The Accelerator program is a 10 week-long entrepreneurship development program to support early stage entrepreneurs who are building businesses in the beauty industry and they are looking for the best beauty businesses in Africa.
The 2018 Beauty Accelerator will consist of a a 1 week business skills bootcamp in Johannesburg, South Africa where entrepreneurs will receive training on business strategy, growth, marketing, finance and distribution. The program will give entrepreneurs access to industry mentors and online training. At the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to pitch their business to stakeholders and investors for a chance to win $5,000.
Founder of Skin Gourmet and first place winner of the 2017 Beauty Accelerator Program said “First just being selected for the program was an honor, [and] being flown out to get high level training from juggernauts on the beauty industry was incredible… I feel so honored to be exposed to such training, such people and such knowledge. The exposure and help has truly been a blessing – it feels unreal that so much help came our way!”
Violet Awo Amoabeng, Founder of Skin Gourmet
Eligible companies include:
- Media: Platforms that make it easier for women to learn beauty techniques and discover new styles
- Products: Physical products that enhance the beauty process
- Technology: Software and services that support the beauty industry
- Retail: Platforms that simplify the buying process for consumer
The accelerator is open to businesses based in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
Entrepreneurs interested in applying should visit sheleadssafrica.org/beauty for more information about the program, eligibility requirements and to apply. Submissions close on 5 October at 17:00 South African Time
About She Leads Africa
She Leads Africa is a media platform that helps young women achieve their professional dreams by providing expert advice, opportunities for networking and global growth opportunities. SLA reaches more than 500,000 women across 35+ countries and 5 continents and has been featured in the Financial Times, BBC, CNN, Forbes, CNBC Africa, Fast Company, Black Enterprise and Huffington Post. In December 2016, SLA was the first African startup to ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
About Dark & Lovely
For more than 45 years, Dark and Lovely has been dedicated to providing superior hair care and styling products for African women. Dark and Lovely continues to unveil breakthrough hair innovations for African women, including the most recent launch of Dark and Lovely Au Naturale, a range specifically designed for natural African hair.
For interviews with the She Leads Africa team 2017 SLA Accelerator participants, email press@sheleadsafrica.org.
