By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH
Dettol, Harpic and Mortein manufacturer, Reckitt has launched the Fight for Access Accelerator, which offers social businesses who are tackling access to WASH with the chance to scale their solutions through knowledge transfer and seed funding of 6,300,000 Naira each.
The Fight for Access Accelerator programme aims to identify and scale grassroots solutions in WASH that offer information, community management and behavioural change, innovation and decentralisation to the current system.
The Fight for Access Accelerator, which is designed and delivered by Yunus Social Business, makes use of a multi-stakeholder approach which enables not only social businesses and corporations to work together but invites local government, industry experts, and NGOs to play a role as well.
Speaking about the programme and its significance for Nigerian entrepreneurs and the local WASH ecosystem, General manager of Reckitt in Sub Saharan Africa, Akbar Ali Shah, said, “Traditional models for scaling access to hygiene and healthcare to reach SDGs 3 and 6 have shown to be insufficient, and with this brings the need to change the way we’re supporting communities.
“At Reckitt, we understand the power of business to change the world for the better, and we know we can have the most impact when we act as a catalyst for innovation. That’s why we are accelerating access to health and hygiene for millions of Nigerians by catalysing social entrepreneurship.”
He also said social enterprises have the potential to solve real problems in real time, harnessing the power and efficiencies of business but delivering impact for a social purpose.
“With our entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with our people’s passion to do the right thing, we can provide the support to help these young businesses thrive – accelerating growth, achieving scale to reach more people, and have a greater social impact,” Shah added.
Shah also noted that applications are being accepted until August 7 for local social entrepreneurs to contribute to the positive development of the country by scaling their solutions – spread the word and send in your applications by completing the application form here!
Submissions, according to the company must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible, the ability to provide evidence-based solutions and impact, a detailed, outlined business model that demonstrates the scalability and replicability of the venture, a qualified and diverse entrepreneurial team and a connection or potential to develop a link to Reckitt’s purpose and/or value chain
