Seedstars and Visa Foundation announced the launch of the SEED (Seedstars Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development) Inclusivity Program, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities and disability-focused businesses across Asia, focusing on India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. 

Entrepreneurship can drive inclusive economic growth and create employment opportunities. However, entrepreneurs with disabilities face significant barriers. These include limited access to finance due to biases, inadequate support networks, lack of tailored resources, and societal stigmas. These challenges collectively create an unsupportive environment that hinders entrepreneurs' potential to start and grow successful businesses.

To address these challenges and unlock the untapped potential of entrepreneurs with disabilities, the SEED Inclusivity Program will provide comprehensive support through capacity building, access to financing pathways, and ecosystem development. This initiative draws on Seedstars’ successful collaboration with MADA (Assistive Technology Center Qatar) in the MENA region, which focused on enhancing digital access for persons with disabilities and the elderly. That program identified and promoted innovative solutions, improving access to education, cultural activities, and various services. The SEED Inclusivity Program aims to replicate and expand on this success, fostering digital inclusion and driving social impact in Asia by supporting entrepreneurs who are developing accessible technologies and services.

Impact:

The program aims to support 45 high-impact founders through its comprehensive Seedstars Growth Program. Divided into three cohorts of 15, participants will have access to digital content, expert-led masterclasses, one-on-one mentorship, hands-on learning, and support from disability experts.

The program is designed to be inclusive and diverse with a goal to have 40% of participants be entrepreneurs with disabilities and 30% be women-led businesses.