Yunus Social Business East Africa Accelerator

About this opportunity

Yunus Social Business provides equity-free loans of $100,000–$500,000 and mentorship to early-stage social enterprises in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and (according to listing) Tanzania. Your business must show proven profitability, serve low-income populations, and have clear social impact before you apply.

Who can apply

• Social enterprises registered in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Tanzania
• Founders with experience in business and demonstrated leadership ability
• Teams with the skills and track record needed to execute and scale
• Businesses with a minimum viable product already in market or near-launch
• Ventures generating measurable social or environmental impact
• Businesses with a proven profitable model and clear path to financial sustainability
• Startups operating in agriculture, health, education, technology, or energy sectors

Not eligible

• Organisations without a proven business model or path to profitability
• Businesses that do not directly benefit or improve incomes for low-income populations
• Early-stage ideas without a tangible product or service yet in use
• Ventures without demonstrated social or environmental impact

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Documents you will need

• Business registration certificate for your country of operation
• Detailed business plan showing your model, market, and financial projections
• Evidence of your minimum viable product (product samples, customer testimonials, sales data, or pilot results)
• Proof of social impact achieved to date (beneficiary numbers, income improvements, or outcome metrics)
• Founder CVs and details of team members and their relevant experience
• Financial statements or records showing current revenue and profitability
• Details of your target market and low-income beneficiary groups

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How to apply, step by step

1. Confirm your social enterprise meets all five eligibility criteria: impact-first idea, experienced founders and team, proven profitable model, high scalability, and focus on low-income populations
2. Gather your business registration, business plan, proof of product viability, and impact evidence
3. Visit the Yunus Social Business website and locate the application form for your region (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Tanzania)
4. Complete the online application form with your business details, team information, funding amount requested ($100,000–$500,000), and supporting documents
5. Submit your application through their portal and note your application reference number

How applications are selected

What reviewers look for

• Show real numbers: actual customers, revenue, and social outcomes achieved so far. Yunus funds proven models, not potential
• Demonstrate your team's execution capability through past entrepreneurial success or relevant work experience, not just good ideas
• Prove your business benefits poor or low-income customers and improves their economic position or access to essential services
• Make clear how your model can expand to multiple countries or regions, not just one location
• Be explicit about your path to financial sustainability and profitability without subsidy

Frequently asked questions

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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