Accelerating Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Deadline: July 12 2026, 11:59 PM (PDT)

Benefits: The selected entrepreneurs will receive a fully paid entrepreneurship and leadership training program, complemented by mentorship and network-building forums. Program participants will have a platform to pitch in Silicon Valley to ADN’s expansive network, partners, funders, and investors.

There is no cost to participate in the program, and companies do not need to give up any equity.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

For consideration, prospective candidates must meet the following requirements:

Founder or executive of a scalable, for-profit startup
The company must be led or co-led by historically excluded entrepreneurs, with a focus on those of African descendant
The company is early-stage and revenue-generating (seed to Series A).
Enterprise must be headquartered in the United States
Must be an established legal entity already in operation for 6 months or more
Must have a proven product market fit with active customers and demonstrable revenue streams
Must have a clear and sustainable business model with financial projections for growth
Evidence of customer adoption, market traction, and demand for the solution
Strong value proposition with a differentiated product or service
A clearly defined target market and competitive positioning
Leverage technology or innovative solutions to drive impact
Commitment to solving pressing challenges through sustainable and scalable innovations
Applicants must commit to attending all ABLE sessions, completing required program tasks, and actively collaborating with their cohort, mentors, and facilitators.

Primary Selection Criteria

Must demonstrate early traction evidenced in growing usage, revenue, or other metrics–concepts, pitches, or prototypes are not eligible. The business should have a website and a tangible digital or physical product or service.
Potential for financial sustainability, investment, and scalability
Demonstrate quantifiable impact and market reach
The entrepreneur must be able to dedicate time to program activities, including enterprise training, mentorship sessions, networking events, and availability to attend the in-person pitch day and pitch day practice. Finalists are expected to meet with program peers, ADN network members, mentors, and sponsors as part of their commitment. Participants are expected to adhere to a high level of personal and professional integrity, respect for one another, and accountability.

Secondary Selection Criteria

Applications are welcome from all industries and for businesses that are impact-oriented.
Balanced gender representation among entrepreneurs.
Reasonable geographic distribution among the United States and territories.
Cross-sector diversity and a comprehensive mix that showcases impact and innovation among multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, finance, connectivity, agriculture, and renewable energy.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply here

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Who can apply? Emerging and underserved entrepreneurs based in the United States are leading startups and small businesses. The target audience is those who are early-stage and revenue-generating (seed to Series A) for-profit enterprises.

20 entrepreneurs will participate in a virtual enterprise and leadership training program for 6 weeks, leading up to a live, in-person pitch day in Silicon Valley. The program provides weekly training sessions, mentorship, and network-building.

Program Benefits

Tailored Entrepreneur and Leadership Training: Benefit from a fully funded, high-quality accelerator experience designed specifically for early-stage, revenue-generating startups led by African diaspora entrepreneurs.
Access to Capital and Markets: Connect with investors, funders, and business leaders in Silicon Valley and beyond, opening doors to funding opportunities and global markets.
Pitch to Influential Networks: Showcase your venture to ADN’s community of investors, advisors, and partners, building visibility among decision-makers and potential supporters.
Expert Mentorship: Work directly with experienced mentors who guide scaling, investor-readiness, and navigating the start-up landscape.
Join a Thriving Ecosystem: Become part of the African Diaspora Network’s growing and supportive entrepreneurial community, sharing experiences, partnerships, and opportunities long after the program ends.
Financial Award: Participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible to receive a financial award.

For more information, please contact omolayo@africandiasporanetwork.org.

Learn more at https://africandiasporanetwork.org/able/.

About Accelerating Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) 2026

Accelerating Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) is an accelerator program designed to support impact-driven businesses in the United States that address critical community needs and advance innovative solutions. The program is especially committed to enabling entrepreneurs of African descent in the USA by providing investor-readiness training, mentorship, access to capital, and meaningful connections to global industry leaders. Since its launch in 2021, 70 founders have completed the program.

About Taskrika

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