Basic Needs Product Competition

Because International invites impact-driven founders whose businesses have a product that specifically helps provide a basic need to those experiencing poverty.

Examples of basic needs include:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Education
  • Shelter
  • Hygiene
  • Basic healthcare

Entrepreneurs from around the world are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Basic Needs Product Competition and win a spot in the 2024 Because Accelerator cohort.

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply for the 2024 Basic Needs Product Competition here or by clicking the link below. Semi-finalists and finalists will be notified via email and shared on LinkedIn.

Apply Now

JUDGING CRITERIA

Because International is looking for companies with innovative, physical products that fit one or more of the following:

  1. Designed to meet a basic need for those experiencing poverty (see examples above).
  2. Prioritizing their own community as the beneficiaries of the product.

  3. Able to show the potential for future impact through a clear vision of the future.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

January 10, 2024

TIMELINE

  • January 19: Semi-finalists announced.
  • January 19-24: Interviews conducted with semi-finalists.
  • January 24: Finalists announced.
  • January 30: Winner selected and announced.

VIRTUAL COMPETITION

January 30, 2024

The top finalists will compete in a virtual pitch competition entailing five minutes to present a pitch, followed by questions from the judges. At the end of the competition, the judges will determine one winner to take home $5,000 and receive a spot in a 2024 Because Accelerator cohort.

PRIZES AND BENEFITS

  • One winner will receive $5,000 and a spot in a 2024 Because Accelerator cohort.
  • Additional cohort spots will be awarded as determined by the judges and team at Because International.

ABOUT BECAUSE INTERNATIONAL

At Because International, our mission is to alleviate poverty by distributing impact products and supporting product-focused entrepreneurs. Building on what we’ve learned from developing our own product, The Shoe That Grows, the Because Accelerator is designed to help entrepreneurs take their innovative products to the next level. This free program uses a completely digital platform and includes 16 weeks of training, weekly calls with a coach, networking with alumni and our extensive network of subject matter experts, and the opportunity to pitch for prize money.