Are you a start-up company that wants to grow your new venture? Apply for the 22 On Sloane Incubation Programme
Are you a start-up company that wants to grow your new venture? Apply for the 22 On Sloane Incubation Programme
22 On Sloane, an African Startup Campus, invites applicants for the 22 On Sloane Incubation Programme, designed for entrepreneurs launching new ventures. The Programme focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in identifying market opportunities, developing a growth strategy, assessing financing options, and ensuring business profitability.
Interested participants should fulfil the following to apply:
- Have a registered business in the process of launching (with proof of concept) or have launched with revenue not exceeding USD 110, 000
- Have a product that addresses current and future demands that are tech-enabled
- Founders should demonstrate a clear intention to grow their business and attract investment
Entrance into the Programme is subject to the following:
- Business case assessment
- Company evaluation
- Psychometric test
- Assessing whether the business is aligned to 22 On Sloane’s vision
Participants in the Programme will receive the following benefits:
- R1500 (USD$100) per month
- 24-hour/7days week access into 22 on Sloane
- Hosting an event at the Atrium (1 event inviting up to 50 people) 7 in relation to your start-up
- Uncapped WI-FI
- Workspace (A desk and chair)
- Connecting you to various networks in your industry
To apply for the Programme, visit: Applications
Are you a social entrepreneur with a solution aligned with the UN's SDGs? Apply for the UNLEASH Plus incubation program before 31 March 2023
Are you a social entrepreneur with a solution aligned with the UN’s SDGs? Apply for the UNLEASH Plus incubation program before 31 March 2023
UNLEASH, a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 with the aim of developing solutions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building capacity for youth globally, invites applicants for the UNLEASH Plus incubation program. UNLEASH Plus is a 6-month incubation program for entrepreneurs working on social and environmental challenges in line with the UN’s SDGs. Through the program, participants will receive skills development training, and tools, to test their early-stage solutions and design for llarge-scaleimpact.
Through a partnership with Chemonics International, UNLEASH Plus supports teams with existing prototypes to become impactful social ventures. Participants will have access to learning materials, the opportunity to join interactive workshops, receive direct support from experts and make connections to investors and partners during the program to accelerate their intended impact.
The program will be implemented in 3 phases:
The Roadmap: Basecamp is a practical two-day event where participants meet and witness pitches from other teams in their cohort. Participants also engage with their mentors and align on the vision, business model and priorities for their 6-month plan during the program.
The Journey: The second phase is the core 21-week virtual program that focuses on team development, solution testing and refinement, strategy, and pitching. During this phase, the goal is to launch the first complete solution that will attract the right customers, partners, and funders to accelerate the participant’s journey.
The Future: in-person program in India for top 25 teams. The last phase is the in-person finale of UNLEASH Plus during the Global Innovation Lab Karnataka (India). During this phase, teams will receive intensive tailored support from world-class experts to refine strategies, meet with potential partners and pitch their solutions to investors awarding cash prizes at the Dragon’s Den.
Interested applicants should fulfil the following to apply:
- Have at least 2 active team members participating throughout the program
- Be willing to commit at least 8 hours per team per week
- Have at least half of the team members aged 35 years or younger
- Have a validated, working prototype of a solution that addresses one or more of the SDGs
- Have documented feedback, references, or testimonials from early testing with actual users or prospective customers that demonstrate market demand for the solution
- Have a solution responsive to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
- Be a legal entity with the ability to receive funds
- Have raised a maximum of 50,000 USD raised to date
To apply for the program, visit: Submit application
Are you a woman social entrepreneur advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Apply for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge before 16 April 2023
Are you a woman social entrepreneur advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Apply for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge before 16 April 2023
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for social entrepreneurs advancing or inspiring others to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will honor innovative women leaders globally who incorporate the SDGs in sustainable business practices and inspire others to follow suit.
Awardees will receive capacity-building and opportunities to connect to an unparalleled global network to advance their businesses. Additionally, awardees will participate in events surrounding the 77th UN General Assembly and in a dynamic pitch competition for an opportunity to receive a grant worth USD 20,000.
Interested entrepreneurs should fulfil the following criteria to apply:
- Woman entrepreneur with a lead decision-making role in a for-profit or non-profit organization/business
- Have a business/organization that has been in operation for three years
- Have at least three full-time employees
- Proficiency in writing and speaking English
- Have a business/organization that generates at least USD 75,000 in annual revenue or sales
- Be available to travel to New York and participate in events from 18-24 September 2022 or participate in a virtual program if needed from August through October 2023
To apply for the Challenge, visit: WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Application
Are you an early-stage venture interested in scaling up? Apply for the e-Track Programme before 29 March 2023
Are you an early-stage venture interested in scaling up? Apply for the e-Track Programme before 29 March 2023
The University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) Solution Space, in partnership with Ayoba, a free instant messaging app, invites applicants for the e-Track Programme. The e-Track Programme is a two-phase early-stage venture accelerator and capacity-building programme for high-impact entrepreneurs in South Africa and beyond. It is designed to support participants in building scalable businesses with international potential.
Successful applicants take part in the following:
- A five-week Venture Launch course that focuses on validating the venture concept
- A twelve-week Venture Exploitation course aimed at accelerating the development of the validated venture
Interested applicants should have solutions relevant to the African market and global potential. Applicants can apply in teams or as individuals as part of an existing venture. They should have a prototype or minimum viable product ready for early-market testing to further establish the product and market fit. Additionally, the initial concept should demonstrate a deep and intimate understanding of the problem and market need or opportunity.
Selected participants will benefit from the following
- Access to technical support and mentorship from Ayoba field experts,
- Workshops and clinics to learn fundamentals and core business skills
- Access to pro-bono partners and a network of consultants to support with specialist expertise such as legal, human resource, digital user experience, and venture capital
- Feedback from the Ayoba team and network of experienced mentors and industry partners
- Networking with Ayoba’s community of vibrant entrepreneurs
To apply for this program, visit: e-track programme applications
Celebrating International Women’s Day – SME Response Clinic
Celebrating International Women’s Day – SME Response Clinic
Today is International Women’s Day – a time for celebrating women globally. At the SME Response Clinic, we would like to celebrate our women entrepreneurs this month by highlighting their contribution to Rwanda’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and, ultimately, the social and economic development of the country.
In March 2023, we will highlight insights from our engagement with women entrepreneurs, business coaches and key stakeholders in Rwanda’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. We will also highlight opportunities targeting women entrepreneurs in need of funding and business development support.
Meet three incredible women entrepreneurs as we celebrate women this March.
Last March, we featured three incredible young women entrepreneurs who shared their entrepreneurship journeys and insights on what it takes to be a successful woman entrepreneur. Check out what they had to say.
“Practical Solutions for Improving the Well-being of Women Entrepreneurs” – Webinar
In partnership with Geruka Healing Center, the SME Response Clinic hosted a live webinar to discuss “Practical solutions for improving the well-being of women entrepreneurs,” featuring women entrepreneurs and wellness experts. During the webinar, entrepreneurs shared how they handle wellness in their day-to-day lives and manage their multiple responsibilities. Check out their recommendations.
Leading women in Rwanda’s Banking Sector
According to the Global Gender Gap Index, Rwanda ranks 6th globally in closing the gender gap across four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. In Rwanda, much is happening to close the gender gap in these areas, and we are focused on increasing women’s economic opportunity. The New Times Rwanda highlighted top women figures in Rwanda’s Banking Sector, with two of them leading the country’s biggest commercial banks. Having women in leadership, especially from financial institutions has proven to increase financial access for women in general.
Join us as we celebrate International Women’s Day this March 8.
Are you a social entrepreneur interested in gender equity? Apply for the Acumen Gender Equity and Advancement Accelerator Program by 4 April 2023
Are you a social entrepreneur interested in gender equity? Apply for the Acumen Gender Equity and Advancement Accelerator Program by 4 April 2023
Acumen Academy, a global institute for social change, invites social enterprises to apply for the Gender Equity and Advancement Accelerator Program. The program seeks to support social entrepreneurs with moral leadership lessons and business skills. Selected participants will also learn from portfolio companies to confidently scale their enterprises and embed gender-inclusive approaches in their business models.
The program is available to social entrepreneurs who:
- Run a social enterprise (nonprofit or for-profit) based in either East Africa or West Africa
- Have a demonstrated track record of at least 12 months with some market traction and readiness to scale
- Have a minimum of three team members who are full-time staff
- Commit to serving women across three entry points and demonstrate evidence of action in at least one, including:
- Market (products and services)
- Internal organisation (workforce and policies)
- Value chain (supply and distribution)
During the program, participants will have access to the following:
- Six learning labs alongside fellow entrepreneurs
- Three one-on-one consultation calls with Acumen’s team
- Video tutorials on customer discovery, sales and marketing, financial modelling, pitching, and more
- Unconscious bias training, workshops, and self-assessment strategies for embedding gender inclusivity into your scaling plan
- Case studies from social enterprises that have successfully scaled and contributed to gender equity and advancement
Eligible entrepreneurs can apply here.
For details about the program, visit Gender Equity and Advancement Accelerator.
Apply for Google for Startups Black Founders Fund Africa before 26 March 2023
Apply for Google for Startups Black Founders Fund Africa before 26 March 2023
Google for Startups invites applicants for the Black Founders Fund Africa, a program that aims to support early-stage black-founded startups that benefit the black community on the African continent. The program seeks explicitly to bridge the existing fundraising gap for black startup founders in Africa’s fast-growing technology landscape. Google for Startups has set aside up to USD 150,000 in equity-free cash, up to USD 200,000 in Google cloud credits, and access to the best of Google – people, products, and practices. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to receive mentorship support to accelerate business growth and to connect with Google for Startups Accelerator & Partner program alumni.
The Black Founders Fund Africa is intended for startups in Africa seeking seed-stage funding that meet the following criteria:
- Have an existing product or service for Africa and the global market
- Demonstrate the ability to create jobs, raise more funding, and make an impact
- The founding team should at least have one black C-level founding member (COO, CEO, or CFO)
- The company should be operating as a technology startup or a business where technology is a core for the ability to scale
- Proposed startup products/services should be compatible with Google products
To apply for this program, visit: Applications
Are you an early-stage social entrepreneur interested in funding? Apply for the Roddenberry Foundation Catalyst Fund 2023
Are you an early-stage social entrepreneur interested in funding? Apply for the Roddenberry Foundation Catalyst Fund 2023
The Roddenberry Foundation invites innovators with early-stage ideas or projects addressing pressing global challenges to apply for the Foundation’s Catalyst Fund. The Fund will provide grants between USD 2500 and USD 15000 to projects or ideas demonstrating a high potential for lasting impact. Ideas or projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Innovative: Approaches or strategies that innovate on existing models — What are you building on? What other solutions already exist?
- Community-based: You deeply understand the communities you work on behalf of and have a good understanding of their needs. How are they engaged in the process? How will they be able to maintain the solution over time?
- High potential for impact: Does your solution address a recognized issue that affects a significant percentage of people?
- Sustainable: Experienced team and an intelligent strategy for driving change — Who and what is driving the change? Why is this the right team? What makes this the right strategic bet right now?
Candidates for the Fund can be individuals, non-profit organizations, or social entrepreneurs. Interested participants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Submit the application in English
- Include completed responses to all required application questions
- Agree to all legal terms and conditions of the Catalyst Fund grant program
- Be able to receive grant funding legally
To apply for the Fund, visit: Application for Catalyst Fund
Are you an early-stage startup seeking to build a successful impact-driven business? Apply for the 2023 Savvy Global Fellowship!
Are you an early-stage startup seeking to build a successful impact-driven business? Apply for the 2023 Savvy Global Fellowship!
Savvy Global Fellowship, a virtual fellowship program, seeks to support early-stage startup entrepreneurs to build impact-driven business solutions. Savvy Global Fellowship is a 12-week program that has trained over 8,350 early-stage startups from 159 countries across the globe. Through the program, fellows benefit from business training on topics like fundraising, team building to execute business strategies, creating publicity for products or services, scaling into a new market, and ensuring customer retention and loyalty.
Applications are open to early-stage entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 40 years. Interested applicants should demonstrate a willingness to learn and create sustainable change in society and the world. Selected applicants will go through the following during the program:
- E-learning: Fellows will learn all aspects of business, ranging from ideation to scale
- Assessment: Fellows will take a combination of multiple-choice quizzes to identify their strengths and weaknesses
- Peer mentorship: Fellows will be paired with experienced peers to facilitate guidance and knowledge transfer
- Expert mentorship: Fellows will benefit from expert mentorship from over 100 renowned experts across different industries
- Certificate of completion: After 12 weeks, fellows will receive a certificate of completion and have access to the Savvy platform for information on impact entrepreneurship, personal branding, capacity building, and professional opportunities
To apply for the Savvy Fellowship Program, visit: Applications
Are you a tech startup in need of free legal advisory services? Apply for the Startup Bluebook Program before 21 February 2023
Are you a tech startup in need of free legal advisory services? Apply for the Startup Bluebook Program before 21 February 2023
Certa Foundation, a Rwandan-based non-governmental organisation, invites Rwandan tech startups to apply for the Startup Bluebook Program. The two-year residency program is designed to offer successful applicants the following legal services:
- Access to in-house legal services such as legal drafting of policies and contracts, legal advisory work
- Compliance and legal risk mitigation strategy
- Mediation and negotiation training for startup founders and managers
- Access to notary services
- Access to pro bono litigation services where necessary
After the two years of residency, selected startups will provide one (1) lawyer of their choice to undergo training designed for in-house counsels at Certa Foundation.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Be in business no more than two years at the time of application
- Be registered and operating in Rwanda at the time of application
- Have an aspect of social entrepreneurship
- Have a tax clearance certificate and no pending labour and administrative disputes by the time of application
- Be willing to integrate Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility within the first five (5) years upon establishment
To apply, visit: Application form