Because International Corp

Accelerator: As an organization, our mission is to use products as solutions to alleviate poverty by meeting immediate needs and creating opportunities for empowerment. One of the ways we are doing this is through the because accelerator, a business accelerator designed to take ideas for innovative products like the shoe that grows to the next level. As we experienced continued success with the shoe that grows, we began connecting with and being contacted by aspiring entrepreneurs who had their own ideas for product solutions that also aimed to solve a social need. After informally helping a handful of them with their ideas and businesses, we realized that instead of trying to come up with more of our own ideas for product solutions, we could better achieve our mission by coming alongside others with their own product ideas. It was at that point we decided to formally create the Because Accelerator - a program focused on providing coaching, training, networking, and funding opportunities for social entrepreneurs with product-based ideas and businesses.In 2024, we continued to refine and develop the services provided to our entrepreneur partners while also measuring and celebrating their success as they grow their businesses, create jobs and increase their impact. As in past years, a new cohort of 23 entrepreneurs began and completed the program. We also focused on creating new programming for graduates from prior years. Specifically, we launched virtual networking groups, allowing entrepreneurs the opportunity to better connect with fellow alumni of the program and discuss issues and opportunities they are facing in their businesses. We also announced a partnership with the alternative board, expanding the professional mentoring services that we offer. New funding opportunities were also rolled out.