Who We Are
The Access Project is a seed stage startup accelerator for women owned businesses that leverages the expertise of the fashion and beauty industry, namely branding, marketing and design. We believe that building your brand—and not just a product—is a way startups can be more resource efficient and increase their probability of success. In addition to an elite mentor list, startups will have access to agency resources and work alongside team members focused on business development. The Access Project runs two, 12-week accelerator programs a year for a group of 2-3 startups (each flight) selected from a highly competitive application pool.
Our portfolio companies also benefit from access to our entire extended mentor network and a variety of free or highly discounted services including hosting, legal, and more. We like to get active, are very hands on, and are dedicated to seeing our startups succeed.
Who Can Apply To The Access Project?
Everyone is encouraged to apply!
Dedication and determination are the #1 factors. We are looking for startups with the drive to work and passion to succeed.
The Access Project invests in companies at a variety of stages, from concept to post-revenue to profitable. Post-product/post-revenue, with revenues ranging up to $20,000 or $200,000 trailing 12-month revenue. We always invest in at least one pre-product/pre-revenue company per program.
We invest in companies from U.S. and Canada, please keep in mind:
The Access Project will be conducted virtually.
The Access Project is an intensive program, and startup founders are required to work on their startup full-time and participate in all scheduled programming and meetings.
The Access Project will run for 12 weeks, with an additional final presentation brand road map for the next year. Demo Day will be hosted virtually.
We invest in four verticals: Digitally Native Vertical Brands, Consumer Packaged Goods , Marketing & Ad Tech, Retail E-commerce & Tech.
Project Dates:
Flight 1
Application Opens: May 1, 2020
Application Deadline: May 20, 2020
Program Kickoff: June 1, 2020
Program End: August 24, 2020
Flight 2
Application Opens: TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Kickoff: TBA
Program End: TBA
Questions? Contact nkc@accessbynkc.com
Applications are currently closed. Application for Flight 2 Open August 1, 2020
Donate
Your donation will go to the Access Project to directly support and fund the mentorship, development and access to resources for our women-owned startups. The Access Project believes that the a defining factor in the success of today’s businesses is the ability to communication a cohesive message, including voice and visuals, to the right audience. Additional, with the increased support to battle against injustice and inequality that women face daily in the life and corporate spaces. The Access Project tackles issues through innovative education projects, and connecting with global partners, mentors, decision makers, and philanthropists.
Mentor
Meet The Mentors
Want to help share your knowledge of branding, marketing and design with blossoming business owners?
Apply to be a mentor!
What we look for in an Mentor :
As a mentor, you should be able to add significant value to a startup through things like relevant industry experience, access to a large network of resources, introductions to helpful contacts, etc.
You have been in an operational role at a successful startup and have achieved milestones, navigated the hardships of building and launching products, recruited strong teams, or contributed to the successful exit of the business.
You have a unique insight into establishing credible communication or helping with other key business development functions.
You work in a role directly related to fashion, beauty, lifestyle, entertainment in connection our direct verticals (Digitally Native Vertical Brands, Consumer Packaged Goods , Marketing & Ad Tech, Retail E-commerce & Tech).
What is expected of an Mentor?
When we announce each new flight, we will email you with information about the companies in it. After receiving this list of startups, if you feel like you can provide certain companies with unofficial advising or guidance, we’ll make an introduction to their founders. Please consider if there are any particular areas where you believe you’d serve as a great resource to a founder. You can also decline if you feel like you have little to offer a particular group of startups.
We’ll add your photo and bio to our website as a mentor, but we will only make introductions on a case by case basis.
Please don’t bring up money or compensation when advising the Access Project startups. There is no compensation for becoming a mentor. If you want to deepen the relationship and become a mentor with equity or ongoing relationship, you can discuss that with a founder later down the road.
Mentors are asked to keep an open line of communication with startups for quick questions or advice. We ask that mentors schedule at least one 30-minute meeting per month (3 months) during each 12 week accelerator flight.