The Because Accelerator is not your average startup program. It’s built for founders developing socially innovative, physical products designed to fight poverty, create jobs, and make a global impact. If you’re an entrepreneur building something tangible—a tool, device, or product—that solves real problems in underserved communities, this might be the accelerator you’ve been searching for.
This guide unpacks everything you need to know about getting accepted into the Because Accelerator, from eligibility and funding terms to the application process, success stories, and expert tips to stand out.
Program Overview: What Is the Because Accelerator?
The Because Accelerator is a 16-week online program designed to help product-focused social enterprises scale. It was launched by Because International, the nonprofit behind The Shoe That Grows. Their mission: equip early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools to build sustainable, impact-driven businesses.
Core Focus:
- Socially innovative manufactured goods
- Physical products that help lift people out of poverty
- Solutions that create jobs in low-income communities
Format:
- 100% online, accessible from anywhere
- 4–6 hours/week commitment
- Weekly training sessions, mentorship, and pitch prep
- Ends with a pitch competition for funding
🌎This virtual-first model makes the program globally accessible, drawing a diverse pool of founders from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
Timeline and Structure
- Length: 16 weeks
- Effort: ~4–6 hours/week
- Components:
- Entrepreneurial training
- 1:1 mentorship
- Peer and alumni networking
- Global advisor access
- Final pitch competition
- Post-program alumni support
📅Expect hands-on learning in marketing, pricing, manufacturing, customer retention, and business modeling.
Because Accelerator Investment Terms & Cash Prizes
One of the most founder-friendly aspects of the Because Accelerator is its zero-equity model. That means:
- ❌ No equity taken
- ✉️ Free to apply and participate
Instead of equity, the program concludes with a pitch event where multiple cash prizes are awarded. In 2024, mentors were given $1,000 each to distribute across participants, so every entrepreneur received funding.📈
Past Total Funding Connected: $200,000+
Participants also gain exposure to:
- Angel investors
- Grant providers
- Recoverable grants (for alumni)
Who Should Apply? Eligibility Checklist
The Because Accelerator is not for everyone. Here’s who it is for:
✅ Physical Product: You must have a manufactured, tangible product (no software, services, food, entertainment, or education-as-a-service).
✅ Social Impact: Your product should address poverty, health, climate, sanitation, employment, or a similar challenge.
✅ Early to Mid-Stage: You have a working prototype and some traction or validation.
✅ Global Applicants Welcome: There are no geographic restrictions.
✅ Job Creation: Your venture aims to create jobs in low-income communities.
If you’re building a physical product that could transform lives and drive local economies, you’re in the right place.
How to Apply to Because Accelerator
Step 1: Visit the Because International Website
Step 2: Go to the Accelerator section and click “Apply.”
Step 3: Fill out the application form with info about:
- Your product
- Business model
- Market opportunity
- Team experience
- Social impact
Step 4: Upload a pitch deck or supporting materials (if requested).
🔗 Pro Tip: Application deadlines vary, so check the site often.
Key Benefits for Founders
Why apply to the Because Accelerator? Here’s what you get:
📖 Practical Training: Learn startup fundamentals including:
- Pricing and revenue models
- Go-to-market strategy
- Customer experience
- E-commerce & logistics
🔍 Mentorship: Get matched with coaches after week 4. Many mentors continue supporting entrepreneurs long after the program ends.
🤝 Networking: Connect with the Because Advisor Network, alumni, and impact-driven founders from around the world.
🎁 Pitch + Win: Compete in a global pitch event judged by impact investors, mentors, and advisors.
💼 Post-Program Support: Stay in the ecosystem through alumni perks, funding access, and continued mentorship.
📈 Business Plan & Pitch: Graduate with a polished pitch and business plan ready for investors or grants.
Tips for a Winning Application to the Because Accelerator
Crafting a compelling application for the Because Accelerator takes more than just filling in the blanks. To truly stand out, founders need to communicate a strong mission, market readiness, and a deep commitment to impact. Here’s how to do it effectively:
📑 Tell a Clear Story
Your application should read like a story with purpose. Why did you start this business? What personal experiences led you to create this product? The Because Accelerator is deeply mission-driven, and they want to know who you are—not just what you’ve built.
✅ Clearly define the problem you’re solving.
✅ Share your personal motivation—what fuels your passion for this cause?
✅ Make it emotional and relatable, but rooted in credibility.
The more authentic your “why,” the more memorable your application becomes.
🌿 Highlight Social Impact
Because is all about poverty alleviation and social innovation. You need to show not just what your product does—but how it will improve lives and create lasting change.
✅ Will your product create jobs? Where and for whom?
✅ How will it empower communities or solve systemic issues?
✅ Mention any alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Don’t just say “impact”—prove it with specifics. Use data or projections if possible.
📊 Demonstrate Market Validation
Even if you’re early-stage, the program wants to see traction or clear signs of potential. Show that your product isn’t just a nice idea—it’s something the market needs and wants.
✅ Have you conducted surveys, pilot programs, or field testing?
✅ Include testimonials, pre-orders, sales numbers, or letters of intent.
✅ Share any partnerships or distribution opportunities you’ve lined up.
Market feedback is crucial. Even a few early wins go a long way.
🤠 Show Coachability
This accelerator is built on mentorship. The Because team and advisors want to work with founders who are eager to learn and open to constructive feedback.
✅ Reflect on what you’ve learned so far and what you still want to learn.
✅ Highlight past pivots or adaptations you’ve made based on feedback.
✅ Express gratitude for support and your desire to grow as a founder.
Being coachable isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength they’re actively looking for.
🧳 Explain the Product
Keep your product description clear, compelling, and jargon-free. You’re building something tangible—make sure readers understand it in seconds.
✅ What is the product, and what makes it unique?
✅ Why is it needed now? Why hasn’t someone else solved this already?
✅ How will it be manufactured, distributed, and scaled?
Photos, use cases, and simplified explanations help your product stick in the reader’s mind.
🌐 Highlight Global Relevance
While rooted in poverty-alleviation, Because has a global mindset. If your product can create impact across multiple countries or contexts, let that shine.
✅ Can your solution scale in different regions or low-resource settings?
✅ Do you already have partners or interest outside your country?
✅ Show how your model adapts across borders, cultures, or economic systems.
Global scalability adds strength to your long-term vision.
Because Accelerator Leadership & Mentors
Led by the Because Accelerator International team:
- Andrew Kroes (President)
- Nate Ritter (Chief Strategy Officer)
- Sarah Hille (Director of Entrepreneurship)
- Linnea Thomas (Director of Marketing)
Advisors Include:
- Chidi Nwaogu (Publiseer)
- Carolynn Duncan (TenX)
- Scott Gillespie (Jigsaw Group)
- Chris Graff (Product & Manufacturing Expert)
FAQs
❓Is it free? Yes. No fees, no equity.
❓Is it remote? Yes, fully online.
❓Who should NOT apply? If you’re building software, a service, a restaurant, or a food product, this program is not a fit.
❓How competitive is it? Selective. Around 100+ applications are reviewed per cohort.
❓How much time do I need? 4–6 hours/week for 16 weeks.
Final Thoughts: Is the Because Accelerator Right for You?
If you’re building a physical product that creates real-world impact, the Because Accelerator offers unmatched value: expert guidance, global visibility, cash prizes, and zero equity requirements.
This program is ideal for:
- Product-focused social entrepreneurs
- Founders aiming to create jobs and reduce poverty
- Startups with early traction or a working prototype
- Global entrepreneurs seeking community, funding, and mentorship
🌟Don’t miss your chance to join a mission-driven community and take your startup to the next level. Visit BecauseInternational.org to check deadlines and apply.
