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Search & Selection

Agora is recruiting it’s second class of 10-15 outstanding entrepreneurs from Mexico and Central America who are looking to take their business to the next level.

We invite you to learn more about the program and apply to join the Agora Accelerator and help build a more stable and sustainable capitalism that effectively addresses for capital, networks, and for a community of peers.

Eligibility

All applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for acceptance into the Agora Accelerator program:

  • Early-stage with a minimum of US$50,000 annual revenue
  • Poised to grow at least 30% per year over the next 3 years
  • Identified investment need for US$50,000 to US$2M
  • Pre-existing accounting, operating and management systems
  • Proven business model and skilled management team
  • Financing is a major constraint to growth
  • Willingness to complete all Accelerator program requirements
  • Value is aligned among core stakeholders
  • Commitment to active participation in the Accelerator program and Agora community

Selection Criteria

Candidates are evaluated based on three major criteria:

  1. Quality of entrepreneur
  2. Business case
  3. Social/environmental impact

Quality of Entrepreneur

The single most important criterion for the Accelerator is a strong management team led by a visionary entrepreneur who demonstrates integrity, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact through business. We assess each entrepreneur’s track record, focusing on demonstrated ability to learn and grow in the face of both success and failure. The management team must have a record of values-based leadership, the potential to become role models for future companies, and the sophistication, ambition, and capacity to take full advantage of the Accelerator program.

Business Case

We look for innovative, scalable business models for which financing is a major constraint to growth. Companies must have:

  • Pre-existing accounting, operating, and management systems
  • Identified capital needs and a strategic plan for the near future
  • Demonstrated initial results
  • The necessary human capital to ensure successful execution

We perform due diligence, analyze the industry’s attractiveness, and evaluate opportunities and risks for each business.

Social/Environmental Impact

We evaluate the relative social impact of each company. Key drivers of this assessment include the company’s mission, track record and potential to:

  • Generate sustainable jobs (especially for low-income populations)
  • Contribute to local economic activity
  • Integrate supply/demand for products or services that benefit the poor
  • Strengthen local supply chains
  • Promote low-carbon growth models
  • Enhance corporate governance
  • Align the interests of core stakeholders (community, environment, employees, customers and shareholders)
  • Provide entrepreneurial leadership and become role models

Application & Selection Process

Nominations

Members of Agora’s network including strategic sourcing partners, past entrepreneurs, and mentors are encouraged to nominate entrepreneurs they believe would be a good fit for and benefit from the Agora Accelerator Program.  Agora will contact nominated entrepreneurs with application information.  Entrepreneurs may apply even if they have not been nominated.

Phase 1: Initial Application

Agora Partnerships reviews the preliminary written applications submitted online and will select entrepreneurs that fit Accelerator eligibility requirements and meet selection criteria to advance to Phase 2.  Agora may request additional information for consideration in Phase 2.

Phase 2: Interviews

Companies selected to advance to Phase 2 will be interviewed by members of the Agora Accelerator Partners & Mentors Network.  As part of the interview process each entrepreneur will make a formal presentation of the company and the investment case following guidelines laid out in the Agora Pitch Guide.  Entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit a company video as part of their Phase 2 Application.  Entrepreneurs recommended for participation by their interviewers will be invited to move on to Phase 3.

Phase 3: Final Evaluation

Entrepreneurs who advance to Phase 3 will be reviewed by a Global Selection Panel consisting of representatives of Agora’s global strategic partners and leading impact investors.  The Global Selection Panel will evaluate each company and make final recommendations.

Registration Phase

Entrepreneurs selected to participate in the Accelerator Program will be required to register by completing a detailed questionnaire about their company, submitting additional material such as financial statements and marketing materials as requested by Agora, and transmitting payment for the program.

Key Dates

Nomination Phase: June 15 – October 7

Selection Phase 1: Written Application

Application Deadline: October 15
Supplemental Material Deadline (if requested): October 22
Notifications of 2nd round status: October 30

Selection Phase 2: Pitch & Interviews

Interviews: November 14 – 25
Notifications of 3rd round status: November 28

Selection Phase 3: Final Selection

Global Selection Committee Evaluation: December 1 – 10
Final Acceptance Notification: December 15

Registration: dates to be announced

Program Start: January 2012