The Agri-Accelerator 2.0 is an entrepreneurial support programme designed for young agri-entrepreneurs operating in targeted areas and sectors who have a clear plan to expand their businesses. Unlike many initiatives that focus primarily on creating new agrifood ventures, Agri-Accelerator 2.0 supports existing very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by young people.

The programme aims to help these businesses sustain and strengthen their operations through personalized technical coaching, improved access to means of production, and targeted capacity-building training. By doing so, Agri-Accelerator 2.0 promotes responsible investment and contributes to the transformation of food systems.

The programme's overall objective is to increase the performance of viable, sustainable, and locally rooted agricultural businesses through personalized support aligned with the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI Principles). The programme also aims to:

• Strengthen the competitiveness of young agri-entrepreneurs and empower them to be agents of change in the food system in their local areas.
• Contribute to improving the attractiveness of agri-food sectors, which are characterized by high investment and job creation potential.
• Promote responsible agricultural investment as a lever for rural development.
  

Participants are selected through a competitive application process. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be young: The eligible age range is defined according to the national youth definition in each participating country.
• Have an existing entrepreneurial project: Applicants must already be running an agribusiness that requires further development or scaling.
• Operate in targeted high-potential sectors: The business must fall within the programme’s priority sectors.
• Be located in targeted regions: Applicants must be based in the regions covered by the programme.

In addition, applicants must be willing to contribute to the purchase of equipment through self-financing, demonstrating commitment to the growth of their business.

Candidates must first meet the programme’s eligibility criteria, including:

1. falling within the eligible age range defined in each country; and
2. having an existing entrepreneurial project located in the targeted regions and value chains.

In addition, candidates must present an innovative, sustainable, and high-impact project aligned with responsible investment priorities, such as short supply chains, the circular economy, climate resilience, nutritional improvement, or similar focus areas.

The selection process is carried out in three phases:

• Phase 1: Expression of interest – an initial screening of candidates.
• Phase 2: Application review – an in-depth evaluation of the project’s economic viability, environmental sustainability, and social impact.
• Phase 3: Project pitch – assessment of the clarity of the entrepreneur’s vision and the project’s growth potential.

Candidates selected after the third phase gain access to a six-month entrepreneurial support programme. At the end of this period, participants present a final pitch outlining their project’s progress and expansion plan. The most promising projects are awarded an incentive in the form of material support.

The programme offers a responsible coaching approach grounded in the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI Principles). Trained and certified coaches support young agri-entrepreneurs in strengthening their businesses while achieving a triple performance – for profit, people, and the planet – in line with these principles.

The coaching process begins with an initial assessment of the entrepreneur’s profile and business project. This assessment evaluates technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills, while also identifying the entrepreneur’s values, mission, and vision to ensure the project reflects their ethical aspirations. Based on this, the coach guides the entrepreneur in developing a responsible and sustainable business model.

The personalized coaching approach is built on respect, empathy, and active listening. Coaches seek to understand each entrepreneur’s needs and challenges without judgment, using open-ended questions to encourage independent decision-making. Psychological and coaching tools are also applied to adapt the support to the entrepreneur’s personality, enabling tailored, effective, and empowering guidance.

The programme is designed to provide holistic support to young agri-entrepreneurs across the region. The entrepreneurial support typically lasts six months, during which participants receive integrated technical assistance, coaching, and capacity-building support tailored to their business needs.

The material incentive consists of financial support dedicated to the purchase of equipment and other material resources needed to expand the agri-entrepreneur’s project. Beneficiaries are required to contribute a minimum percentage of the total purchase cost through self-financing, while the remaining amount is covered by FAO.

The equipment to be purchased is identified by the agri-entrepreneur during the coaching support process and is integrated into their responsible business model, ensuring alignment with the project’s growth strategy and responsible investment principles.

No, at the end of the programme, only participants with the most promising projects will receive material support. These projects will be selected based on the evaluation of the final pitch.

To receive a grant, selected awardees are required to sign a legally binding agreement with FAO, which is a prerequisite for the transfer of funds. This agreement includes an annex identifying the selected supplier and detailing the equipment to be purchased under the grant, the beneficiary’s financial contribution, and the applicable legal provisions.

As part of the process, the beneficiary must first deposit their contribution – at least the minimum required percentage of the total cost – with the supplier within 40 days. Once this contribution is made, the supplier releases the goods and/or assets to the beneficiary. FAO then verifies that the transaction has been completed and proceeds with the payment of the remaining balance.

The specific equipment or assets, the chosen supplier, the total cost, and the respective financial contributions of the beneficiary and FAO are all clearly defined in the grant agreement. At no point does FAO enter into a direct contractual relationship with the supplier, except for the final payment.