Applications open for the 2026 VBB Bootcamp for refugee entrepreneurs
Ventures Beyond Borders (VBB) Bootcamp is a one-month virtual program that teaches entrepreneurs how to build successful companies. Selected participants from the Bootcamp will be invited to participate in our Accelerator, after which they may be able to apply for investments of up to $100,000. Applications are due March 22, 2026.
“Programs like this are essential because they guide participants through the key steps of starting a business in the United States,”
said Tamim Karimi, a Bootcamp alum.
“Refugees often face challenges such as understanding the local market, lacking the tools or networks to gain firsthand insights, limited access to capital, and difficulty connecting with mentors or experts.”
Selected Bootcamp participants will be invited to continue into the VBB Accelerator, where founders receive deeper mentorship and in-person support. Participants accepted into the Accelerator will have travel and accommodation fully covered in New York. Following the Accelerator, select ventures will be eligible to apply for investments of up to $100,000.
The four-week program includes four hours of live instruction per week, with participants expected to spend approximately five to 10 hours per week in total. Sessions are designed to be accessible across time zones to accommodate participants globally.
“We got to meet people from different parts of the world,”
said Bonney Magambo, another Bootcamp participant and founder of HEMOFAB.
“We gained so much knowledge, and we were challenged to strengthen our ideas.”
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
The VBB Bootcamp is open to:
- Founders from refugee backgrounds, located anywhere in the world
- Entrepreneurs at the idea stage (a registered or incorporated business is not required)
- Applicants from all sectors and industries
Program Details
- Format: One-month, virtual Bootcamp
- Time commitment:
- Four hours of live instruction per week for four weeks
- Approximately five to 10 hours per week total
- Time zones: Sessions are designed to accommodate participants globally
- Cost: The program is completely free
Timeline
- Application deadline: March 22, 2026
- Decision notifications: By the end of March
- Program dates: April to May 2026
What Happens After the Bootcamp
Entrepreneurs selected from the Bootcamp may be invited to continue into the VBB Accelerator, where founders receive deeper mentorship and tailored support.
- Travel and accommodation for Accelerator participants are fully covered
- Select ventures will be eligible to apply for up to $100,000 in investment
What Participants Say (use their picture in this section)
- “Programs like this are essential because they guide participants through the key steps of starting a business in the United States. Refugees often face challenges such as understanding the local market, lacking the tools or networks to gain firsthand insights, limited access to capital, and difficulty connecting with mentors or experts.” — Tamim Karimi, Bootcamp alum
- “We got to meet people from different parts of the world. We gained so much knowledge, and we were challenged to strengthen our ideas.” — Bonney Magambo, Bootcamp participant and founder of HEMOFAB