Acumen Academy Launches Inaugural Business Accelerator For Social Entrepreneurs In Vietnam

Acumen Academy’s mission is to unleash a new generation of social innovators with the determination and grit to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world. With a similar ethos, they are excited to collaborate with Fulbright University Vietnam to launch their first-ever program in Vietnam: the Social Impact Business Accelerator.

Navin Murugamoorthy, Associate Director at Acumen Academy said: “We are so excited to bring to Vietnam our accelerator program which is built around lessons from our years of investing in and helping social impact businesses to achieve scale.

We are also delighted to be strengthening our tried and tested curriculum with new local lessons delivered by our partner Fulbright University Vietnam. The program will help up to 20 entrepreneurs unlock new insights and opportunities in their business models, connect with new networks and deepen their social impact.”

Who can join the business accelerator?

This is an intensive 12-week program for founders of pre-scale social impact businesses in Vietnam. In this duration, entrepreneurs and their teams will learn the essentials of building a business model that can achieve both social impact and profitability.

The program is not limited to any particular social issue. Applications from entrepreneurs working in the field of education, unemployment and underemployment, climate-resilient agriculture, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and energy access are highly encouraged to apply.

What's there for the participant?

Participants will dive into case studies from Acumen’s portfolio, explore curriculum around business models, customer insights, social impact, financial modeling, pitching for investment, and more, and learn from shared experiences in order to scale their social impact business.

The accelerator will culminate with a Final Summit coordinated by Fulbright University Vietnam, where participants will attend workshops, have a chance to network, pitch their venture for up to $10,000 in seed funding, and receive feedback from industry leaders.

In addition, the cohort will also:

• Learn the essentials for building a sustainable business model, robust social impact strategy, and customer-centered solutions
• Join a speaker series by Fulbright University Vietnam to help deepen program learnings and enhance the cohort’s connection
• Network with entrepreneurs, potential partners, and investors from the startup ecosystem in Vietnam
• Experience Acumen’s flagship training modules including video tutorials, case studies, topic guides, and assignments
• Join a life-long community of leaders driving change around the world

Humaira Rana, Founder of Pakistan Agri-tech company Crop2X said: “The program is such an amazing opportunity for all social impact entrepreneurs. In this program, you will refine your business model and scale its growth.

The consultation calls with the Acumen team provide the chance to discuss your business on an individual basis, the case studies from successful enterprises are inspiring and provide many lessons, and the assignments are a refreshing way to rethink your enterprise's strategies for scale. If you are looking to scale your business and join a new community of entrepreneurs, apply!”

What are some takeaways?

About Acumen Academy, it serves a global community of social entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who are willing to embrace the challenge of solving the world’s toughest problems. They blend online and offline learning to provide social innovators with practical tools, lessons, resources, and a supportive community to achieve positive social change. At Acumen Academy, success is not reserved for the privileged few — rather, success is based on our ability to support the poor, the vulnerable, and the earth.

Acumen Academy is a part of Acumen, a nonprofit focused on changing the way the world tackles poverty and building a world based on dignity. Acumen invests in companies and change-makers across the globe through investments, learning, and alliances.

Trần Lê Nam, Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives at Fulbright University Vietnam shared:

“Fulbright University Vietnam is honored to collaborate with Acumen Academy to launch its first social impact business accelerator in Vietnam. As the first private, independent, not-for-profit university in Vietnam, the mission of social impact businesses is at the heart of our core founding philosophy.”

He added: “Fulbright is committed to supporting SIBs in their journey to scale and realize their impact in Vietnam and beyond. Within this accelerator, Fulbright will bring a local perspective through our speaker series featuring Vietnamese industry experts and provide an open space for key players within the ecosystem to discuss growth opportunities and ways to support social impact business owners together. I am genuinely excited about this collaboration and urge interested business owners to apply!”

Applications are due by July 27 and the program begins on Sept 20, 2022. Learn more about the Social Impact Business Accelerator.

Learn more about Acumen and explore all learning offerings at Acumen Academy.