Africa is at a pivotal point in history. The synergy of educated young people, technology, and foreign investment are opening new possibilities for peace and prosperity. What Africa needs now are the best young leaders to start businesses that will employ and empower the continent. Accelerate Fellows will participate in The Accelerate Academy-a nine-month entrepreneurship program designed to equip students with the necessary skills to develop, manage, and scale a small to mid-sized enterprise.
Despite Rwanda's remarkable economic achievements, it's also estimated that approximately 63% of Rwandans make less than $1.25 a day. We believe market-based solutions can drastically improve Rwanda's existing social problems. Rwandan university graduates do not have the education, training, mentorship, or capital to ensure financial success. Most entrepreneurship programs focus on either educating potential entrepreneurs OR funding established entrepreneurs.
The Accelerate Academy's competitive events and program, coupled with our expertise in leadership development, will transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses to uplift communities. Through entrepreneurial instruction, mentorships, business ethics, and seed capital funding, The Accelerate Academy will create a realistic pathway for potential entrepreneurs to become successful business owners.
With social entrepreneurship at the core of the program, students will learn the business concepts of the double and triple bottom line, and how these can impact their communities. After completing The Accelerate Academy, we believe that Rwandan youth can transform their business dreams into tangible realities by providing jobs, impacting communities, and generating income. The Accelerate Academy graduates will "pay it forward" by mentoring the next class of Fellows.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
