East Africa’s first dedicated rural water accelerator
Photo Credit: cewas
Are you an innovative rural water enterprise creating impact in rural and peri-urban areas in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania or Rwanda? Then this programme might just be for you: We deliver the personalized and long-term support you need to scale-up your operations and become investment-ready. We want to offer you the capacity building, networking and financing opportuntities you need to bring your business to the next level.
Programme objectives
Support 8-10 high-potential rural water enterprises to become investment-ready.
Transform rural water access into profitable and scalable business models.
Target audiences
Innovative rural water enterprises:
Businesses and social enterprises in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania or Rwanda that offer scalable, sustainable and innovative solutions for rural water challenges.
Why join the accelerator?
Tailored to your needs
We offer you tailored and personalizied business development support.
Catalytic Grants
10’000 USD catalytic grant for overcoming scaling barriers plus potentially larger investments for scaling
Investment Readyness
We will work with you to become investment-ready and link you up with financiers for larger investments
Long-term support
We join and guide you on your acceleration journey over a prolonged period of time
Sector experts
We combine sector expertise and relevant networks with business development knowledge
Details & Timeline
Submission Deadline
10 May 2023
Submit your application before 10 May 2023
Programme Kick-off
8 Jun 2023
Attend the online programme kick-off session [ONLINE]
Enterprise Diagnostics
16 Jun 2023
Benchmark your business and define your acceleration objectives with tailored coaching support [ONLINE]
Acceleration Bootcamp (Nairobi)
3 – 7 Jul 2023
Strategize to scale your market potential and design your investment projects with experts and peers during a 5-day offline training [F2F]
Transformation Project
Jul 2023 onwards
Demonstrate your ability to deliver by converting a USD 10k catalytic grant into a successful business transformation project [ON-SITE]
Technical Assistance
Aug 2023 onwards
Build your capacities by working together with a dedicated water business expert on a specific support area of your business [ONLINE]
Financial Modelling
Sept 2023 onwards
Systematically develop your financial model and project your growth path over the next 5 years [ONLINE]
Investment Case Bootcamp (Kampala)
19 – 24 Oct 2023
Develop and pitch a convincing investment case to potentially interested impact investors [F2F]
Investor Matchmaking
Nov 2023 onwards
Consolidate your business data room as a solid basis for investor engagement and long-term partnerships [ONLINE]
Continuous Follow-up Support
Dec 2023 – Jun 2024
Receive dedicated tailored coaching support from globally experienced and locally embedded water business development experts [HYBRID]
Programme Closure
Jun 2024
Reflect on lessons learned and become part of a global network of innovative water businesses [ONLINE]
Testimonials
This is what our graduates have to say about the business support we provided through our Kenyan water business acceleration programme WA-KE UP
Aqua Clara Kenya
“Our company was already going strong before the programme, but we were looking for catalytic change to help us accelerate our growth. The WA-KE UP programme set us on the right path: Based on insights we gained through the programme, we pivoted our business model and today, we are negotiating with several (impact) investors who would have been difficult to access just a year ago.”
John Nyagwencha – CEO, Aqua Clara Kenya
Varet Products
“Our participation in the acceleration programme has transformed how we think about our business growth trajectory. The many training, networking and exposure opportunities boosted our business’ visibility and helped to engage investors and other potential partners at eye level.”
Eva Muhia – CEO, Varet Products
Sonic Fresh Waters
“Our participation in the Business Acceleration Programme will have a long-lasting impact on how we manage and grow our business. Thanks to the unique combination of training workshops, bilateral coachings and facilitated matchmaking opportunities, we are now well positioned to become a leading brand in the Kenyan WASH market by promoting an impact-driven approach to providing our services.”
Enock Mailu, Director – Sonic Fresh Waters