Spice Without Borders

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of your Questions Answered

Here are answers to some of your questions we hear from interested applicants. Please take a look at our answers below and if you have any other question not answered here do feel free reach out to us.

What do you mean when you talk about Social Change impact?
  • An individual zooming into their personal life to search for an idea and discovering that which they can do to transform their own lives and that of others.
  • An individual bringing their passion to life, and reaching out to make an impact through their idea as a business opportunity.
  • An individual coming up with a unique technological design that tackle a community problem
  • An individual starting a community empowerment space focused on horning basic skills for the underprivileged.
  • It could be a musician or artist connecting with people through their medium and creating an open space for expression that brings out social transformation.
  • Probably this individual is a documentary filmmaker or blogger telling the stories of under-represented communities and bringing out unheard stories.
  • Yes! An individual who has a thought of doing something and has the determination to define their abilities.
What is Spice accelerator?

The Spice Accelerator is our mentor-driven accelerator program for those at the margins of society. The selective 6-month program that equips a new generation of sustainable business leaders through mentorship, training and networking is cohort-based, and it leverages the passion and expertise of individuals and organizations across the globe to provide participants with the connections and resources needed to initiate social impact projects in their communities.

 

At Spice Without Borders we believe that Social Change impact can look like this

  • An individual zooming into their personal life to search for an idea and discovering that which they can do to transform their own lives and that of others.
  • An individual bringing their passion to life, and reaching out to make an impact through their idea as a business opportunity.
  • An individual coming up with a unique technological design that tackle a community problem
  • An individual starting a community empowerment space focused on horning basic skills for the underprivileged.
  • It could be a musician or artist connecting with people through their medium and creating an open space for expression that brings out social transformation.
  • Probably this individual is a documentary filmmaker or blogger telling the stories of under-represented communities and bringing out unheard stories.
  • Yes! An individual who has a thought of doing something and has the determination to define their abilities.
Are there certain criteria before applying for the Spice Accelerator?

Yes! The following eligibility criteria applies.

 

“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” ~ Farrah Gray

 

» You will need to be a woman or man aged 18 years or older.

» You will need to have social change or business idea that needs to be nurtured.

» You could be running a social change project already or wanting to start one.

» We respect individuals’ academic performance however; selection is not based on academic performance or qualification.

» Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking basic English.

» Basic knowledge in using a computer

» Willingness to learn and share your skills with peers and mentors.

» Ability to share your skills with your intended project beneficiaries.

» Have been faced by adversity and overcome a social ill.

» Be part of the social community you seek to transform.

» Ready to share your personal story to a public audience and have it published on our platforms.

» You must be coming from the East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi).

» Be able to personally travel to Eldoret City twice a month within the training period for a physical meetup.

» Must be ready to avail yourself when called upon by our Catalysts

» Pay a Tuition fee of Kes. 24,000/- for the six month mentorship and training period.

 

We do not discriminate applicants based on ethnicity, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, socio-economic status or disability. Spice Without Borders reserves the right to verify all of the information provided during your application and in the event that there is a discrepancy, or information is found to be false, the applicant will immediately be disqualified. Any application not meeting the above eligibility criteria will not be forwarded to the selection team for consideration.

What are the dates for the next Spice Accelerator?

The Spice Accelerator runs a six month program each year that is highly competitive.

» Application for Spice Accelerator Program will be open all the time. However, November to April would be the ideal time to apply for the upcoming course. Otherwise applications that come in once we are done with the selection for the upcoming course is finalized will be considered for the next course cycle.

» Application deadline is on the Midnight of Monday 29th April 2024

» Sessions begin in June 2024 : 2 Monthly Physical Meetups for a period of 6 months

» We require a minimum of one month for us to be able to respond to your application with the final results.

What are benefits of being part of the Spice Accelerator program?

Individuals at the backyard of society across communities and globally need to join hands and work together to come up with solutions to new global challenges. At our Spice Accelerator program you gain from;

» Mentorship

Empowered to see the visible or invisible barriers in your life. We believe in sustained mentorship and that these long-term relationships provide participants with the lasting support they need to be successful. Our participants are exposed to mentors with a diverse realm of expertise. We leverage this network of mentors, many of whom are alumni of our accelerator programs, and their expertise to provide participants the opportunities to connect with the resources necessary to avoid potentially costly mistakes, develop and hone their business models based on individual passions.

» Training

On completion of the accelerator program, participants will possess the skills and resources required to lead a strong, ethical, accountable and sustainable social change organization that brings about measurable social change in their communities. Participants will acquire practical project management skills training and access to professional trainers.

» Resources

In addition to mentorship, participants have access to direct resources such as basic legal services, proforma development, pitch preparation, and graphic design support at special discounted rates. Additionally, participants will have full access to our coworking space. A dynamic and creative space to grow and develop yourself and your social change or business idea.

» Peer – to – Peer Networks

A dynamic and creative platform to grow and develop yourself and your social change initiative. Learning from different perspectives by fellow participants. We believe that some of the most valuable long-term connections an entrepreneur can make are with other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges at a similar stage. We work to build these peer-to-peer connections throughout the program between current participants as well as our extensive alumni network. As a cohort-driven program we celebrate wins, big or small, together.

» Pitch Development and Practice

Special pitching and demo opportunities where you get a Safe platform to share your personal story and validate your experience. Once you have the right story, a great pitch will help you sell it. We work with professional pitch coaches who will support you to hone your pitch narrative and materials. Participants finish the accelerator with a refined, compelling pitch and pitch deck to bring to any meeting with an investor or customer.

» Networking

Exposure to a community of change makers. Being part of Social Change Catalysts movement with new and meaningful connections and relationships. Throughout the program, participants are invited to exclusive networking events hosted by Spice Without Borders. These events, which are in both physical and virtual environments, are attended by alumni, board members, investors, and change makers that provide opportunities for participants to connect and form part of the growing creative spicy accelerators movement of individuals committed to creating a better world for all

» Certification

At the end of the training you will be issued with a certificate of completion to those who successfully complete the course

What kind of qualification will I get when completing the course?

» Spice Accelerator will prepare you to start your social change project or initiative and at the end we will issue a certificate of completion to those who successfully complete the course.

Is a university degree or admission into a university required in order to apply?

» No. Formal and informal education is considered in your application, but applicants are not required to have a university degree or to have attended college or university.

What is the goal of the Spice Accelerator?

» Our goal for Spice Accelerator is to empower participants with the skills, tools and an opportunity to design and implement solutions to the challenges faced in their communities. We are identifying individuals who are ready to lead in accelerating social change in their own communities and provide them with opportunity to learn essential skills and apply those skills in the context of their communities.

Is there any exam to assess my performance?

» There are no exams but if participants fail to deliver assignments, engage in a proactive, respectful, social and responsible manner it could lead to disqualification from the Spice Accelerator program.

How do I input my name into the application?

» Please type your name exactly as it appears on your government identification card or passport.

After I submit my application, can I go back and make any changes?

» No, once you have submitted your application for selection consideration you will not be able to make any changes or add additional information. However, prior to submitting your application you may make changes or add information.

What can I expect by going through the Spice Accelerator?

We equip our accelerators on lean startup methodologies, testing your critical assumptions, creating viable social business models, and effectively communicating and presenting to investors and supporters.

What makes Spice Accelerator different from others?

Some initiatives will destroy your reputation just because of your own weaknesses. Instead of being a network that builds confidence and help you sprout, they instead try to bring down if they realize your idea is in competition with theirs. We do not do that. The Spice Accelerator initiator has been taken through this and knows what it means, we have made also made so many mistakes that have cost us and we do not wish you to repeat the same. On the other hand, cultural diversity is one of our core values that we stand by. You will learn just as much from the other like-minded participants and our catalysts in the program as you will from the mentors and advisors. This is a tight-knit community of social change accelerators who will hold you accountable, help you get out of your own head, and push you forward faster than you’ve ever imagined. We walk with you all the way accepting your flaws and will never destroy your reputation based on your personal weaknesses.

Do you help with funding opportunities?

Spice Accelerator has dedicated funding coaches amongst its catalysts and their focus is to equip you on the fundraising process, how to communicate with investors, and ultimately expose you with potential investors in our network.

Do I need to submit a business plan to be eligible for the Spice Accelerator?

No, you just need to fill out the application where you have the option to attach additional materials if you’d like to.

I don’t have a business idea, but I just want to do something. Is the Spice Accelerator for me?

No! Self drive is key for us. For you to be selected in our accelerator you must have your own idea, it doesn’t have to be a perfect idea. However you can attend some of our events like SpiceTalks, SpiceFestival and Coffeetage as they will ignite you to identify what you can do.

I’m a serial social entrepreneur, what do you have to offer me?

At Spice Accelerator we value that no 2 business are the same and just because you have created a startup before does not necessarily mean you cannot be a beneficiary from our mentors and other subject matter experts within the program. Spice Accelerator can help give your initiative increased visibility and credibility.

No, we are working with a number of legal partners who can offer discounted services and guidance to establish your initiative.

I have more than one idea that I’m interested in pursuing. Can I submit multiple applications?

This is a great ambition, unfortunately the answer is no. You will have to choose one idea to apply with. We look for entrepreneurs who are 100% committed and passionate about their concept. It’s a troubling indicator if we see more than one application from the same person. The good news is, with the one idea you can end up transforming it into one that you never thought about.

Do you support both profit and non profits?

Absolutely! We are building a network of passionate social change accelerators who provide urgent solutions to the communities pressing problems, and are open to any path that gets there.

How much does it cost to participate in the Spice Accelerator Program?

The actual tuition fees is higher and has been partially sponsored by our partners reducing it to Kes. 24,000/- (USD 300). This will cover cost of daytime programming as well as teas and lunch on each physical meetup. It does not cover travel.

What kind of expenses will be covered by me?

Travel and accommodation are not included in the price of tuition. We recommend participants stay close to the venue, arrive on the day before the program starts and return home on the evening after the program ends.

» Ensure you have a Medical/ Health Insurance

» Personal expenses approximately 200 to 300USD.

» Please do inform yourself in advance of costs that you may incur during the training.

How can I make the payments and or support the Spice Accelerator by cash?

» You can remit any way you like as long as it is received in the account of Spice Without Borders.

Through the Bank Account

Bank Name: Kenya Commercial Bank

Account Name: Spice Without Borders
Account Number: 1324 1350 26
Swift Code: KCBLKENX
Bank Code: 01
Branch Code: 109
Branch Name: Eldoret

 

By Mobile Money (Mpesa)

  1. Go to Lipa Na Mpesa
  2. Enter PayBill Number
    Enter: 522 5223
  3. Enter Account Number
    Enter: 132 413 5026
  4. Enter Amount
  5. Enter your PIN number

    Your donation is received at the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)
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