• “Accelera Startups ” is a program of the non-profit association mentorDay funded with Next Generation EU funds to support entrepreneurs
• It has a specific line for projects in the agri-food sector in agricultural technology, organic food, industry, etc.

Declining production costs, European-wide digitalization strategies, and increased exports are helping the Spanish and European agri-food sector regain its strength and potential for economic growth. Agri-food and fishery exports in Spain reached a record €70.431 billion in 2023, in a sector that generates 16 out of every €100 produced by the Spanish economy, according to a study by the Chamber of Commerce.

The mentorDay business accelerator takes this sector by the hand to include it in its “Acelera Startups ” program , with which they promote personalized plans to help the growth of small, emerging companies that want to make a name for themselves in the business ecosystem.

The organization highlights that the agri-food sector is expected to receive €20.5 billion in investments by 2025 , which is why they recognize its potential for growth, innovation, and modernization, just as they do with the "Culture and Tourism" and "Energy and Ecological Transition" sectors.

Acceleration program in agri-food

“Accelera Startups ” is a program aimed at “entrepreneurs of the future” organized by mentorDay and the Impact Hub consultancy , and with funding from the Next Generation EU funds . The initiative has limited places and is open to agri-food companies and self- employed individuals with a specific program within the business sectors of agricultural technology, organic food, agribusiness, food, and many others.

The program is free of charge for:

• Self-employed workers and startups under 5 years old.
• Self-employed individuals and startups based in Spain.
• If the applicant has not reached the maximum accumulated subsidy (200,000 euros in aid and financing in the last three years).
• If the applicant is part of the “Accelera Startups ” ecosystems.

Mentoring and support

If the organization or freelancer accepts the program, “Acelera Startups ” offers a series of benefits:

1. Present the company to specialized investors and venture capital funds in the agri-food sector in exclusive meetings , in addition to participating in networking events.
2. Design a tailored growth plan , a step-by-step roadmap to take your business to the next level as quickly as possible.
3. Develop a marketing and sales strategy tailored to your company with the help of experts. This will help you attract new customers, improve your positioning, and differentiate yourself from the competition.
4. Receive personalized mentoring from experienced professionals in the agri-food sector, with private one-on-one sessions that will address your specific business needs.
5. For self-employed individuals and companies less than five years old , this program can be accessed free of charge.

The program is divided into 4 phases:

• Phase 1 (1 month): 50 hours of virtual training and workshops (except in Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands, where they are in-person). These are specialized group workshops designed to improve the business model.
• Phase 2 (1 month): 40 hours of virtual one-on-one mentoring. These are 2-hour sessions for asking questions.
• Phase 3 (3 months): virtual meetings and networking events.
• Phase 4 (ongoing): follow-up support as part of the project system.