Before you apply
Make sure that you have carefully read the below sections on target audience, implementation mode, selection criteria as well as cost & commitment
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for enterprises that provide innovative solutions along the whole WASH value chains in Ghana. Check the examples below to assess if you might fit our participant profile:
- Sustainable and innovative solutions for WASH challenges.
- Customer segment in rural, peri-urban and/or urban areas.
- Registration as a legal entity
- Recurring sales from an initial customer base
- High potential to scale operations, impact and profits
- Potential to become investment-ready by the end of the program
- Appetite for risk & growth
- Openness for business coaching and expert feedback
Do I fit in?
We are looking for enterprises that provide innovative solutions along the whole WASH value chains in Ghana. Check the examples below to assess if you might fit our participant profile:
Product manufacturer
Enterprises that design, develop, and manufacture water purification, onsite sanitation, general or female hygiene products and technologies such as household water filters, toilet pans, pit emptying equipment, reusable pads, etc.
Water and Sanitation service provider
Enterprises offering services to individuals, households, communities, or institutions in the areas of installation, management and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities, water points management, water kiosks, water delivery, transport of faecal sludge, rental of portable toilets, operation of public toilets, etc.
Sourcing, storage, treatment, and/or reuse
Enterprises that offer solutions such as: borehole drilling, solar pumps, rainwater harvesting, water tanks and Eenterprises (should read: enterprises) that treat faecal sludge for save reuse/disposal (e.g.: dewatering and carbonisation of faecal sludge for production of fuel briquettes, etc.).
Supply chain and distribution
Enterprises that offer solutions such as piped water supply, Enterprises that procure, supply, and distribute water and sanitation products and equipment (e.g.: spare parts, consumables, and maintenance supplies).
Consulting and engineering
Enterprises that provide expertise in planning, designing, and implementing water, sanitation, or hygiene projects.
Technology and innovation
Enterprises that develop and deploy innovative technologies, such as desalination, sanitation apps, smart sensors for monitoring sanitation water or sanitation systems, etc.
Selection Criteria
Solution for WASH challenges
We will support businesses that offer innovative, sustainable solutions for WASH challenges in rural, peri-urban and/or urban areas in Ghana with a potential to scale.
Registration
You need to be legally registered as an organization.
Maturity
We will support businesses with a proven track record, initial customer base, recurring sales and solid communication materials
Team
We will prioritize team players and organizations that are structured and managed in a smart way
Social and environmental Impact
We will prioritise businesses that directly or indirectly improve the access to WASH in rural, peri-urban and/or urban areas, especially for vulnerable groups including low-income customer segments, youth and/or women
Growth & risk appetite
We are looking for businesses with a hunger to scale, a long-term strategic vision and innovative ideas on how to attain such a vision.
Implementation Mode
Offline
Meet and work with us face-to-face during the program’s events in Accra.
Online
Work online with us on specific tasks of the acceleration program and join us on Zoom for key input sessions
Blended
Receive individual coaching, focused training, and networking as well as peer-learning opportunities both off-/ and online
In the field
Develop and implement business transformation projects with our technical and financial support
Cost & Commitment
How much time do I have to commit to the participation in the program?
Participation in the WASH Accelerator Ghana is a time-intensive endeavour and will require an average dedication of 4 hours per week. However, during peak moments throughout the program, such as the transformation project and technical assistance, the time commitment may be much higher. Additionally, participants must be fully present for all program components, including the face-to-face bootcamps, which will last for 5 consecutive full days. Availability to travel for these trainings is a prerequisite! The program starts in October 2023 and ends in October 2024, with the most intense phase taking place from October 2023 to June 2024.
What does the participation cost?
Participation in the program itself is free of charge. This means that all direct costs related to participating in the acceleration program, including trainings, networking events, coaching sessions, etc., are covered by us. However, indirect costs related to travel, accommodation, meals, etc., will need to be partially covered by the participating businesses. A fee of USD 200 will be collected per person for the face-to-face bootcamps. Participants also have the opportunity to access a catalytic grant of up to USD 10,000. This fund is to be used exclusively for the transformation project developed during the program.
Who from my team should participate?
Working with us requires intense collaboration, and we require either the CEO or an appropriate representative (e.g. co-founder, business development director, etc.) to participate as the single point of contact throughout the entire duration of the program, particularly for key events such as bootcamps, and pitching events.