A business accelerator program is an entity and framework that enables ventures to accelerate their "time to market” and to develop their business model. It offers new ventures the opportunities for fund raising and for reaching investors.

In brief, business accelerators offer practical help from mentors and advisers in the field and provide resources for needed capital. They also supply a network of experienced entrepreneurs, and sometimes even co-working spaces, and give entrepreneurs required contacts and tools to take a startup from concept to market more quickly and effectively than if they do it alone. Participating in an accelerator program provides ventures with the possibility to validate their company's product or service, by learning and applying professional tools, acquiring new contacts and connections and by attracting new investors. Israel has the proven capacity to turn ideas into innovative products and services and has many different accelerators which have been created to support entrepreneurs in their startup ventures. It is within this framework that the present workshop is offered.

Being the “Startup nation”, it is only natural to address the issue of startup accelerators and expose participants from different countries to the uniqueness of Israel’s entrepreneurial ecosystem which includes over 100 accelerators. Israel is a leader in the entrepreneurial world, combining innovation with technology, education, academia and more, comprising of various populations: men, women,youth, children, veteran Israelis, new comers, minority groups and more.

This very practical course will provide participants with skills and knowledge on how to build a

platform that supports entrepreneurs, and will give practical tools on how to start and manage a

business accelerator program.

Suggested modules for the training are:

 -Introduction to Business Accelerators and Business Incubators

 -Screening process management

 -Ecosystem building and development (building a network of partners and investors)

 -Community building and development (steering committee, mentors, pro-bono advisers).

 -Sites visits to several accelerators

 -The know-how in promoting the accelerator program

Main subjects of the course will include:

 -Professional lectures in topics such as: business model, pitching, market research and ecosystem

analysis, product / market fit, finance, fund raising, networking, negotiations, etc.

 -Various Models and Goals of Accelerators (private, public, academic)

 -The Ecosystem - Support Frameworks for Entrepreneurs

 -Social Entrepreneurship

 -Venture Capital Investment

 -Media

 -Knowledge transfer

 -Start-ups and entrepreneurs

The Course is designed for women and men alike, entrepreneurs and managers of accelerators and other entrepreneurial support programs, as well as those working in governmental institutions and SME support agencies, private sector support systems for entrepreneurs and NGOs dealing with small business support and development. Special consideration will be given to candidates who work and support the development of entrepreneurs in their communities. Candidates should hold an academic degree in related disciplines, and have at least five years of professional work experience in related fields. A full command of English is required.

Application forms and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at

MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed application forms, including the medical form, should be sent to the relevant Israeli mission in the respective country no later than April 24th, 2017.Two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Ms. Liron Maskit at MCTC: Liron@mctc.org.il

Participants must arrive at the training center on the arrival date, and leave on the departure date. Early arrivals/late departures if required, must be arranged by the participants themselves, directly with the center, and must be paid for by the participant him/herself.

MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been inoculated against tetanus in the last ten years. Subject to the full binding policy conditions. Participants are responsible for all other expenses.

The course will be held at The Golda Meir MASHAV "Carmel" International Training Center situated in Haifa. Participants will be accommodated at MCTC in double rooms (two participant per room).

LAST DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: the lastest date for the submission of application is 24th April 2017.