Dark & Lovely Africa partner with She Leads Africa to launch Accelerator Program for Beauty Businesses

She Leads Africa in partnership with Dark & Lovely Africa has just opened applications for the 2017 Dark & Lovely x SLA Beauty Accelerator.

The accelerator program is a 10 week-long entrepreneurship development program to support early stage entrepreneurs who are building businesses in the beauty industry.

The 2017 Dark & Lovely x SLA Beauty Accelerator will kick off with 1-week business skills boot camp in Johannesburg, South Africa where entrepreneurs will receive training on business strategy, growth, marketing, finance, and distribution.

Throughout the program, entrepreneurs will have access to industry mentors and online training. At the close of the ten weeks, the entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a host of industry stakeholders,   investors, and the media.

Caitlin Craig, Head of Community at She Leads Africa said:

We are extremely excited about the launch of the beauty accelerator in partnership with Dark & Lovely Africa. This is an incredible opportunity to bring together women from across the African continent who highlight innovation in the African beauty industry.

Nneka Keshi, Digital Marketing Director, L’Oréal Consumer Products Division for Sub-Saharan Africa which is also a partner for the program had this to say:

We are delighted to partner with She Leads Africa on this amazing project to support young women in business across Africa. Supporting women empowerment programs like this is a key pillar of the brand’s sustainability platform.

Eligible companies include:

• Media: Platforms that make it easier for women to learn beauty techniques and discover new styles
• Products: Physical products that enhance the beauty process
• Technology: Software and services that support the beauty industry
• Retail: Platforms that simplify the buying process for consumer

The accelerator is open to businesses based in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and
Kenya.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying should visit sheleadsafrica.org/beauty for more information and to apply. Submissions close on 1 September at 11:59pm WAT.

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BellaNaija is a media partner for SLA