In the fall of 2023, I joined Cohort 2 of the NEXT Accelerator in Greenville, SC. I wasn't just looking for startup support — I was looking for a community that understood the mission behind Susu Lend. What I found was more than I expected.
As the founder of a fintech startup rooted in cultural tradition and financial justice, I knew Susu Lend didn't look or sound like a typical startup. Our foundation is personal — based on my father's experience forming a susu when a local Sears denied him credit for a refrigerator. Our goal is bold: to help the unbanked and credit-invisible build financial stability through trust-based lending.
NEXT got that.
The program is an eight-week curriculum pairing founders with mentors, workshops, and direct guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and investors. At the time, Susu Lend had just completed its first cash beta. We were preparing to build our digital MVP, refine our story, and gear up for investment conversations. I needed a space to test our message, challenge our assumptions, and get sharper on execution. NEXT gave us exactly that.
The program culminated in a showcase presentation in front of about 125 people. But what made the moment unforgettable wasn't standing on stage — it was having my parents in the audience. They're the reason I'm here. Their journey, their belief in the power of community lending, inspired Susu Lend from the start. As I stood under the lights, I saw them smiling back — living proof of resilience and purpose.
I left the showcase more inspired than ever to keep building. Susu Lend is more than a company — it's a movement. And NEXT was where it found its footing.
“The NEXT Accelerator was more than a typical startup program; it was a gateway to a thriving community of innovators, mentors, and experts. NEXT didn't just help us grow; it connected us with mentors and partners who shared our vision.”