C3 and HSBC launch the third edition of the Social Impact Accelerator Program 2021 in MENAT
The 2020 edition selected 23 finalists from more than 600 applicants from 8 MENAT countries
Following two successful editions, C3 is proudly launching the 2021 edition of the C3 Social Impact Accelerator Program – Powered by HSBC. The program supports entrepreneurs with innovative concepts that maximize their impact on society and the environment whilst boosting their business growth and financial performance.
A total of 20 finalists from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Algeria and Turkey will be selected to participate in the program’s signature learning journey. Selected entrepreneurs will have the unique opportunity to attend group workshops on foundational topics, simulate board meetings with impact investors and connect with experts from across the world. Winners of the pitch competition will benefit from equity-free cash prizes and the expertise of global senior corporates. The deadline for submission to participate is February 28th.
Sabrin Rahman, Regional Head of Sustainability for Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, HSBC, said: “This program continues to show the importance of social enterprises in the region. We are proud of the further enhancements we are bringing to this edition and we look forward to supporting the growth of the social impact these companies will bring to their communities.”
For the 2021 edition, C3 has partnered with best-in-class learning experience designers (Italy-based BPI - Business Performance Institute), data analytics experts (UK-based Yonder Data Solutions) and learning technology providers (Finland-based Claned) to bring to life a very interactive online program inspired by the most successful blended-learning methodologies.
“The pandemic has accelerated our plans to create a unique learning experience for entrepreneurs willing to create a positive change in the world. We are excited to join forces with renowned learning design, data and technology experts, who share the same vision as ours. We are now able to empower change-makers in a more interactive and engaging way, making sure that our proven blueprints and frameworks are absorbed and implemented throughout the program in simulated environments”, C3 co-founder, Medea Nocentini says.
The 2020 cohort received more than 600 applications from 8 MENAT countries and shortlisted 23 finalists. 3 winners of the Social Impact Accelerator Program were chosen: Latifa al Khalifa, co-founder and CEO of Clever Play, Abdulla al Nuaimi CEO of Yalla Give and Duygu Vatan co-founder of Joun.
“The C3 Social Impact Accelerator Program armed us with the tools to be able to correctly measure our social impact and to integrate environmental, social and governance metrics into our business model, the experience has been very enriching”, says last year’s winner Latifa al Khalifa.
In 2020, C3 became the Social Enterprise Mark’s official and exclusive partner to expand social enterprise accreditation in the MENAT region. As such, participating entrepreneurs in C3’s program now have the opportunity to receive the only internationally available accreditation specifically designed to support social enterprises.
Laudy Lahdo, C3 CEO, concludes: “COVID-19 has amplified the urgent need for entrepreneurs, both globally and regionally, to embed social impact frameworks into their business models. We are proud to lead these initiatives in the MENAT region and to support entrepreneurs’ business missions, which ultimately solve major social challenges at scale.”
For more information about the program, visit:
https://www.wegrowwithc3.com/accelerator-program-2021
