Spark* is running their second entrepreneurship Accelerator program, In partnership with Build Bangladesh, in Dhaka in October 2016. The applications are open for the second cohort of the program.
Spark* exists to improve the lives of people living in poverty by accelerating start-up social enterprises and supporting them as they grow their business and make greater positive change in their communities. They currently operate in four countries, and have supported 225 entrepreneurs who have significantly changed over 160,000 lives to date.
The Spark* Bangladesh Accelerator will bring together 12 emerging social entrepreneurs for five intensive days of entrepreneurship training lead by world class facilitators. It is a powerful and practical curriculum, aimed at unlocking the potential of each start-up venture, covering strategy, impact, innovation and more.
Why you should care
Entrepreneurs will 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 will be provided 12 months of ongoing support from Spark*, to help prove their models and scale their impact. This will include regular business and strategy support from the Spark* team, access to free graphic 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.
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.
Apply
This is an invaluable opportunity for impact startups hoping to rapidly grow their ventures. Emerging social entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply online here. Applications close on 1st of September 2016.
