Business Accelerator

Phase 1 (Engagement) and Phase 2 (Incubation) are open to all athletes, whether retired or still competing, who have come up with an idea for a business or have already started their own business. Phase 3(Acceleration) is for Olympians only. Thirty successful Olympian applicants will be selected for the final acceleration stage.

Each phase is delivered in English, French, and Spanish. If you reach the Phase 3 (Acceleration), you will receive support from a local mentor who speaks your first language.

The Athlete365 Business Accelerator is designed to help you take your first steps in the entrepreneurial world and turn your idea into a genuine business opportunity.

Our objective is to provide you with a basic understanding of entrepreneurship and what it takes to start a business – from the initial idea, to developing a business plan, to assessing your financial position. Even if you already have a great idea, the Athlete365 Business Accelerator will enhance your skill-set and answer your questions on how to take the next step.

Specifically, you’ll learn how to formulate your idea, create a pitch deck, craft an elevator pitch, and develop your business plan. We’ll also discuss social business and how you can set up your business in a sustainable way, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Phase 1 – Engagement: You’ll start with a three-hour virtual bootcamp delivered by the experts at Yunus Sports Hub that will introduce you to the Athlete365 Business Accelerator and its benefits for you and your business.

Phase 2 – Incubation: The second stage features a six-lesson online course with weekly activities designed to help you develop your business idea, and includes online hangouts and challenges that will allow you to connect with other athlete entrepreneurs. At the end of this stage, you’ll be ready to submit a simplified business plan.

Phase 3 – Acceleration: Available to Olympians only and lasting six months, 30 successful applicants will receive entrepreneurship training from global experts and mentoring from local experts to help you launch your business. This phase includes bi-weekly sessions with a local mentor, and monthly online challenges and hangouts with business experts from the Yunus Sports Hub.

Phase 1: The three-hour virtual bootcamp takes place on 11 or 12 Oct 2023, depending on your region and language.

Phase 2 (Incubation): The six-week sprint runs from 23 Oct – 3 Dec 2023.

Phase 3 (Acceleration): The six-month programme for 30 selected Olympians runs from the 31 January 2024 until the 24 July 2024

Phase 1 (Engagement): To participate in the three-hour virtual bootcamp, please complete and submit the online form. Ahead of the event, you will receive a newsletter one week prior, followed by a reminder email a day before, containing the link to join the virtual bootcamp.

Phase 2 (Incubation): If you have already registered for the three-hour virtual bootcamp, there is no need to re-register for the six-week sprint. If you haven’t, you must complete and submit the online form. Once registered, you will receive a weekly newsletter containing instructions for participating in all activities, including online hangouts.

Phase 3 (Acceleration): The application process for the acceleration stage will remain open until 3 December 2023. Detailed information regarding the application form, eligibility criteria, and application procedure will be provided during Phase 2 (Incubation).