Pakistan’s First fast-track Acceleration Program for Persons with Disabilities
A project by DeafTawk and Sightsavers
Funded by Standard Chartered Foundation
Become a part of our 1st cohort!
About The Program
Innovation Challenge Futuremakers is a groundbreaking fast track acceleration program for entrepreneurs with disabilities. The program is jointly initiated by DeafTawk and Sightsavers in an effort to uplift persons with disabilities and help them realize their entrepreneurial dreams.
Apart from many business development tools, the program provides a robust Launchpad for scaling businesses, enabling aspiring startups to achieve their full potential.
Last Date to apply: 23rd May 2023
What We Offer
Custom-designed curriculum
Our curriculum is tailored to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs with disabilities. You will receive personalized guidance on business development, marketing, finance, and more.
Coaching &
Mentorship
Access to expert advice and guidance from experienced mentors who have successfully launched and grown their own businesses Our mentors are experts in their fields and have a deep understanding of entrepreneurial world.
Access to grants and investments
We will help you identify funding opportunities and provide you with the resources and support you need to secure funding for your startup
Networking
events
You will have the opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs with disabilities, as well as industry leaders, investors, potential partners, and customers.
PR and marketing support
We will help you develop a strong brand identity, mentor you to create effective marketing campaigns, and generate buzz around your business.
Free website development services
Under this program, we are offering free website development services to our startups. Our website development services are designed to help startups get started with their online presence quickly and easily.
Free entrepreneurship toolkits
You will receive a set of free toolkits that will help you develop and grow your business, including templates, guides, and checklists.
Post-Studio
Support
We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our alumni and will continue to offer post-studio support, including access to mentorship, investor networks, and ongoing learning opportunities to help your business grow.
Program Timeline
| Registration Starts | Applications Close |
Programme Commencement |
Demo Day | Post-studio Coaching |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th May, 2023 |
23rd May, 2023 |
6th June, 2023 |
10th August, 2023 |
Ongoing |
Application Process
About The Partners
DeafTawk
DeafTawk aims to empower the deaf community by bridging the communication gap between them and the rest of society through digital technology. The startup has created an online solution for the connectivity of the deaf community with qualified sign language interpreters. In addition to online interpretation, the startup also provides on-premises and content interpretation services.
Sightsavers
Sightsavers is an international organization working to prevent avoidable blindness and promote disability inclusion. Through various programs and initiatives, Sightsavers aims to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Persons with disabilities living across Pakistan who have business ideas, prototypes, or solutions that they want to bring to life are eligible to apply for the program.
Is the program free of cost?
Yes, the program is completely free of cost for the selected candidates.
Is the program only for entrepreneurs with disabilities or can anyone apply?
The program is exclusively designed for entrepreneurs with disabilities. Only those with disabilities and having business ideas, prototypes or solutions are eligible to apply.
Will the program be conducted online or in person?
The program will be conducted through a hybrid model, combining both online and in-person components. This will allow participants to benefit from the convenience and flexibility of virtual learning while also having opportunities for in-person networking and mentorship. The program team will provide more details to the selected candidates about the specific structure and logistics of the program.
What kind of support will I receive through the program?
The program will offer a custom-designed curriculum, access to mentorship, networking opportunities, access to grants and investments, PR and marketing support, entrepreneurship toolkits, website development service and post-acceleration support to the selected participants.
How long is the program?
The program is designed to be a six-month fast-track acceleration program, providing you with the necessary tools and resources to scale your business.
Is there a limit to the number of participants accepted into the program?
Yes, we will be selecting a limited number of startups for our first cohort. Please note that each startup must have a minimum of 2 founders.
How do I apply for the program?
To apply for the program, you will need to fill out an online form, which can be accessed through the program’s website. The form will require you to provide details about yourself, your business idea, and your team. Once you submit your application, it will be screened, and selected candidates will be invited for interviews. Finally, a few aspiring entrepreneurs will be selected for the program. The application deadline is 23rd May 2023
