The ACANEA NextGen Program was created for the next generation of Black youth entrepreneurs in mind attending ACANEA nationally. This experience will create access to capital, capacity, and community for student visionaries ranging from 15 to 30 years old. The top 7 Student Visionaries will work through a curated curriculum in preparation for a demo day to show off their business acumen. Next, they will move into a tournament-style ACANEA Pitch Competition, giving them a chance to win additional capital and rep their ACANEA! Additionally, they will also have access to Supplier Diversity opportunities to increase visibility to their businesses. We are ready to usher in a new age of dynamic Black founder.

Our mission is to develop the entrepreneurial mindset of Black Youth students via access to capital, training, mentoring, and new networks. Through our multi-pronged efforts, we will help prepare students for a highly competitive workforce as well as providing experiences design to elevate entrepreneurship as a practical avenue for employing themselves and others. 

Our vision is to democratize entrepreneurship for the Next Generation of business leaders. This will help change the playing field for young Black women and men-identifying founders while closing the generational wealth gap, strengthening families, and creating a more equitable society.

WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL?

During the 8-week accelerator training, student visionaries will:

·       Be matched with a group of peers across of the country.

·       Access culturally centered entrepreneurial education through ACANEA’s 8-week Accelerator program.

·       Develop money management and business development skills.

·       Gain the opportunity to pitch for access to capital to grow their businesses.

·       Gain the opportunity to get mentorship and feedback on your business.

DO I QUALIFY?

Qualifications

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must be:

·       Have a business or viable business idea

·       Must be 15-30 years old

·       Must Identify as Black.

·       Have the ability to commit to approximately 3 hours per week for 8 weeks.

·       Have interest in growing your networking and being a part of a community of student entrepreneurs across the country.

HOW TO APPLY

·      Complete the application form: https://acanea.ca/contact-form/ meeting the eligibility criteria

·      You’ll then receive an invitation to submit a short video introduction of you and your business/business idea.

·      You’ll receive an e-mail notification of a decision (before October 27)

 WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

·      You will receive a $10K stipend-plus in-kind resources to grow your business idea

·      Entrepreneurship skills development training through the ACANEA Jetpack for Early Entrepreneurs curriculum.

·      You will enroll in Harvard Business School (Harvard University) to complete Business Strategy Certification (learn an effective, easy-to-grasp framework to create value and achieve outstanding financial performance).

·      You’ll gain access to a network of student visionaries, mentors and expert feedback to solidify and grow your business.

·      You will have the opportunity to showcase your business to funders.

·      You will have the opportunity to qualify to participate in an ACANEA Pitch competition and gain access to more capital to grow your business.