Spark* Bangladesh is running its fifth Social Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program, in partnership with Build Bangladesh and YGAP, Australia in Dhaka in April 2018. Applications are open now and will close on 10th of March 2018.
Spark* Bangladesh exists to improve the lives of people living in poverty by accelerating start-up social enterprises and supporting them as they grow their businesses and make greater positive changes in their communities. We operate in 4 countries and have supported 356 entrepreneurs who have significantly changed over 4,72,637 lives to date.
The Spark* Bangladesh Accelerator will bring together 8-10 emerging social entrepreneurs for five intensive days of entrepreneurship training from 15th April 2018 to 20th April 2018, led by world-class facilitators.
Spark claims to have a powerful and practical curriculum, aim at unlocking the potential of each start-up venture, covering strategy, impact, innovation and more.
Entrepreneurs learn how to refine their business models, and ultimately become better equipped to improve the lives of people living in Bangladesh through their ventures.
Many alumni entrepreneurs refer to the Spark* Accelerator as a ‘life-changing’ experience.
Beyond the Accelerator, the entrepreneurs are provided 6 months of ongoing support from Spark*, to help prove their models and scale their venture. This includes regular business and strategy support from the Spark* team, access to free graphics and web designers, pro-bono legal support, assistance with tracking impact, multiple injections of small funding to encourage innovation and growth. Further down the line, continued growth will be encouraged through access to larger funding and investment as well as connections to impact investors, global organizations, and strategic partners within Spark*’s network of international partners.
Spark* Bangladesh is now supporting startups like BloodFriend – a mobile app that connects blood donors and patients, DaktarBari – clinics that provide healthcare services to the disadvantaged people, Biofil Bangladesh – Environment-friendly toilets for the rural and local community, Leaping Boundaries- Soft and hard skills training center for Madrassa girls of Bangladesh.
The first Spark* Bangladesh Accelerator was held between 27th March to the 1st April 2016. Spark* Bangladesh is now supporting startups like Surokkha– selling low cost sanitary napkins in the rural Bangladesh, Change- providing low cost solar appliances to the rural households, CriticaLink– saving lives in the streets after road accidents, Light of Hope- helping school kids learn with fun, DYDF- giving rural youth a voice and what not.
This is an invaluable opportunity for impact startups hoping to rapidly grow their ventures. Emerging social entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply online at Spark Bangladesh Website here. Application closes on 10th of March 2018.
