East Africa’s first dedicated accelerator focusing on onsite sanitation
Photo Credit: cewas
Are you an innovative sanitation enterprise creating impact beyond centralised sewer systems in Kenya and Uganda? If so, this program is the perfect fit for you. We are dedicated to providing customised, long-term support to help you expand your operations and prepare you for investments. Our program is designed to offer capacity building, networking, and financing opportunities that will propel your business to new heights. Join us and take your enterprise to the next level.
Program objectives
Support 8 – 10 high-potential sanitation enterprises along the entire onsite sanitation and resource recovery service chain, enabling them to reach a stage of investment-readiness.
Transform sanitation access into profitable and scalable business models.
Target audiences
Innovative sanitation enterprises:
Businesses and social enterprises in Kenya and Uganda that offer scalable, sustainable and innovative solutions for onsite sanitation and resource recovery solutions.
Why join the accelerator?
Tailored to your needs
We offer you tailored and personalized business development support.
Investment Readyness
We will work with you to become investment-ready and link you up with financiers for larger investments
Sector experts
We combine sector expertise and relevant networks with business development knowledge
Catalytic Grants
10’000 USD catalytic grant for overcoming scaling barriers plus potentially larger investments for scaling
Long-term support
We join and guide you on your acceleration journey over a prolonged period of time
Details & Timeline
Submission Deadline
20 August 2023
Submit your application before 20 August 2023
Program Kick-off
21 September 2023
Attend the online program kick-off session [ONLINE]
Enterprise Diagnostics (virtual)
25 Sept – 17 Oct 2023
Benchmark your business and establish your acceleration objectives with customised coaching support [ONLINE]
Acceleration Bootcamp (Kampala, Uganda)
19 – 24 Oct 2023
Strategize to scale your market potential and design your investment projects with experts and peers during a 5-day in-person training [F2F]
Transformation Project
November 2023 onwards
Demonstrate your ability to deliver by converting a USD 10,000 catalytic grant into a successful business transformation project [ON-SITE]
Technical Assistance
January 2024 onwards
Build your capacities by working together with dedicated sanitation business experts on a specific support area of your business [ONLINE]
Financial Modelling
February 2024 onwards
Systematically develop your financial model and project your growth path over the next 5 years [ONLINE]
Investment Case Bootcamp (Kampala, Uganda)
March 2024 (TBC)
Develop and pitch a convincing investment case to potentially interested impact investors [F2F]
Investor Matchmaking
April 2024 onwards
Consolidate your business data room as solid basis for investor engagement and long-term partnerships [ONLINE]
Continuous Follow-up Support
Continuous Follow-up Support
Receive dedicated, tailored coaching support from globally experienced and locally embedded sanitation business development experts [HYBRID]
Program Closure
September 2024
Reflect on lessons learned and become part of a global network of innovative sanitation businesses [ONLINE]
Testimonials
This is what our graduates have to say about the business support we provided through our Kenyan water business acceleration program WA-KE UP
Aqua Clara Kenya
“Our company was already going strong before the program, but we were looking for catalytic change to help us accelerate our growth. The WA-KE UP program set us on the right path: Based on insights we gained through the program, we pivoted our business model and today, we are negotiating with several (impact) investors who would have been difficult to access just a year ago.”
John Nyagwencha – CEO, Aqua Clara Kenya
Varet Products
“Our participation in the acceleration program has transformed how we think about our business growth trajectory. The many training, networking and exposure opportunities boosted our business’ visibility and helped to engage investors and other potential partners at eye level.”
Eva Muhia – CEO, Varet Products
Sonic Fresh Waters
“Our participation in the Business Acceleration Program will have a long-lasting impact on how we manage and grow our business. Thanks to the unique combination of training workshops, bilateral coachings and facilitated matchmaking opportunities, we are now well positioned to become a leading brand in the Kenyan WASH market by promoting an impact-driven approach to providing our services.”
Enock Mailu, Director – Sonic Fresh Waters