About Wathba Business Accelerator Program (WAP)

Wathba Accelerator is an intensive program designed to support early-stage startups in Yemen to accelerate their growth and development. It is one of the components of the Wathba Program which is funded by the European Union Delegation to Yemen (EU) and Hayel Saeed Anam (HSA), and is implemented in partnership between ROWAD Foundation and DeepRoot Consulting. This program aims to provide startups with the mentoring sessions, master classes, and financial resources they need to succeed in a short period of time.

 What Wathba Business Accelerator Program (WAP) Offers 

1. Mentorship Sessions: Selected startups will receive valuable guidance from specialized local or international mentors in various fields to help them make the right decisions that assist in implementing their growth and expansion plans and avoid common and recurring mistakes that startups encounter.

2. Advanced programs to enhance startups' investment readiness: Wathba Accelerator equips startups with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop their business model, improve marketing and sales strategies, and manage financial and legal affairs efficiently.

3. Access Investors: The accelerator facilitates access and communication with a wide network of potential investors through various channels, including the Yemeni Angel Investors Network (YAIN) and Wathba Impact Investment Fund (WIIF), to showcase projects to them.

4. Financial Grants: Wathba provides financial support to contribute to the implementation of startups' scalability plans and achieve their ambitious goals.

 Application and Selection Criteria: 

Startups wishing to apply to Wathba Business Accelerator program (WAP) and ensure their eligibility for the next stage must meet the following conditions:

1. The Startup must offer its products or services in Yemen and have its main operations in Yemen.

2. The Startup must provide innovative solutions with positive impacts on the Yemeni society and economy, effectively address a problem, and stand out from competitors.

3. The Startup's leadership team must commit to full-time participation in all accelerator activities.

4. The Startup must have a motivated founders with experience and competence in entrepreneurship.

5. The company must be ready for growth and capable of scaling and attracting investors.

6. At least one of the founders must be of Yemeni nationality.

7. Scalability: A scalable business model with strong growth potential, ideally capable of expanding into local and international markets.

8. Product or Service Competitiveness (Market Traction): Demonstrate progress through customer acquisition, user engagement, revenue, or strategic partnerships.

9. Vision and Impact: Alignment with social or environmental goals, adding value beyond profitability.

10. Financial Feasibility: Realistic financial projections, including revenue, expenses, and cash flow sustainability.

If the above conditions are met, don't miss this opportunity!

Launch your startup towards new horizons with the "Wathba" Business Accelerator!

 Selection Process: 

The startups applying to join the accelerator program will undergo a competitive evaluation process to ensure the selection of promising and scalable startups. The selection process includes the following:

1. Application: Submission is done through this form, where the company applies to join the accelerator. The form includes questions about the company's team, field of work, market opportunity, and current stage of growth.

2. Screening: The program team reviews the applications and identifies a shortlist of promising startups based on the selection criteria mentioned above.

3. Interviews: The shortlisted startups will be invited to conduct a number of interviews, either in person or via video calls. This allows for an assessment of the founders' capabilities, commitment, and alignment with the program's values.

4. Data Validation: The program team will conduct further data validation, including verification of financial data analysis and the startup's business model.

5. Final Selection: Based on the evaluation process, 10 startups will be selected to participate in the first cohort of the program, noting that the program will be repeated for four more cohorts over the next four years.

 Instructions for Applicants: 

To advance to the second phase of the selection process, kindly fill out all sections of the application form by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.

Please note that this information helps us to better understand your team, your plans, and how Wathba Business Accelerator program (WAP) can support the growth you need for your startup's success.

 Application Deadline: 

Thursday, April 10, 2025