Social entrepreneurs have a fantastic opportunity to be part of an accelerator programme. The Spark Changemakers Programme offers an accelerator programme, a support network and access to connections. The programme is looking for entrepreneurs who have:
- An existing social business
- Wanting to scale the business and have an impact on poverty.
Applications close on the 5 November 2014. Further information on the program and application form can be found by clicking this link.
The details of this opportunity are noted below:
The Spark* Changemakers Program is a powerful opportunity for passionate South Africans who are at the early stages of building social businesses and organisations that exist to make a difference for people living in poverty. If you are successful in your application you:
– ATTEND THE CHANGEMAKERS ACCELERATOR – An intensive five day live-in workshop in Johannesburg where you join a small group of Spark* Changemakers and access world class social entrepreneurship training designed to help you focus your non-profit or business and accelerate the growth of your venture.
– ACCESS THE CHANGMAKERS SUPPORT NETWORK – Beyond the accelerator you receive ongoing training and support from Spark* International and we connect you to experts and professionals who can help you as you launch and grow your non-profit or social business. Specifically we provide you with two years of access to graphic designers, website creators, business coaches, mentors, research assistants, lawyers and accountants (all super helpful for you as a social entrepreneur working to grow your venture). You also have the opportunity to continually apply for small grants (approximately 2000 – 2500 rand) to help you overcome barriers and test ideas to grow the impact or sustainability of your venture.
– ACCESS POWERFUL CONNECTIONS – Spark* is an official pipeline partner with a number of powerful organisations that can help you scale a proven social enterprise including Ashoka, Echoing Green and the Unreasonable Institute as well as impact investors to help you raise capital if you are a social enterprise. We can prepare you for these opportunities and make connections for you.
We are looking for South African social entrepreneurs who:
– Have already launched a social enterprise that is already making a difference in the lives of tens of people living in poverty.
– Want to scale their social enterprise to impact many more people living in poverty.