can military veterans and/or military spouse entrepreneurs apply?

Military veteran and/or military spouse entrepreneurs can indicate their experience and select the virtual military cohort in the application.

How mature does my business need to be?

Ideal applicants have at least one year in operation.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of team members?

Smaller teams of 1-9 employees have performed best in the program, but we encourage applications from a range of companies.

Can I apply with multiple businesses in the same cycle?

Entrepreneurs may submit one application each program cycle.

Can nonprofits apply?

Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to participate in the Intuit IDEAS Program.

In what language should my application be submitted?

All applications must be completed in English.

What happens if I submit after the deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The application form will close automatically when the deadline passes.

Can my business reapply next year?

Yes. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply in future cycles.

Can I apply if my business serves customers outside the U.S.?

Yes, as long as your business is physically located and operating in an eligible U.S. program market or is run by a military veteran or military spouse. Businesses cannot have foreign bank accounts or record transactions in foreign currency or cryptocurrency.

Can I apply if my business is a C Corporation?

Intuit’s business tax and accounting software is best suited for companies organized differently from C Corporations. S Corporations, Partnerships, and other entities will get the most out of the program. C Corporations are not eligible for the Intuit IDEAS program at this time.

What if I do not live in one of the eligible program markets?

Entrepreneurs in the eligible program markets for the 2026 program are encouraged to apply. Military veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs nationwide may also apply. If you are interested in the program but are not eligible this cycle, please join the mailing list for future program updates.

Do I have to use Intuit products to apply?

You do not have to be a current user of Intuit products to apply. However, selected entrepreneurs will receive FREE product access and training (valued at $10,000+), and final acceptance into the program depends in part on successful completion of QuickBooks onboarding and compatibility with program resources.

Eligibility concerns that may disqualify applicants from onboarding

• Businesses with an overly complex Chart of Accounts (>300 accounts, >3 subaccount levels).
• Businesses engaged in real estate activities maintaining more than three properties in one QuickBooks Online file.

• Businesses with more than one business reported in one QuickBooks Online file.

• Businesses who are unwilling or unable to provide pertinent documentation as requested by QBK (such as bank statements, credit card statements, and so on).

• Businesses who have not completed an accurate data conversion from QuickBooks Desktop at the time of onboarding.

• Businesses with commingling of personal and business expenses in the same account.

• Businesses who only want their personal accounts managed.
• Businesses who engage in business activities illegal at the federal level.
• Businesses who maintain full accrual accounts.

• Businesses with foreign bank accounts.
• Businesses with accounts using multi-currency (If multi-currency is turned on in settings but NOT in use, we can onboard).
• Accounts in cryptocurrency.
• Businesses with LIFO tracked inventory.
• Investments related to options and futures trading.
• Government and 401(k) industries.
• Factoring Accounts Receivable.
• IOLTA accounts linked to sub-ledgers (client ledgers).

What do QuickBooks Experts not do?

While Experts handle a lot, the following fall outside their scope:

• Enter transactions that aren't captured in bank feeds
• Run payroll, pay payroll taxes, or submit payroll tax filings
• Create invoices or pay bills
• Forecast cash flow or create budgets
• Pay or file sales tax
• Complete or file income tax returns or business taxes (including 1099 guidance)
• Recommend loans or other financing products, or fill out/submit financing applications
• Provide business advisory or consulting services
• Review books with more than 300 accounts in the chart of accounts
• Offer accountant or wholesale billing
• Troubleshoot product issues and errors
• Sign legal or confidentiality agreements
• Provide formal financial statements, audits, or compilations
• Track inventory transactions (reconciliation is permitted)
• Maintain records outside QuickBooks Online (such as Excel registers or depreciation schedules)
• Provide reports to third parties (reports go to clients only)

This is not a complete list.

Application and Acceptance Process

How does the application and acceptance process work?

Participation in the Intuit IDEAS Program is confirmed through a three-phase application, review, and onboarding process. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Applicants must successfully complete each phase before final acceptance is confirmed.

How are my personal information and data used?

By submitting this application and all the personal information provided herein you agree that Intuit may use this information for the purposes of processing your application as well as share this information with any third parties engaged to process the application and provide the services.

What is Phase I?

Phase I is the application phase. Applicants complete and submit the IDEAS Program application by the posted deadline.

What is Phase II?

Phase II is application review and business verification. The program team reviews and scores applications, verifies business information, and reviews compatibility with Intuit products and program resources. This phase may include AI-assisted scoring, expert human review, business information verification, and review of product fit.

What is Phase III?

Phase III is QuickBooks onboarding. Conditionally accepted businesses complete QuickBooks onboarding, including account setup, business data upload, and a meeting with a QuickBooks bookkeeper. Final acceptance depends on successful completion of QuickBooks onboarding and required program setup steps by the deadline.

Will my business be subject to review after acceptance?

Yes. During the program, participating businesses remain subject to ongoing review, alignment with Intuit values, and verification of business information. The program team may request updated information or documentation as needed.

When will applicants be notified if they are selected?

Applicants selected to move forward are expected to receive tentative acceptance notices in early September 2026. Final acceptance is expected to be confirmed in November 2026, after successful completion of QuickBooks onboarding and required set up steps.

Application Guidance

What resources can I use to write an application?

Review the program overview, FAQs, Intuit blogs, webinar recordings, and any application guidance provided by the IDEAS Program team.

What does a strong application look like?

Strong applications show business traction, clear goals, a desire to grow, and the entrepreneur’s willingness to fully engage in the program.

How can I learn more about the program and past participants?

Visit the Intuit IDEAS website and review interviews and stories from past IDEAS participants.

Technical Support

Who can I contact for assistance?

Email ideas@valuespartnerships.com. Once in the program, participants also have access to office hours and dedicated support channels.

Additional Program Logistics

What is the time commitment during the program?

Expect up to 3 hours per week during onboarding and 3-5 hours per month throughout the 12-month program for workshops, coaching, business development, and implementation.

What business data is required to participate?

Entrepreneurs selected to participate in the program will receive complimentary access to Intuit’s AI-powered platform. Providing Intuit experts with confidential access to business financial and marketing information is required to take full advantage of the resources provided in the program. You may be required to confidentially share information including but not limited to past tax returns, business financial statements, business transaction data, and marketing plans.

Is the program virtual, in-person, or hybrid?

The program is mainly virtual, with in-person events in program metro areas.