Google has announced that Black-owned firms in South Africa can now apply for the Google for firms Accelerator Africa: Black Founders program.
Applications for the fund are welcome from startups with their headquarters and operations in South Africa that are developing products for the African or international market and have shown a strong potential for growth.
Startups must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible, including having a minimum of one Black South African entrepreneur with relevant experience, a strong and motivated team, an active product that uses AI or has the potential to use AI, interoperability with Google products, and the ability to expand through them.
The hybrid program, which will run from 2024 to March 2025, will provide equity-free cash awards of up to $50,000 (over R1m) to 15 Black South African-owned startups. Additionally, the program will provide $200k (over R3.6m) in cloud credit, one-on-one training, and networking opportunities with mentors to help address the unique challenges that each startup faces. Through a local implementation partner, funds for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Black Founders program will be disbursed.
“Innovation, economic growth, and social progress are all greatly aided by startups in Africa,” stated Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google Sub-Saharan Africa’s head of startup ecosystem. “By investing in South African Black-owned startups, we are driving systemic change and promoting job creation and wealth generation for the future.”
