Gender Equity and Advancement Accelerator

Deadline for application: 4th April, 2023

June 13th, 2023 – Program start 

September 1st, 2023 – Program finish 

Acumen’s vision is of a world based on dignity, where every human being has an opportunity to thrive. We are seeking a cohort of entrepreneurs who, like us, believe that integrating gender equity across strategies, processes, and day-to-day work improves how we address the problems of poverty.

Gender inclusion in business isn’t just the ethical thing to do — it’s also good for the world’s economy and sustainability. Rather than add a gender-equity lens after scaling, we believe it’s easier and more efficient when building an inclusive company to address and prioritize gender from the start.

To support social entrepreneurs committed to leading the change in gender inclusion, our accelerator will equip leaders with moral leadership lessons, business skills, and learnings from our successful portfolio companies to continue scaling their enterprises in a gender-inclusive way.

Benefits

During this 12-week program, you will learn the essentials for building a scalable business model that achieves both profitability and impact. Working alongside your close-knit cohort of entrepreneurial peers and Acumen experts, you’ll develop your leadership and business skills as you design your plan to embed gender equity as you scale.

As a participant, you’ll gain access to industry-specific case studies, video tutorials and practical readings, and receive invaluable one-on-one support and guidance from our team.

You’ll also gain access to tools and teachings from Value for Women, including a training on the entry points, policies, and practices that will help you work towards becoming a gender equitable business.

Eligibility

This accelerator is open to social entrepreneurs who:

• Run a social enterprise (nonprofit or for-profit) based in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia) or West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Gambia) who are working to solve problems of poverty and dignity
• Are dedicated to investing in their personal and business growth
• Are deeply committed to the work of tackling poverty and injustice and are interested in being part of a global community bound by values
• Have an enterprise that has been operational for 18 months or more (please note: if this is your second or third venture, this requirement is flexible. Be sure to include this in your application.)
• Have a team of three or more full-time staff
• Have a commitment to serving women across three entry points, and evidence of action in at least one:
  • Market (products and services)
  • Internal organization (workforce and policies)
  • Value chain (supply and distribution)

For more information and application: