Deadline: 20 July 2024
Jointly promoted and managed by the BRIDGE-BS and DOORS projects, the Black Sea Accelerator (BSA) is a comprehensive initiative designed to foster the development of innovative blue economy projects aimed at sustainable growth in the Black Sea region.
The BSA offers a range of targeted activities, including training sessions, workshops, and expert discussions, all geared towards supporting blue economy innovators. Selected participants receive free assistance to scale up their business ideas and gain access to valuable funding and investment opportunities.
The accelerator supports the scaling up of sustainable businesses operating in the Blue Economy across the Black Sea by offering services to strengthen market analysis, pitching capacity and matchmaking opportunities with funding and investments.
Aim
- The aim is to transform science into future business opportunities to provide services and support initiatives to achieve BRIDGE-BS’s goals of fostering a sustainable, innovative and circular blue economy.
Program Sectors
- Ocean Observation and Monitoring
- Ports, Transport, and Logistics
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Practices
- Tourism and Recreational Activities
- Blue Biotech and Related Products
- Sustainable and Renewable Marine Energy
- Nature-based Solutions and Services
Why you should join?
- Mentoring and Support: Mentoring and support will empower you with personalized guidance and assistance by enabling to identify and leverage your strengths to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
- Stronger Network: Participating in the accelerator program allows you to connect with a diverse and influential network of entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and potential partners within the Black Sea region.
- Actual Feedback: Actual feedback from customers and users across the Black Sea will help you to understand market needs, refining your product or service, and making informed decisions to enhance its value and appeal.
- Idea Validation: You will have the opportunity to validate your business idea by testing your idea’s viability, market demand, competitive landscape, and potential profitability.
- Skill Development: Support in developing the essential skills will secure a convincing startup or funding pitch to effectively communicate the value proposition of your venture, increasing your chances of success.
- Maximize the Potential: By actively engaging with the program resources and making the most of the support provided, you can maximize the potential outcomes and benefits of your entrepreneurial journey.
What support do they offer?
- Expert Support: The accelerator provides comprehensive support to applicants through expert consultants who specialize in various areas. These consultants offer assistance in market analysis, identifying areas for improvement, and providing tailored advice to individual applicants. This ensures that applicants receive personalized support to enhance their technologies or services.
- Financing and Investment Facilitation: To aid applicants in securing financing and investments, the accelerator conducts “investors pitching” training sessions in groups. These sessions equip applicants with the necessary skills to effectively present their ideas and attract potential investors. Additionally, the accelerator offers assistance in accessing finance, providing guidance on funding opportunities and connecting applicants with relevant financial resources.
- Start-up Support: For applicants with promising ventures, the accelerator offers valuable business mentoring support. This includes one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights and help refine their business strategies. This support can be provided directly by the accelerator or in collaboration with other initiatives to provide a holistic mentoring experience.
- Market Access Assistance: The accelerator aims to expand the reach of applicants beyond the Black Sea region. For non-Black Sea applicants, the accelerator offers support to connect with local potential partners who are interested in their proposed technologies or services. This support includes covering field trips and organizing meetings to facilitate meaningful collaborations and market entry.
Who can benefit from it?
- The main target is Black Sea-based eligible organizations such as companies, start-ups, organizations, and universities, but the program also welcomes non-regional applicants interested in extending their solutions in the region.
For more information, visit BRIDGE-BS.
