Non-profit organisation Spark South Africa, which assists early-stage startups with becoming sustainable ventures, has announced two accelerator programmes to run this year.
Spark will be hosting SHE in Johannesburg in August, aimed at accelerating female-led ventures that support women and girls in South Africa, while its Cape Town accelerator will take place in July, for early-stage social entrepreneurs.
“We are launching SHE because women are a safe bet and we believe that they are the best levers for change in South Africa,” Spark said. “When a woman is tangibly empowered, all of society benefits.”
The organisation’s Cape Town Accelerator, meanwhile, will select 15 changemakers for an intense six-day programme where their businesses models will be challenged.
“The changemakers that will be chosen will be on the premise that their ventures addresses social and environmental concerns in a way that is financially sustainable resulting in a cycle that benefits all involved,” Spark said.
“Too often Africa is portrayed as a dark and hopeless continent. The reality is, while the world may view Africa like this, there are those who are tired of seeing their continent as a subject of world pity and are launching innovative and exciting ventures that empower their communities and have positive social impact.”
Interested parties can apply online.
