NBL launches sustainability program targeting start-ups  

Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), has launched a social entrepreneurship programme dubbed “100+ Accelerator” Cohort 2023 aligned towards the promotion of business start-ups committed to sustainability.

The programme, an initiative of NBL parent company, AB InBev will offer a funding opportunity of up to $100,000 (about Shs 370 million) to successful applicants whose business ideas provide innovative solutions to eight challenge areas including; climate action, inclusive growth, smart agriculture, biodiversity, circular economy, water stewardship, health and wellness.

Now in its 5th cohort worldwide but launched in Uganda last year, the 100+ Accelerator was created as an innovation-driven platform to exponentially fuel the growth of sustainability startups and to help the company reach its sustainability goals for 2025.

Starting last year, 35 Ugandan entrepreneurs had a chance to apply in the hope of joining the already over 80 companies implementing their solutions in 20 countries around the world. Former winners currently operating in Uganda under sustainable agriculture solutions include Oko Finance, BanQu and Agri Friend.

While launching the programme at the NBL headquarters in Luzira, Adu Rando, managing director NBL said the 100+ Accelerator seeks to assist social entrepreneurs with cutting-edge solutions to problems affecting the globe and supply chains.

He noted that they support the startups by providing mentoring, funding and opportunities to pilot and scale their ideas within our business and value chain anywhere around the world.

“The parent company of NBL, AB InBev, established the 100+ Accelerator programme in 2018 originally in order to identify start-ups that could make significant strides in the five key sustainability pillars of water stewardship, smart agriculture, circular packaging, climate action and upcycling and help the company accelerate its dedicated sustainability goals.”

Frank Kamugyisha, CEO and founder of Eco Plastile and a runner-up in cohort 4, said the program is more than just the money you get to win but more about support and partnerships you get which are more invaluable. He revealed that during the application process, his company got a partnership with Coca-Cola where they intend to recycle 150 metric tons of plastic per month.

“We enjoyed the process, from online application, to pilot project designs, interviews and much as we didn’t receive investment, the feedback received has helped us grow our social venture. I will be applying again with our software, Wastepays which enables African businesses and households to monetize their waste like plastics and glass using a mobile platform,”

Start-ups with products that are either already on the market or are well suited for the market and can show transactional information in terms of IP, clients, revenue, pilots, or contract are encouraged to apply via the 100 accelerator website until June 30 this year.  

Applicants will be evaluated on a rolling basis and scoring will be assessed based on values like fit with identified sustainability challenges, ability to demonstrate traction or product market fit, market expertise and team and capacity to carry out a pilot in selected global zone among others.

“Additionally, applicants should be aware that there will be several rounds to the screening process and that the 100+ Accelerator programme is devoted to keeping in constant contact with entrepreneurs. I thus kindly request that all aspiring social entrepreneurs submit their applications in accordance with the timeframes,” Rando concluded.

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