Booking.com is calling startups from around the world that are building technology-driven solutions to sustainable travel challenges to apply for support from its €2 million fund. For the 2019 Booking Booster Program, Booking.com will select and invite 10 social enterprise startups in the sustainable tourism sector that are ready to scale their business plans to a three-week accelerator program in Amsterdam from April 23 to 10 May 2019. The program will consist of a series of lectures, hands-on workshops and coaching sessions, culminating in a final pitch to receive a grant of up to €500k from Booking.com’s €2 million fund in order to help support the next stage of projected growth for the participating startups. All the startups will also receive a full year of ongoing mentoring and coaching from Booking.com experts, as well as opportunities and access to collaborate with Booking.com on potential innovation initiatives and experiments to help accelerate their future growth.

Who can enter

We support ambitious scale-ups that use their business as a means to support destinations around the world. Through our Booking.com Booster Programme, we identify and empower scale-ups that help relieve pressure on overcrowded tourist areas, businesses that positively impact the environment and social ventures that are supporting local communities in the tourism industry. To apply, your scale-up must be registered as a for-profit entity in the country you operate and must generate revenue, but not exceeding €1.5 million annually.

How it works

Apply We are looking for innovative startups ready to scale who are contributing to a more sustainable travel industry. If that sounds like you, apply via this link between 1 November and 2 December 2018 to be considered for the 2019 Booking Booster. Get selected Each application is reviewed against our selection criteria and the most promising scale-ups will be shortlisted. You can expect to be invited for an interview by 24 December 2018. Phone interviews will take place from 7-18 January 2019. Beginning, 1 February, selected scale-ups will receive an official invitation to join the programme. Criteria are Impact, Innovation, Growth Strategy, Financials, and Team & Leadership. For more info, check our T&Cs. Key dates The global application process opens: 09.00 CET 1 November 2018 Applications close: 23.59 CET on 2 December 2018 Candidate Shortlisted Entrepreneurs are contacted for an interview: By 24 December 2018 Phone interviews: Between 7 and 18 January 2019 Shortlisted Entrepreneurs confirmed and invited to the 2.5-week Booster Programme: 1 February 2019 Shortlisted Entrepreneurs attend 2.5-week Booster Programme in Amsterdam: 23 April to 10 May 2019 Final Pitch and value of grants announced: 10 May 2019

Final Pitch Event

On 9 May 2019, you will pitch in front of a live audience and our expert panel of judges for your chance to get a share of the zero-equity €2 million fund that’s up for grabs. With the learnings from the three-week accelerator programme fueling your pitch, you’ll be challenged to convince the judges of how your business will scale with the assistance of a grant, as well as the tremendous impact you’ll be able to have on the travel industry as a result.

 After-Care

With or without funding, you will continue to benefit from up to a year of ongoing mentorship from your dedicated Booking.com mentor, as well as access to our Booking.com Volunteer Programme to assist you as you continue to grow your impact. Click here to apply.

Musa Suleiman
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