Acumen Academy’s vision is of a world based on dignity, where every human being has an opportunity to thrive. It is seeking a cohort of entrepreneurs who believe that considering gender equity across strategies, processes, and day-to-day work improves how we address the problems of poverty, including the disproportionate problems for women in poverty, and thereby magnifies our impact.

To support social entrepreneurs committed to leading the change in gender equity and advancement, the new accelerator will equip leaders with the moral leadership lessons, business skills, and learnings from portfolio companies to confidently scale their enterprises and embed gender-inclusive approaches into their models.

• who runs a social enterprise based in East (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia) or West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Gambia)
• Have a demonstrated track record of at least 12-18 months, some market traction, and are preparing to scale
• Moreover, have a team equivalent to three or more full-time staff
• Have a commitment to serving women across three entry points, and evidence of action in at least one:

1. Market (products and services)
2. Internal organization (workforce and policies)
3. Value chain (supply and distribution)