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A free entrepreneur accelerator program.
Building on what we’ve learned from developing The Shoe That Grows, the Because Accelerator is a business accelerator program designed to help entrepreneurs take their innovative products to the next level.
If you have a manufactured product that will improve lives and create local jobs, this is for you.
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 our own social enterprise, The Shoe That Grows.
Mentoring
After the first four weeks of the cohort, select entrepreneurs will be matched with an experienced mentor who will work with 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, we’ve linked entrepreneurs to over $100k in funding.
Cohort Details
Drawing from what we’ve learned in bringing our 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.
Features
- Entirely free
- Completely digital platform
- 16 week cohort
- 4–6/hr weekly commitment
- Post-cohort support
Important Dates
- Apply by February 9
- Cohort begins March 5
Meet past and present entrepreneurs.
Featured
Support entrepreneurs.
If you’re not an entrepreneur, but still want to be involved with the Because Accelerator, we invite you to support our entrepreneurs in one of two ways.
Hear from accelerator alumni.
“Not a lot of people or a lot of incubator programs come and tell you, ‘I’ve also run this business, and I’ve faced different challenges, so I thought I could help other entrepreneurs like me to go through these challenges that I went through already.’”
JOAN NALUBEGA
Uganics
“Thus far I have taken comfort in the transparency of [the accelerator]. This week I reviewed a case study of Kenton and Andrew's early prototypes, and how on one of their trips their prototype didn't work as expected. This has happened to me, and to be frank, I was ashamed. [They’ve] shown me that [trying and failing]
is a good thing.”
FARAH BRUNACHE
Lagatos
“[The Because Accelerator] is hands on, it’s actually adding value—I can’t stress enough how much of a difference this has made, not just for our organization but for me personally… They’ll challenge you to think differently.”
PAYTON MCGRIFF
Style Her Empowered
Learn more about the Because Accelerator.
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Anyone with a socially innovative product is encouraged to apply for our business accelerator. We do not work with entrepreneurs in the restaurant, entertainment, education, software, food or service industries.
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The Because Accelerator is an entrepreneur accelerator program designed for early- to middle-stage businesses with a manufactured, physical product. Applicants to the accelerator should be prioritizing job creation in communities impacted by poverty and be able to show potential for future impact through a clear vision. Although we've helped entrepreneurs with a range of ideas and at different stages, our business accelerator is best positioned to work with entrepreneurs who have businesses with physical products and have a prototype with proven market attractiveness.
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To join the Because Accelerator, entrepreneurs should apply on the Because International website by the listed deadline.
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The Because Accelerator entrepreneur program is entirely free.
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Each cohort lasts 16 weeks. The entrepreneur accelerator program consists of a curriculum designed to deepen and challenge your thinking around your product and business. You will interact with other entrepreneurs in your cohort and have a weekly one-on-one call with your mentor.
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There is no guarantee that entrepreneurs will receive funding as a participant in the Because Accelerator. However, we hold a pitch competition with a cash prize at the end of each cohort for select entrepreneurs who have completed the accelerator. We have also had many entrepreneurs receive grants or connect with an angel investor as a result of their participation in our program.
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Between weekly calls with your coach, live training sessions, and additional networking opportunities with alumni and the Advisor Network, you can expect to commit 4–6 hours per week to this startup accelerator program.
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It's taken us years to move from the inspiration and idea for growing footwear to making The Shoe That Grows a reality. Along the way, we've received plenty of support and also learned some lessons the hard way. And over the years we've happened to connect with many others who have their own product ideas that can improve the lives of those around them. The Because Accelerator was created to share the lessons we've learned. We want every idea to have the best chance at becoming a reality.
Contact Us
If you have a specific question about the Because Accelerator that isn’t answered here, please send us a message.