Scaling Impact

Together

 

Join the world’s largest scaling program connecting entrepreneurship and

the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Welcome to Accelerate2030 – Turkey

 

Accelerate2030 is the world’s largest program supporting entrepreneurs from developing and emerging markets to scale their solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The Turkey Scale-Readiness program consists of a 6-month acceleration journey, where capacity building will be combined with networking and matchmaking opportunities with the private and public sector.

We leverage the expertise and reach of the global Impact Hub network, United Nations organizations, corporates, investors and expert partners to bring impact to scale!

In Turkey Accelerate2030 operates within the framework of the “PEP-Promotion of Economic Prospects” programme, which is financed by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in cooperation with UNDP, Girvak and Impact Hub Istanbul.

Are you a start-up and want to scale your impact?

Accelerate2030 – Turkey identifies the most innovative startups in Turkey tackling the Sustainable Development Goals, and supports them inscaling their impact nationally, regionally and globally.

Apply to become a part of a program with a global community of entrepreneurs, corporates, UN agencies, investors and expert partners across 20+ locations across the world!

Why join Accelerate2030?

Through the Accelerate2030 Scale Readiness program, you will learn to shape and implement your own scaling strategy. The program will be adapted to your specific needs and you will be connected with experts, mentors, private and public sector partners with the mission to scale your impact.

Business development support

Throughout the program, you will benefit from 1-1 matchmaking with private companies from different sectors, to build long-term connections and open up business development opportunities.

Strategic connections

You can expect to get customized support through clinics and workshops, as well as 1-1 sessions with mentors, coaches, sector experts. Strategic connections with investors, international organizations, public sector actors, decision makers and leading corporations.

Visibility and positioning

This is your time to step out of your comfort zone and get onto the stage. Would you like to present your solution at the prestigious SDG Finance Geneva Summit and spread the word about global goals?

Global opportunities

Top ventures are nominated to the Accelerate2030 Global Scaling Program, where they will meet with impact-driven entrepreneurs as well as international partner institutions and funders across the world and get exclusive training on impactful leadership and business.

Bring your Impact to Scale:

 

Accelerate2030 Turkey Since 2017

Million funds raised during the program

Recommend Accelerate2030 to a peer entrepreneur

Increased their readiness to scale

Expert mentorship & coaching hours

Who can join?

If you are an innovative business tackling a pressing social and/or environmental  issue related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and ready to invest what it takes to bring your venture to the next level.

 We select ventures based on their:

Impact on the SDGS

Your solution effectively addresses a substantial issue linked to the SDGs.

Scalability

Your solution has the potential to be replicated and scaled to other contexts.

Growth Stage

Your venture shows traction and demonstrates impact already.

Skillfull Team

Your team demonstrates ambition and skills to scale your solution.

Program timeline

Accelerate2030 provides one-of-a-kind scaling support to entrepreneurs through a National Scale-Readiness Programs in over 20 countries worldwide, followed by a Global Scaling Program hosted out of Geneva for those with the highest international scaling potential. The key dates in Turkey are:

Applications open

26th April

Applications close

13th June

Program Kick-off and Jury Day

24th June

Global nominations

Geneva Scaling Week

26th November

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main components of the Accelerate2030 Scale-Ready program?

The program offers personalized guidance, workshops, mentoring, peer support, retreats and online course content, in 5 major pillars:

  1. Leadership & Resilience – We support entrepreneurs to align their inner purpose with their greater impact vision. A2030 focuses on enhancing leadership skills, and integrating practices for increased resilience and wellbeing. 
  2. Scaling Strategy – We help to formulate the most effective scaling strategy, summarized in a clear scaling roadmap with key performance indicators and key areas of support needed.
  3. Access to Finance – Assisting entrepreneurs to mobilize the resources needed to scale, through investment readiness support and connections with relevant sources of funding. 
  4. Impact Measurement – We help to measure, manage and communicate impact, including their Theory of Change, Key Performance Indicators, and aligning their impact metrics with the SDGs.
  5. Access to Networks and Partners – We provide strategic connections, expert mentorship and networking opportunities with sector experts, investors, corporates, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

What are the exact dates of the program?

The program is now open for applications until June 10th. The National Scale-Ready Programs will run between Jun – Dec 2021. The nominations for the global phase and the  international selection will take place in Aug – Sep and the global phase will take place between Jan– Jun 2022.

Where does Accelerate2030 take place?

Accelerate2030 takes place across 20+ locations globally, including your country. The program has a few phases taking place in different locations:

– The National Scale-Readiness Program takes place mostly online, with only a few sessions that will be held offline at Impact Hub Istanbul (depending on the situation and restrictions in Turkey)

– Global Scaling Week that takes place in Geneva between 26th Nov – 5th Dec (TBC, based on developments with travel restrictions connected to the COVID-19)

– Global Scaling Support phase that takes place virtually, following the Global Scaling Week.

    What are the requirements to be accepted into Accelerate2030?

    In general, we look for teams that meet the following requirements: a founding team of at least two people, open to coaching and personal development. At least one technical co-founder. All key members committed full-time. Founders need to be based in Turkey for the duration of the program. For the record, it is possible to be accepted without meeting all of these requirements, but your chances are far better if you fit the above profile.

    Which sectors or industries does the program focus on?

    The program is open for ventures operating in any sector or industry, as long as they demonstrate their interest in and willingness to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Do I need to be a Turkish citizen to join the program?

    No. Anyone who has a venture established and operating in Turkey can apply.

    I don't speak English, can I still join the program?

    For both National and Global phases, having at least a teammate fluent in English will be a requirement.

    Does the program provide funding or financial investment?

    No. The program does not provide any type of funding or financial investment for the selected businesses. By participating in Accelerate 2030, ventures will benefit from investment readiness support as well as opportunities to build connections with local investors and international partner institutions.

    Are there costs associated with program participation?

    No. Selected ventures will be able to join the program and all its activities at no cost. 

    Previous Events

    Biolive

    “I have learned the importance of sustainability and how I can tell my story through the lens of the Global Goals. Thanks to Accelerate2030, I now advocate for and consult on sustainability with my customers and investors in Turkey.” 

    Duygu Yılmaz
    Co-founder and CEO

    Our Impact

    Accelerate2030 connects a like-minded community of SDG-inspired entrepreneurs, large companies, development agencies, governments, UN agencies, investors and others, who want to contribute with their expertise, resources and networks towards a shared mission of building a better more sustainable economy and society.

    Our Trusted Partners

    Accelerate2030 connects a like-minded community of SDG-inspired entrepreneurs, large companies, development agencies, governments, UN agencies, investors and others, who want to contribute with their expertise, resources and networks towards a shared mission of building a better more sustainable economy and society.

    Initiated and led by

    Founding Partner

    Implementing Partners in Turkey

    The project operates within the framework of the “PEP-Promotion of Economic Prospects” programme, which is financed by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in cooperation with UNDP Turkey, Girvak and Impact Hub Istanbul.

    Global Partners

    This website is maintained with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Girvak and Impact Hub Istanbul and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BMZ and GIZ.