Category Archives: business funding

BECAUSE ACCELERATOR ENTREPRENEUR ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Application Deadline: 26 January, 2024

LOCATION: Virtual

The Because Accelerator is an entrepreneur accelerator program designed for early- to middle-stage businesses with a manufactured, physical product. Applicants to the accelerator should be prioritizing job creation in communities impacted by poverty and be able to show potential for future impact through a clear vision.

ELIGIBILITY:

Anyone with a socially innovative product is encouraged to apply for our business accelerator. Entrepreneurs in the restaurant, entertainment, education, software, food or service industries are not eligible.

Entirely free

Completely digital platform

16 week cohort

4–6/hr weekly commitment

Post-cohort support

The startup accelerator program is uniquely focused on increasing your revenue growth trajectory during the cohort and creating a plan for sustained growth beyond. The trainings cover the following concepts:

Entrepreneurial mindset

Developing a marketing and sales plan

Revenue ops and pricing strategy

E-commerce

Customer service and retention

Upon completion, entrepreneurs will have a written business plan, a polished pitch ready to share with potential investors, progress towards or completion of a next level goal and an opportunity to participate in an annual pitch competition.

BENEFIT:

TRAINING

A 16-week, online curriculum covers topics common to startups and illustrated by Because International’s experience with our own social enterprise startup, The Shoe That Grows.

COACHING

After the first four weeks, select entrepreneurs will be matched with an experienced coach who will mentor them during the program and beyond.

NETWORKING

Entrepreneurs network with members of their cohort, alumni of the Because Accelerator and the Because Advisor Network—a group of subject matter experts with connections worldwide.

FUNDING

At the end of the cohort, select entrepreneurs will compete in a pitch event for a cash prize. As a result of this competition, we’ve linked entrepreneurs to over $100k in funding.

APPLY

ZENDESK FOUNDATION PRESENTS: TECH FOR GOOD IMPACT AWARDS

Application Deadline: 1 November, 2023

LOCATION: Multiple Regions

Tech for Good is a comprehensive program donating software, expertise, and financial support to nonprofit organizations tackling a wide range of social problems. By leveraging the power of Customer Experience (CX) tools, our partners are able to improve efficiency and magnify their impact, achieving their mission at a greater scale. 

ELIGIBILITY:

The Zendesk Impact Awards are open to verifiable charitable organizations including U.S. organizations classified as 501 (c)(3) public charities and foreign organizations operating for charitable purposes whose activities are in furtherance of the Foundation’s core focus areas of:

Fostering community

Promoting resilience in times of crisis

Creating career pathways in tech

BENEFIT:

The Tech for Good Impact Awards will be providing free software and multiple grants ranging from $5,000 – $50,000 to global nonprofit organizations.

APPLY