Applications Open for 2015 Green Pioneer Accelerator Programme

Green Pioneer accelerator to support green innovations in Kenya and South Africa through the combined networks, knowledge and resources of GrowthAfrica, Hivos, Impact Amplifier and VC4Africa.

We are excited to announce a new partnership at Seed Africa Symposium to support entrepreneurs who have ambitions to take the next step in growing their business to a national and regional scale.

The Green Pioneer Accelerator Program has been developed for early stage companies looking to position themselves for scale so applicants should either have a working prototype with clear market demand and/or already be generating revenue.

This accelerator will take businesses from ‘market proof’ to ‘ready for investment’ programme combines a rigorous curriculum with practical experience shared by successful entrepreneurs, mentors and investors. The Green Pioneers Accelerator  seeks to position companies for scale by getting their financials and pitch deck in shape, and preparing them for fundraising conversations with over 600 investors.

“We are very concerned about the environment. We see many problems such as climate change, loss of biodiversity and degradation of soils” said Leo Soldaat, Program Manager. “In order to address these issues, Hivos wants to co-create private sector driven green innovation to tackle these constraints by positioning them for growth and improving their access to capital.”

“At GrowthAfrica, we recognize that each company is unique in its formation and the curriculum we have developed for Green Pioneers Program looks at the strengths and weaknesses of each participant and then adapts the program to fit their needs” said Johnni Kjelsgaard, CEO, GrowthAfrica. “The accelerator program looks at a start-up in a holistic way, and takes a non-linear approach to the entrepreneurial process.”

VC4Africa will be running the applications process for both accelerators and graduates will also be showcased through VC4Africa’s online platforms to over 600 private sector investors.

You can apply to join the 2015 Green Pioneer Acceleration Program and participate in either the Kenya (apply here) or South Africa (apply here) cohort.