Spark* Bangladesh Calls For Applications From Social Entrepreneurs For Its 3rd Cohort In Dhaka

Spark* Bangladesh, the local chapter of Spark International - an accelerator program, is calling for applications from social entrepreneurs for the 3rd cohort of its accelerator program in Dhaka. The program is scheduled on 15th-20th April 2017 and the applications are open now.

Spark* helps social enterprises by supporting them to grow their business and make a greater positive change in their communities. The program currently operates in four countries and has supported over 225 entrepreneurs to date.

“We have backed 23 startup entrepreneurs in Dhaka since the launch of our program in 2016, and now we are looking for 12 more young Bangladeshis who are changing lives in Bangladesh for our 3rd Accelerator program. As you know, Spark* Bangladesh is a non-profit organisation that supports social entrepreneurs with training, support and funding,” said Shazeeb Islam, CEO of Spark Bangladesh, in a statement.

More to know

• The Spark* Bangladesh Accelerator, launched in 2016, brings together 12 emerging social entrepreneurs for five intensive days of entrepreneurship training lead by local and international facilitators.
• 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.
• Beyond the Accelerator, the entrepreneurs also receive 12 months of ongoing support from Spark*, to help prove their models and scale their impact. This includes 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. Graduate startups include 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. You can find the list of their second cohort startups here.

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 March 2017.