Programs
Unlocking Refugee Talent
Our Programs
Our programs are designed to equip refugee entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and funding they need to build successful businesses. From expert-led training to hands-on mentorship and investment opportunities, we provide the support needed at every stage of the journey.
Bootcamp
A one-month online course covering essential business skills, strategy, and leadership. Participants learn to develop and refine their business idea through customer research and market testing.
Accelerator
An intensive weeklong program held in each of Berlin, New York, and Toronto, offering hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and direct mentorship. Participants gain real-world business experience, preparing them to launch and scale their ventures.
Investments
As part of our accelerator program, we support exceptional founders with equity investments and grants. Startups receive financial backing and strategic guidance.
FAQs
What is Ventures Beyond Borders?
FAQs
What is Ventures Beyond Borders?
Ventures Beyond Borders (formerly the Refugee Entrepreneurship Program) supports aspiring entrepreneurs from refugee backgrounds. Launched in 2023 as part of the Afghan Future Fund, the program has since trained over 100 refugee entrepreneurs from over a dozen countries.
What is the mission of the program?
Ventures Beyond Borders bets on extraordinary refugees using the power of entrepreneurship to create lasting change in their communities and the world.
What does the Ventures Beyond Borders program look like?
Our program consists of the Bootcamp and the Accelerator. Attendance in the Bootcamp is required to take part in our Accelerator. Our Bootcamp is a month-long virtual program in June designed to equip entrepreneurs with a robust skillset for early-stage venture creation. As part of our Accelerator, a smaller number of participants from the virtual program are invited to join an in-person weeklong training in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
What kind of businesses does Ventures Beyond Borders support?
We focus on supporting scalable businesses that can grow rapidly over time. Companies from any industry or sector are welcome to apply. For examples of scalable business, take a look at this list of companies: https://www.ycombinator.com/companies.
What does the Bootcamp look like?
Our main program consists of the Ventures Beyond Borders Bootcamp. Our Bootcamp is a virtual course to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop and test their business idea. Weekly assignments will include customer research and market testing. At the end of the bootcamp, students will present an executive summary for their idea, demonstrating the application of those skills. The Bootcamp will take place from June 2 to 27.
What does the Accelerator look like?
The top participants may be invited to join as a founder in the Ventures Beyond Borders Accelerator. As part of our Accelerator, our founders attend one of our one-week trainings that will be held between August and October. Founders will learn to go to market and build a scalable business. After the one-week training, founders are matched with mentors and receive access to continuous training and support. At the end of the four-month accelerator, founders can pitch Ventures Beyond Borders for funding for their businesses.
What are the requirements for participants?
Our program is targeted to individuals with experience of forced displacement who have arrived to their current country of residence in the past ten years. To apply for the Accelerator, participants must be based in North America or Europe. All participants must be able to understand and speak English. Participants do not need to have a business or a co-founder.
Do I need to have experience as an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurial experience is not required. We expect participants to want to start a company after the completion of the program.
What are the costs?
There is no cost for successful applicants to the Bootcamp. We expect to cover any cost of travel and accommodation for participants in the Accelerator.
Will there be funding for participating businesses?
Ventures Beyond Borders expects to make grants and larger investments to a small number of companies in its Accelerator program. There is no funding as part of the Bootcamp.
What are the expectations for attendance in the Bootcamp?
Participants are required to attend every virtual session throughout the four weeks of the program. Unexcused failure to attend will result in dismissal from the program. Each week, participants should expect to spend at least 10 hours on the program. At the end of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion.
What is the deadline for application?
Applications are due May 11, 2025, at 11:59 Eastern Time.
When will successful applicants be notified?
Successful applicants can expect to hear back by late May.
How can I learn more?
For more information, we invite you to join our informational webinars, which will be held on April 16, 9:00 am Eastern Time / 15:00 Central European Time (join using this link) and on May 2, 12:00 pm Eastern Time / 18:00 Central European Time (join using this link).
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.
Do I need prior business experience to apply?
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.
How long does the program last?
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.
What type of businesses do you support?
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
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