Deadline: 2 February 2024
If you have a manufactured product that will improve lives and create local jobs. Then apply for the Because Accelerator, a business program designed to help entrepreneurs take their innovative products to the next level.
Drawing from what they’ve learned in bringing the own manufactured product—The Shoe That Grows—to market, the Because Accelerator is a business accelerator designed for entrepreneurs in the early- to middle-stages of product development. The startup accelerator program is uniquely focused on increasing your revenue growth trajectory during the cohort and creating a plan for sustained growth beyond. The trainings cover the following concepts:
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Developing a marketing and sales plan
- Revenue ops and pricing strategy
- E-commerce
- Customer service and retention
Upon completion, entrepreneurs will have a written business plan, a polished pitch ready to share with potential investors, progress towards or completion of a next level goal and an opportunity to participate in an annual pitch competition.
Components
This free program has four primary components.
- Training
- A 16-week, online curriculum covers topics common to startups and illustrated by Because International’s experience with the own social enterprise startup, The Shoe That Grows.
- Coaching
- After the first four weeks, select entrepreneurs will be matched with an experienced coach who will mentor them during the program and beyond.
- Networking
- Entrepreneurs network with members of their cohort, alumni of the Because Accelerator and the Because Advisor Network—a group of subject matter experts with connections worldwide.
- Funding
- At the end of the cohort, select entrepreneurs will compete in a pitch event for a cash prize. As a result of this competition, they’ve linked entrepreneurs to over $100k in funding.
Criteria
- Anyone with a socially innovative product is encouraged to apply for the business accelerator.
- They do not work with entrepreneurs in the restaurant, entertainment, education, software, food or service industries.
For more information, visit Because International.