Applications are now open for the Access Bank Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program. A sustainability accelerator is a program designed to foster the growth of early-stage to mature businesses focused on addressing environmental and social challenges.
Selection Criteria
- Innovative Solution Startups with groundbreaking ideas that address significant sustainability challenges.
- Scalability Solutions with the potential to scale and create widespread impact. Scalable across geographical markets in the continent
- Team Strong, diverse teams with a mix of technical and business expertise.
- Impact Clear focus on sustainability and a well-defined plan for measuring impact. Product should align with SDG and ESG integrations
- Minimum Viable Product Solutions that address a clear market need and have a minimum viable product and business model.
Benefits
- Mentorship Pairing startups and mature businesses with industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and investors who have a strong background in sustainability.
- Workshops and Training Bi-weekly workshops on key topics such as sustainable business models, impact measurement, fundraising, and market strategy. Skill-building sessions on leadership, team building, and communication.
- Funding Seed funding subject to approved pool. Access to a network of impact investors and venture capitalists for potential follow-on funding.
- Networking Opportunities to connect with a global network of sustainability-focused startups, corporates, and thought leaders. Regular networking events, demo days, and industry meetups. Early-stage startups can network with the mature businesses in the program
- Resources and Infrastructure Co-working space in a green-certified building. Access to labs, prototyping facilities, and testing grounds for product development. Legal, accounting, and marketing support from partner firms. Participating businesses can leverage Access Nation’s network to market products to be consumed by Access Nation and/or its customers.
- Impact Measurement Guidance on setting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to environmental and social impact. Tools and frameworks for impact reporting and communicating value to stakeholders.
- Community and Alumni Network Ongoing support through an alumni network that provides continued mentorship, networking, and collaboration opportunities. Platform for sharing successes, challenges, and best practices.
Impact Goals
- To empower innovative startups focused on sustainability by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and network needed to scale their impact and drive systemic change in industries related to environmental conservation, renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable living.
- Reduction in carbon emissions, waste, and resource consumption. Increased use of renewable energy and sustainable materials.
- Creation of green jobs and economic opportunities in underserved communities. Promotion of sustainable living and consumer behavior.
- Growth of sustainable startups into viable, profitable businesses. Attraction of investment into the sustainability secton
- Collaboration with universities, research institutions, corporates, and non-profits to provide additional expertise, resources, and opportunities for startups.
Application Deadline – 31st December, 2024
