Meet our grant recipients
about the grant
In January 2022, we announced that Because International would be offering two $10,000 recoverable grant opportunities to alumni of the Because Accelerator. And, after evaluating 16 applications and conducting interviews, Because International President Andrew Kroes and Director of Programs Emily Allen were thrilled to offer the grants to Joan Nalubega and Sadik Ibn Abdulai, both of whom are alumni of the 2019 Because Accelerator cohort.
“Joan and Sadik have each come a long way since their involvement with the Because Accelerator,” explained Andrew. “Like most, they have faced some setbacks but have shown continued growth in their business and mission–and that has translated to job creation in Ghana and Uganda.”
Entrepreneurs who receive the $10,000 grant are expected to use the funding to grow the business, create local jobs and maximize impact, and part of the interview process is discussing each applicant’s vision for how this will take place.
about the grant recepients
Joan, founder of Uganics
Joan–founder of Uganics, which produces mosquito-repelling soap and lotion–plans to invest the money in an oil extraction center, which will provide more raw materials for her products and create jobs for 1,000 women along the way.
After hearing that she was selected as one of the grant recipients, Joan responded, “I was surprised because this was really competitive, but I was also really happy and excited because it made our goal of setting up the extraction center possible. It was like seeing a goal happen, since I was getting the resources I needed.”
Prior to joining the accelerator in 2019, Joan was still in the initial phases of scaling and growing a market for the single product Uganics offered at the time. Throughout the program, she learned how to conduct customer research and build relationships, which enabled her to expand the product line with confidence.
“Because International has a wide network of entrepreneurs, and being one of the alumni, I thought I had fewer chances of winning the grant and doubted myself,” shared Joan. “But I still decided to take my chances and gave it all I could, and I turned out to be one of the chosen two! My advice to any other entrepreneur is to always utilize opportunities, have faith, be honest, and give it their all.”
Sadik, founder of Tilaa Ltd.
Sadik–founder of Tilaa Ltd., which produces beehives and trains local farmers on beekeeping–will use the grant to purchase wax and honey from the farmers he has trained. With the materials purchased, Sadik will then develop a line of bee products to bring to market, increasing revenue for the company and creating 100 more jobs in the community.
Sadik shared that, “[When I found out that I was selected for the grant], my first reaction was ‘WAAW! I have made it. Thanks to my mentor for guiding me throughout the accelerator.”
Before joining the accelerator in 2019, Sadik struggled to define his problem statement and revenue model. The 10-week program helped him identify his customer base, develop a business plan and perfect his pitch deck.
looking beyond the grant
In addition to providing Joan and Sadik with funding, the Because team will work alongside each to ensure and expand impact through continued training, coaching and connections with needed resources.
After three years, Andrew and Emily will connect with Joan and Sadik to evaluate repayment based on revenue growth and profitability. Once repayment is made, it will be awarded to another entrepreneur who has completed the Because Accelerator.
“Our commitment to entrepreneurs and supporting them long after they complete the Because Accelerator is an important part of our mission,” explained Emily. “We look forward to providing additional funding opportunities in the future that are grounded in relationship and ongoing support, maximizing the impact as much as possible.”
Learn more about the Because International recoverable grant.