Santa Clara University's California Program for Entrepreneurship (CAPE) are accepting applications through May 31 for the sixth session of Santa Clara -- a program for California businesses that is part startup accelerator, part entrepreneur incubator, and part mini-MBA boot camp.

CAPE alumni have successfully launched businesses ranging from an online personal stylist to gourmet hot dogs to elder care, as well as more technology-centric enterprises like an off-grid portable solar power station to engineering consulting firms to mobile apps for retailers.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy," Daniel Aguiar, executive director of Santa Clara University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which created CAPE in 2010, said in a statement. "The goal of CAPE is to help our students develop and launch their good ideas for products or services into thriving businesses."

In its first five years, 141 entrepreneurs have graduated from CAPE, representing 117 ventures. Of those, more than 80 percent are still active and growing or have been sold.

CAPE is supported by more than 150 volunteer mentors, judges, guest speakers and panelists, representing finance, marketing, legal, technology, consumer goods, food service and more.

Candidates must apply for the program and provide an overview of their business idea and the market opportunity. Approximately 40 aspiring entrepreneurs will be selected for the 2015 program, held on seven weekends over six months in June through November. Participants work with business school faculty, coaches and mentors to refine their business plans, financial models, marketing strategies and fundraising efforts. The program culminates with a business plan pitch competition and awards ceremony.

Applications for the 2015 CAPE program are due by May 31, 2015. Applications are available online at https://bit.ly/2015capeapp.