Facebook has announced the participants who will be a part of its Community Accelerator programme. Held in partnership with RiseUp, the six-month programme aims to equip communities with the training, mentorship, and funding they need to grow. Following the call for applications in March 2020, 11 communities have been selected from Egypt, including: Atfal Mafkoda; Bekia; Egyptian Professionals Network (EPN); Entreprenelle; I Make This!; Kiliim; Markazy; Nomads; Rahet Bally; The Hair Addict; and VeryNile.. Brie Rogers Lowery, Head of Community Partnerships EMEA at Facebook, said, "The communities selected for Facebook's first Community Accelerator programme demonstrate the power of communities to bring people closer together & feel more connected – to help female entrepreneurs, support parents through difficult times or change the narrative around mental health." She added, "The Facebook Community Accelerator will enable great communities to make an even greater positive impact in the world. We hope that through the support of the programme these communities will have extraordinary impact, even in extraordinary times." Rogers Lowery also said that the calibre of applicants and the strength of the group of selected participants in Egypt have been impressive. "We can't wait to see what they achieve over the next six months to reach new people, expand to new geographies and scale their impact," she said. Abdelhameed Sharara, CEO of RiseUp, said, "Communities, just like start-ups, require nurturing and a strong support system that allows them to reach their true potential. We are proud to work together with Facebook to offer this regional programme, and create an environment that drives effective progress for these communities and stimulate practical innovation." In the first three months, community leaders will learn from experts, coaches, and create a customized curriculum to grow their communities. They will then spend the next three months carrying out their plans with funding and continued support from their network, as well as a dedicated team from the programme. Up to $3m will be awarded to the selected community leaders, with each receiving up to $30,000. The programme will culminate in an event where community leaders will showcase their communities and progress to external funders and partners. The Community Accelerator is part of the Facebook Community Leadership Programme, a global initiative investing in leaders who are building communities around the world, bringing people together, offering encouragement, and driving change.
