Deadline: July 12, 2026
Applications are open for the Accelerating Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) Program 2026. The Accelerating Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) is an accelerator program designed to support impact-orientated businesses in the United States which are addressing essential community needs and driving innovative solutions.
The program is committed to providing entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged communities and connections to Africa with access to capital and investor-readiness training by connecting participants with industry leaders. Twenty entrepreneurs will participate in a virtual enterprise and leadership training program from for 6 weeks, leading up to a live, in-person pitch day in Silicon Valley. The program provides weekly training sessions, mentorship, and network-building.
Benefits
- Tailored Entrepreneur and Leadership Training: Benefit from a fully funded, high-quality accelerator experience designed specifically for early-stage, revenue-generating startups led by African diaspora entrepreneurs.
- Access to Capital and Markets: Connect with investors, funders, and business leaders in Silicon Valley and beyond, opening doors to funding opportunities and global markets
- Pitch to Distinguished Networks: Showcase your venture to ADN’s community of investors, advisors, and partners, building visibility among decision-makers and potential supporters.
- Expert Mentorship: Work directly with experienced mentors who provide guidance on scaling, investor-readiness, and navigating the start-up landscape.
- Join a Thriving Ecosystem: Become part of the African Diaspora Network’s growing and supportive entrepreneurial community, sharing experiences, partnerships, and opportunities long after the program ends.
- Financial Award: Participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible to receive a financial award
Eligibility
For consideration, prospective candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Founder or executive of a scalable, for-profit startup
- Company must be led or co-led by historically excluded entrepreneurs, with focus on those of African descendant
- The company is early-stage and revenue-generating (seed to Series A).
- Enterprise must be headquartered in the United States
- Must be an established legal entity already in operation for 6 months or more
- Must have a proven product market fit with active customers and demonstrable revenue streams
- Must have a clear and sustainable business model with financial projections for growth
- Evidence of customer adoption, market traction, and demand for the solution
- Strong value proposition with a differentiated product or service
- A clearly defined target market and competitive positioning
- Leverage technology or innovative solutions to drive impact
- Commitment to solving pressing challenges through sustainable and scalable innovations
- Applicants must commit to attending all ABLE sessions, completing required program tasks, and actively collaborating with their cohort, mentors, and facilitators
Selection Criteria
Primary Selection Criteria
- Must demonstrate early traction evidenced in growing usage, revenue, or other metrics–concepts, pitches, or prototypes are not eligible. The business should have a website and a tangible digital or physical product or service.
- Potential for financial sustainability, investment, scalability
- Demonstrate quantifiable impact and market reach
- The entrepreneur must be able to dedicate time to program activities, including enterprise training, mentorship sessions, networking events, and availability to attend the in-person pitch day and pitch day practice. Finalists are expected to meet with program peers, ADN network members, mentors, and sponsors as part of their commitment. Participants are expected to adhere to a high level of personal and professional integrity, respect for one another, and accountability.
Secondary Selection Criteria
- Applications are welcome from all industries and for businesses that are impact-oriented.
- Balanced gender representation among entrepreneurs.
- Reasonable geographic distribution among the United States and territories.
- Cross-sector diversity and a comprehensive mix that showcases impact and innovation among multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, finance, connectivity, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Application
There is no cost to participate in the program, and companies do not need to give up any equity.
For more information, visit ABLE.
