ABLE

Accelerating Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Fostering Diaspora-led Innovation

Accelerating Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) is an accelerator program designed to support impact-orientated businesses in the United States which are addressing essential community needs and driving innovative solutions. The program is committed to providing entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged communities and connections to Africa with access to capital and investor-readiness training by connecting participants with industry leaders.

Program Goals

Provide a platform for the development of African and diaspora-owned businesses based in the U.S
Facilitate access to financial resources, mentorship, and industry networks to foster sustainable business growth.
Amplify the voices and achievements of diaspora entrepreneurs, ensuring recognition and visibility in the broader business community.
Strengthen business networking ties between U.S. entrepreneurs and global markets, creating pathways for cross-border collaboration and investment.

Program Benefits

Tailored Entrepreneur and Leadership Training: Benefit from a fully funded, high-quality accelerator experience designed specifically for early-stage, revenue-generating startups led by African diaspora entrepreneurs.
Access to Capital and Markets: Connect with investors, funders, and business leaders in Silicon Valley and beyond, opening doors to funding opportunities and global markets.
Pitch to Influential Networks: Showcase your venture to ADN’s community of investors, advisors, and partners, building visibility among decision-makers and potential supporters.
Expert Mentorship: Work directly with experienced mentors who provide guidance on scaling, investor-readiness, and navigating the start-up landscape.
Join a Thriving Ecosystem: Become part of the African Diaspora Network’s growing and supportive entrepreneurial community, sharing experiences, partnerships, and opportunities long after the program ends.
Financial Award: Participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible to receive a financial award.

2025 Program Details

Applications for the 2025 program are open. Apply here.

Information Session

July 1st, 2025

Application Opens

June 13, 2025

Application Closes

July 11, 2025

Interviews

August 11-25

Our Impact So Far

Read our latest Impact Report

ABLE 2024 Impact Report

ABLE Program Advisory Committee Members

Joyce Chung

President, Makahakama Foundation

Nousheen Eslambolchi

Chief of Staff, Visby Medical

Helen Kim

Senior Operations Executive

Thane Kreiner

Co-Founder, Black Corporate Board Readiness Program

Lyndon Mouton

SVP, Corporate Development, The LongBoard Group

Cindy Owyoung

VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, BILL

Guy Primus

Managing Partner, Thrillerdome

Ahmad Thomas

CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group

ABLE Team Lead

Hatim Chraibi

Executive-in-Residence

Rose Essiem

Entrepreneurship Programs Manager

Omolayo Nkem Oyudo

Director of Programs and Operations, ADN

Get Involved

We are deeply appreciative for the unwavering support of our funders, partners, mentors and reviewers who make this work possible. We welcome you to join us in this important mission–your contributions will make a real difference. Email Rose Essiem, Entrepreneurship Programs Manager, at rose@africandiasporanetwork.org for more information on how to get involved.

Funders

Lead Funder

Funder

Funder

Ecosystem Partners