Impact hub Asia Pacific and bank of America launch program for early stage enterprises

At the heart of every industry, at the cusp of all societal advancement, are impact-driven entrepreneurs. But even with transformative ideas, many lack resources and guidance to effect change on a large scale. And now, amidst the uncertainty of the global pandemic, entrepreneurs need more support than ever. That is why entrepreneurship network Impact Hub Asia Pacific, in collaboration with the Bank of America, is launching the Accelerate Membership in the Asia-Pacific region.

The mission of the Accelerate Membership is to empower early-stage enterprises to scale up and thrive in our new reality. Members of Accelerate will leverage Impact Hub’s unparalleled global reach and expertise through a guided and personalized journey. They will then get connected to the wide-reaching community to continue on their path to success. Through this, Impact Hub continues its support of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to promote industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), as well as create sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), with entrepreneurs and changemakers leading the way towards a sustainable future.

The six-month program runs from July to December of this year. Applications are open from May 21 to June 25 for early-stage enterprises operating in at least one country in the Asia-Pacific region where an Impact Hub is located including Impact Hub Dhaka.

What should you expect?

The Accelerate Membership has two stages. There is the five-month Elevate Phase. This then culminates in a month-long Community Showcase.

Right from the beginning, mentors will work with each member to understand their enterprise. Together you will design a personalized development plan. This will set the foundation for a curated training track so you can get the most out of the program.

During the Elevate Phase, members take part in a specialized curriculum. Included are masterclasses and workshops grounded in business realities. From entrepreneurial leadership in times of uncertainty to the digitization of your product or service. Impact Hub Asia Pacific is developing these sessions alongside trailblazing global partners including Bank of America and leading e-commerce platform Shopify.

One-on-one consultations and a dedicated mentorship will supplement the discussions. Members will have expert support to apply their new knowledge to fit their business.

An environment filled with like-minded individuals will surround you. Community mixers hosted by Impact Hub will connect you with a regional and global network. Learn from each other, ask for advice, and be inspired to keep building your business.

After five months, the Accelerate Membership will host a Community Showcase. A Demo Day provides members the opportunity to present to established business partners. Even beyond the program, the alumni network will continue to support its fellow entrepreneurs.

Who can apply?

The Accelerate Membership breaks down the walls and obstacles many early-stage enterprises face. That is why Impact Hub Asia Pacific encourages enterprises negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as women and those from other underserved communities to apply. Entrepreneurs should be between 18 and 40 years old. Their enterprises can be at practically any stage but should already be income-generating. The business needs to be operating in a country in the Asia-Pacific region where an Impact Hub is located. The following ten Impact Hubs are taking part in the Accelerate Membership program: Dhaka, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Kyoto, Manila, Phnom Penh, Yangon, Taipei, Shanghai, and Waikato.

 

Interested in joining the Accelerate Membership? Apply before June 25, 2021 at www.acceleratemembership.net/apply-now.

Learn more about the program at www.acceleratemembership.net.