Since its inception in 2019, the Because Accelerator has provided training, networking, coaching and funding opportunities for more than 30 entrepreneurs around the world with product-focused businesses.

Entrepreneurs who develop innovative products can create job opportunities in their communities, and we believe that job creation is one of the cornerstones to poverty alleviation.

We spoke with two alumnae who joined the Because Accelerator in the spring of 2020: Faith Aweko, founder of Reform Africa and Shubham Issar, founder of SoaPen.

WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON IT NOW, WHAT WAS THE KEY TAKEAWAY FROM YOUR TIME IN THE ACCELERATOR?

Faith: My key takeaway was to be able to set goals that are achievable. Sometimes as entrepreneurs we set big goals and fail to achieve them either because of lack of resources or time. I learnt to set weekly and monthly goals and steps to achieve them. 

Shubham: I feel like we’ve felt so much support. We did a pitch competition, we sent over our product for the fundraiser that’s happening ... I think for me, it just doesn’t feel like I have left the program. I feel like that sense of community was my biggest takeaway.

WHAT AREA OF YOUR BUSINESS DID THE VIRTUAL PROGRAM HELP WITH THE MOST?

Faith: Funding and scaling. After the program, we took part in a pitch competition by Because International and we won a grant of $3,000. We’ve further used this grant to scale our production through purchase of machinery and are looking forward to shifting to a bigger production facility to enhance our growth. 

Shubham: What was helpful to me was getting [my coach’s] perspective on what to prioritize and how to approach sales and marketing and operations…there’s so much happening in a business all the time that just knowing what you need to prioritize and having a second ear to validate that or give opposing advice was one of the most helpful things for me.

WHAT SIGNIFICANT CHANGE OR CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE TO YOUR BUSINESS OR TO YOUR PRODUCTS SINCE YOU WERE IN THE INCUBATOR?

Faith: We diverted our focus to producing bags only and diversifying, modifying and making new designs of the bags. Creating new bag designs and sizes boosted our sales. 

Shubham: We created custom packaging and launched a much smoother and finer roller ball tip. And the other main change is that we introduced three new colors that are a lot more vibrant than our previous formulation. But the one thing we did hold onto and did not change, and I’m glad we didn’t, is that we kept the soap really really mild for kids, and also super moisturizing. I have friends who have kids with eczema and super sensitive skin and they’ve been able to use SoaPen no problem.

WHY IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Faith: Knowing that the livelihood of the workers, my team and myself solely and entirely depends on the success of the business gives me satisfaction as an entrepreneur. Being able to employ people and reduce plastic pollution is a change I’ve always wanted to see and all this has happened because I took on this entrepreneurship journey. 

Shubham: I think one of the most powerful aspects of entrepreneurship is the direct impact your work can have and seeing that impact. To me that’s really important … It’s much more possible to create change when you can control every aspect you are putting out into the world. 

Apart from that, I’m a person of color, I’m a female immigrant who moved to the United States at a very young age and I think me being an entrepreneur and starting something of my own and being successful at it is an inspiration for many people who might not see people like me in roles of leadership.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?

Faith: The Because Accelerator is one of the best programs I’ve so far benefited from. With the mentoring, coaching, funding and support, Reform Africa has accelerated to the next level in just a short period of time. I would highly recommend any entrepreneur to join and get knowledge on how to run their business from experts.

Shubham: I miss the Because Accelerator! One of the biggest ways you can support an entrepreneur is by purchasing that product and trying that product—the Because Accelerator has been amazing and has supported us in every possible way so we really appreciate it.

The Because Accelerator is a completely free online training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs who have product-focused ideas and businesses in areas impacted by poverty.