Apply for Google for Startups Black Founders Fund Africa today!

Google for Startups invites applicants for the Black Founders Fund Africa. The program aims to support early-stage black founded startups that are benefitting the black community on the continent and specifically seeks to bridge the existing fundraising gap for black startup founders in Africa’s fast-growing technology landscape. Up to $3 million is available to support 50 successful investable startups in Africa.

 

How will successful applicants benefit?

Successful startups will access the following:

  • Receive seed funding of $50,000 or $100,000 depending on the startup product development stage.
  • Mentorship support and access to Google platform credits to accelerate business growth.
  • Opportunity to connect with Google for Startups Accelerator & Partner program alumni.

 

Who should apply?

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
  • Are creating jobs, have the potential to raise more funding, and are making an impact
  • The founding team has at least one black C-level founding member
  • Operating as a technology startup or a business where technology is a core for the ability to scale
  • Proposed startup products/services are compatible with Google products

 

Eligible countries

The program is accepting applicants from the following countries in Africa: Botswana, Cameroun, Cote D’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

 

How to apply

Eligible startups can apply online here.

Deadline: 7th July 2021

For more information, visit https://campus.co/africa/black-founders-fund/.

by KachecheMusa

Building resilience for your small business through challenging times

Building resilience for your small business through challenging times

As Rwanda faces an uptick in COVID-19 infections and the government mandates new measures aimed at preventing a third wave, the SME Response Clinic wants to take a moment to recognize the challenges you face as a small business owner. Entrepreneurs like you have come so far in navigating the unchartered waters of a truly unprecedented health and economic crisis, but new developments indicate that there is further yet to go.

Micro-, small- and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) make up 97% of businesses in the country, contributing to 55% of total GDP and employing over 40% of Rwanda’s population (Microsave Report, 2017). The start and stop of operations for many if not most businesses over the past year and a half has had a tremendous impact on the economy but also importantly on the financial health of individual entrepreneurs like you and, importantly, your families. In addition to and often caused by the significant negative economic impact resulting from the pandemic, we are all struggling with challenges that affect our wellbeing. Increased levels of stress and anxiety make our day-to-day even tougher. Studies of entrepreneurs in Rwanda (as well as globally) undertaken in recent months indicate that business owners are facing high levels of anxiety caused by uncertainty about the future.

This uncertainty is not surprising as you work to navigate new and rapidly evolving regulations, make changes to your business operations to work to stay afloat, and manage relationships with your suppliers and customers remotely rather than face-to-face. You do all of this while working to ensure your families are healthy and safe.

Since our launch in May 2020, the SME Response Clinic has sought to provide you with updates and tips relevant to managing your business through the various challenges that have arisen and continue to arise as a result of the pandemic. Now, we want to offer you the opportunity to also focus on yourself so that you can in turn better manage your business, positively impacting your family, your employees, and your community at large.

Over the next few months, we will be providing simple tools to support you in building business resilience. These will include short videos, articles, and audio recordings that you can use to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook in the months ahead.

Stay in touch with us at smeresponseclinic@gmail.com and remember to stay safe!

Kubaka ubushobozi bw’ikigo  cy’ubucuruzi gito mu bihe bigoye

Mu gihe u Rwanda ruhanganye n’ikibazo cy’izamuka ry’ubwandu bwa COVID-19 na guverinoma ikaba iri gushyiraho ingamba nshya zigamije gukumira umuvuduko wa gatatu w’ubwo bwandu, SME Response Clinic irashaka gufata umwanya wo kwemera  ingorane muhura nazo mwebwe nk’abantu mufite ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito. Ba rwiyemezamirimo nkamwe bageze kure boga mu nyanja itarigeze imenywa y’ikibazo cy’ubuzima n’ihungabana ry’ubukungu kitigeze kibaho, ariko ibigenda bigerwaho bishya biragaragaza ko hakiri intera igomba guterwa.

Ibigo by’ubucuruzi bito n’Ibiciriritse (MSME) bigize 97% by’ibigo by’ubucuruzi byose byo mu gihugu, bikagira n’uruhare rungana na 55% by’umusaruro mbumbe w’Igihugu (GDP) kandi bikanaba bikoresha abantu bangana na  40% by’abaturage bose b’u Rwanda ( Microsave Report, 2017). Itangira n’ihagarara ry’ibikorwa bya byinshi muri ibyo bigo  mu mwaka umwe n’igice ushize byagize ingaruka nyinshi ku bukungu ariko cyane cyane ku buzima bw’urwego rw’imari bwa ba rwiyemezamirimo bikorera ku giti cyabo nkamwe no ku miryango yanyu. Byongeye kandi bitewe n’ingaruka mbi zo mu rwego rw’ubukungu, twese duhanganye n’ingorane zihungabanya imibereho myiza yacu. Agahinda no kugira impungenge cyane bituma imibereho ya buri munsi irushaho gukomera. Ubushakashatsi kuri ba rwiyemezamirimo bo mu Rwanda bwakozwe mu mezi ashize bugaragaza ko abacuruzi bafite impungenge nyinshi baterwa no kutamenya neza uko ejo bizaba bimeze.

Uku kutamenya neza uko ejo bizaba bimeze ntibitangaje bitewe nuko mukora mwivuruguta mu mabwiriza mashya kandi agenda ahindagurika mu buryo bwihuse, mukagenda mukora impinduka mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi bwanyu kugira ngo mubashe gukomeza gukora, munacunga imikoranire yanyu n’abo muranguraho ibicuruzwa n’abakiriya banyu mu buryo bwa kure aho kubikora imbonankubone. Ibyo byose mubikora ari nako mukora ibisoboka kugira ngo imiryango yanyu irusheho kugira ubuzima bwiza kandi inagire n’umutekano.   

Kuva twatangira muri Gicurasi 2020, SME Response Clinic yashakishije uburyo bwo kubagezaho  amakuru ajyanye n’igihe n’uburyo bwo gucunga ubucuruzi bwanyu mu ngorane zinyuranye zavutse kandi zikomeza kuvuka bitewe n’icyorezo. Ubungubu, turashaka kubaha amahirwe yo kugira ngo mubashe kwiyibandaho mwebwe ubwanyu ku buryo namwe mubasha gucunga neza ubucuruzi bwanyu kurushaho, bikarushaho kugirira akamaro imiryango yanyu, abakozi banyu, n’abaturanyi banyu muri rusange.     

Mu mezi macye ari imbere, tuzagenda tubaha udukoresho dusanzwe tuzabafasha kongera intege mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi byanyu. Ibyo bikoresho bizaba birimo, videwo ntoya, inyandiko, n’amajwi yafashwe ku byuma mushobora gukoresha murwanya agahinda,  mukanagira icyizere cy’uko amezi ari imbere azaba ari meza.

Mureke tugumane kuri smeresponseclinic@gmail.com kandi mwibuke kuguma mufite umutekano!

by KachecheMusa

Experiencing stress? Try this quick breathing exercise!

Experiencing stress? Try this quick breathing exercise!

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in all aspects of our lives. As a small business owner, you may be used to the stress and uncertainty that come from running an enterprise. The pandemic has added new challenges to this, and many of us are feeling the effects.

At the SME Response Clinic, we are offering a few tools for dealing with stress and uncertainty. The first is a short exercise that may help – less than five minutes, it is free, can be done anywhere, and does not require any special tools or know-how.

The short exercise involves focusing on your breath, which is a proven way to lower stress in the body. Below is a simple guide:

  • Find a comfortable place to lie or sit down. Gently close your eyes and take two or three deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.
  • Allow the breath to return to its natural rhythm and feel the body’s weight press down where you are sitting or laying down.
  • Notice how the body feels. Starting at the top of the head, think about how your body feels from head to toe. Do you feel peaceful? Are you moving around a lot? Are you comfortable? Are you uncomfortable?
  • As you breathe in and out, allow thoughts to come and go. If you become distracted by a thought, return the attention to how your body feels.
  • After a few minutes, slowly open the eyes again.

It may seem simple, but breathing exercises like these are known to help in challenging times. They can give you a short break from your sense of stress or feelings of uncertainty, which can in turn help you to think more clearly and make better decisions for yourself, your family, and your business.

Let us know if this works for you by emailing us at smeresponseclinic@gmail.com!

Ese wumva uremerewe n’ibibazo? Gerageza ukore uyu mwitozo muto wo guhumeka!

Icyorezo cya COVID-19 cyazanye ingorane  zinyuranye mu buzima bwacu. Nk’umucuruzi muto, ushobora kumva uremerewe n’ibibazo cyangwa ukaba utabona neza icyo ugomba gukora mu micungire y’ikigo cy’ubucuruzi. Icyorezo cyazanye n’izindi ngorane nshya kandi abantu benshi muri twe biri kubagiraho ingaruka.

Muri SME Response Clinic turi gutanga inama nke zifasha umuntu guhangana n’ikibazo cyo kumva aremerewe n’ibibazo no kutabona neza icyo  agomba gukora. Icya mbere ni umwitozo muto ushobora gufasha umuntu – iminota itageze kuri itanu, ntabwo usaba amafaranga, ushobora gukorerwa aho umuntu yaba ari hose, kandi nta bikoresho bidasanzwe umuntu akenera cyangwa ngo abe azi cyangwa atazi uko ukorwa.

Uyu mwitozo muto ukorwa umuntu yibanda ku buryo ahumeka; ibi bikaba ari uburyo bwagaragaye bufasha umuntu kubaganya ikibazo cyo kumva aremerewe n’ibibazo mu mubiri we. Dore mu buryo bworoshye uko bikorwa :

  • Shaka ahantu heza ushobora kuryama cyangwa kwicara wisanzuye. Funga amaso buhoro buhoro noneho witse umwuka incuro imwe cyangwa ebyiri. Humeka cyane winjiza umwuka mu mazuru kandi uwusohorera mu kanwa.
  • Humeka ku buryo busanzwe noneho wumve uburemere bw’umubiri wawe butsikamiye aho wicaye cyangwa uryamye.
  • Umva uko umubiri wawe umeze. Uhereye ku mutwe ukageza ku mano, tekereza uko wumva umubiri wawe umerewe. Ese urumva ufite amahoro? Ese urumva ugenda uzenguruka hirya no hino cyane? Ese urumva umerewe neza ? Ese urumva utamerewe neza?
  • Uko ugenda winjiza umwuka unawusohora, reka ibitekerezo bize kandi bisohoke. Niba hari igitekerezo kikurangaje, ongera nanone utekereze ku buryo wumva umubiri wawe umeze.
  • Nyuma y’iminota micyeya, ongera nanone ufungure amaso buhoro buhoro.

Bishobora kugaragara nk’ibintu byoroshye, ariko imyitozo yo guhumeka nk’iyingiyi izwiho gufasha abantu mu bihe bikomeye. Ishobora gutuma umuntu agira igihe gito cyo kumva aruhutse ibibazo bimuremereye  cyangwa akabasha kuruhuka ikibazo cyo kutabona neza ibigomba gukorwa, ibyo bikamufasha kurushaho gutekereza neza no gufata ibyemezo byiza byaba ibimwerekeyeho we ku giti cye , ibyerekeye ku muryango we, cyangwa ibyerekeye ku bucuruzi bwe.

Tumenyeshe niba ibi bikora neza kuri wowe utwandikira kuri imeyili ikurikira:  musa.kacheche@consumercentrix.ch!

by KachecheMusa

Updated Government COVID-19 Preventive Measures & Considerations for your Business

The Latest Government COVID-19 Preventive Measures  

Wednesday 1st September 2021 Update

On 1st September 2021, the government reviewed and issued new COVID-19 preventive measures. The new measures issued took effect from 2nd September and will last till 22nd September 2021, where the cabinet will review them upon a health assessment.  

Below are the updated government measures.  

  •  Movements are prohibited between 10:00 pm and 04:00 am in the city of Kigali. For the rest of the country, movements are prohibited between 9 pm, and 4 am with businesses closing by 8 pm. However, for districts including Burera, Gicumbi, Kirehe, Ngoma, Nyagatare, Nyamasheke, Nyaruguru and Rwamagana where movements are prohibited between 8 pm and 4 am, and businesses close by 7 pm.  
  • Public and private offices will continue with essential staff but not exceeding 50% capacity while other employees continue to work from home. Private business also resumed with essential staff not exceeding 50% 
  • Physical conferences are allowed but should not exceed 30% of venue capacity, and event organizers must comply with all COVID-19 preventive measures, including a PCR negative COVID-19 test results required for all participants taken within 72 hours before the meeting. 
  • Arriving passengers

Wednesday 11th August 2021 Update

On 11th August 2021, the government reviewed and issued new COVID-19 preventive measures. The new measures issued took effect from 12th August and will last till 1st September 2021, where the cabinet will review them upon a health assessment.  

Below are the updated government measures.  

  • Movements are prohibited between 8:00 pm, and 04:00 am, and businesses will close by 7:00 pm.  
  • Public and private offices will continue with essential staff but not exceeding 50% capacity while other employees continue to work from home. Private business also resumed with essential staff not exceeding 50% 
  • Meeting and conferences are allowed but should not exceed 30% of venue capacity, and event organizers must comply with all COVID-19 preventive measures (negative COVID-19 test results required for all participants) 
  • Arriving passengers at the airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. 
  • Public transport will continue to operate at 75% capacity with strict adherence to the health guidelines (social distancing and mask-wearing). Motos and bicycles will continue to work with strict compliance with the health guidelines (disinfecting passenger’s helmets). 
  • Schools and higher institutions of learning are closed.  
  • Malls and markets will continue to operate with only essential vendors not exceeding 50% capacity of registered traders.  
  • Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators, and transport services assisting guests.  
  • Individual and non-contact sports activities will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines. Gyms and fitness centers will resume progressively. 

These measures will be reviewed after two weeks upon a health assessment. For more detailed COVID-19 measures, visit: Office of the Prime Minister 

 

Friday 30th July 2021 Update

After a 15-day complete lockdown in Kigali and eight other districts, the government reviewed and issued new COVID-19 preventive measures on Friday 30th July 2021. The new measures issued took effect from 1st August and will last till 15th August 2021, where the cabinet will review them upon a health assessment.  

Below are the updated government measures.  

  • The complete lockdown was lifted in the City of Kigali and eight. Movements are prohibited between 6:00 pm, and 04:00 am, and businesses will close by 5:00 pm.  
  • Movements between Kigali and other provinces and districts have been resumed except for sectors under localized lockdown.  
  • Public and private offices were re-opened but not exceeding 15% capacity while other employees continue to work from home. Private business also resumed with essential staff not exceeding 50% 
  • Meeting and conferences are allowed but should not exceed 30% of venue capacity, and event organizers must comply with all COVID-19 preventive measures (negative COVID-19 test results required for all participants) 
  • Arriving passengers at the airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. 
  • Public transport will continue to operate at 50% capacity with strict adherence to the health guidelines (social distancing and mask-wearing). Motos and bicycles will continue to work with strict compliance with the health guidelines (disinfecting passenger’s helmets). 
  • Schools and higher institutions of learning are closed.  
  • Malls and markets will continue to operate with only essential vendors not exceeding 50% capacity of registered traders.  
  • Tourism will continue with strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators, and transport services assisting guests.  
  • Individual and non-contact sports activities will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines. Gyms are closed. 

These measures will be reviewed after two weeks upon a health assessment. For more detailed COVID-19 measures, visit: Office of the Prime Minister 

Monday 21st June 2021 Update

In light of the uptick in cases of COVID-19 in the country, on Tuesday 29th June, the government of Rwanda announced a revision of the COVID-19 restrictions issued on Monday 21st June 2021. These new measures will take effect starting Thursday 1st July and will be reviewed after two weeks upon a health assessment.  

Below are the updated government measures.  

General measures for the whole country

  • The country will observe curfew time from 6:00 pm to 04:00 am, and businesses will close by 5:00 pm. People are encouraged to limit unnecessary movements. 
  • Arriving passengers at the airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. 
  • Public transport will continue to operate at 50% capacity with strict adherence to the health guidelines (social distancing and mask-wearing). Motos and bicycles will continue to work with strict compliance with the health guidelines (disinfecting passenger’s helmets). 
  • Private business will continue with essential staff not exceeding 50% capacity. 
  • Schools and higher institutions of learning are closed.  
  • Malls and markets will continue to operate with only essential vendors not exceeding 50% capacity of registered traders.  
  • Tourism will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines. 
  • Individual and non-contact sports activities will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines. Gyms are closed. 

Measure specific for Kigali

  • Movements between Kigali and other provinces and movements between districts nationwide are prohibited except for medical services and transportation of goods. 
  • Private and public offices are closed for staff except for those providing essential services. 
  • All meetings and social gatherings are prohibited. Restaurants will only provide offer delivery services. 

Measures specific for the rest of the country

  • Movements between districts nationwide are prohibited except for medical services and transportation of goods. 
  • Physical meetings will continue but not exceeding 30% of venue capacity. Participants will be required to present negative COVID-19 results taken within 72 hours.  
  • Public offices will continue to operate but not exceeding 15% capacity of all employees. Other staff will continue working from home on a rotational basis.  
  • Restaurants will continue to operate not exceeding 30% of venue capacity closing by 5 pm. 

Updated Government COVID-19 Preventive Measures & Considerations for your Business

Saturday 12th June 2021 Update

In light of the uptick in cases of COVID-19 in the country, on Monday 21st June 2021, the government of Rwanda announced a revision of the COVID-19 restrictions issued on 12th June 2021. These new measures will take effect starting Wednesday 23rd June and will be reviewed after 2 weeks upon a health assessment.

We know that it is a tough time for many and particularly for entrepreneurs as you strive to protect both your families and businesses. We are here to help with a summary of the updated measures and some things to keep in mind as a business owner operating during this time.

Updated Measures

  • Movements between Kigali and other provinces and movements between districts nationwide are prohibited except for medical services and transportation of goods.
  • The country will observe curfew time from 7:00 pm to 04:00 am, and businesses will close by 6:00 pm.
  • Arriving passengers at the airport must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.
  • Public transport will continue to operate at 50% capacity with strict adherence to the health guidelines (social distancing and mask-wearing).
  • Motos and bicycles will continue to operate with strict compliance with the health guidelines (disinfecting passenger’s helmets).
  • Physical meetings will continue at 30% of venue capacity, and all participants must possess negative PCR tests.
  • All social gatherings, both private and public, are prohibited.
  • Private business will continue with essential staff not exceeding 50% capacity.
  • Malls and markets will continue to operate with only essential vendors not exceeding 50% capacity of registered traders.
  • Restaurants will continue to operate at 30% of venue capacity closing by 6 pm. For some designated restaurants, customers must present negative COVID-19 results.
  • Tourism will continue with strict adherence to health guidelines.

Considerations for Your Business

  • If your business is permitted to continue operations during this time, ensure that you have implemented all safety protocols to keep your clients and employees safe.
  • Brief all employees in advance where possible on operational changes you plan to make that could affect their work schedules or responsibilities. Allow employees to work remotely where possible.
  • Reach out to clients proactively about changes in product or service delivery, operating hours, or protocols when visiting your business.

by KachecheMusa

Call for Applications for Entrepreneurs in the Wood Sector

Call for Applications for Entrepreneurs in the Wood Sector  

The National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, has established a new Incubator and Accelerator Facility (I/AF) for the wood sector. The main objective of the I/AF is to improve the competitiveness of start-ups and companies in the wood value chain. Selected applicants will participate in 7-8 months incubator/accelerator programs to support them to improve the performance of their businesses, increase their access to the market, and the ability of their companies to compete in the market. The facility will offer a general and tailored set of services for start-ups, companies, and cooperatives from the wood sector, including: 

  • Business advice 
  • Entrepreneurship and business management training 
  • Coaching and mentoring 
  • Access to technical infrastructure 
  • Technical assistance 
  • Market information services 
  • Marketing assistance 
  • Facilitation of financial and investment linkages 
  • Facilitation of linkages for technological upgrading 

The incubator program will target early-stage start-ups with less than 12 months of business operations to increase their competitiveness within the wood processing sector and established entrepreneurs who seek to diversify into the wood sector for the first time. To be eligible for this program, the business has to be new to using wood components.  

The accelerator program will target entrepreneurs, business owners, and management teams in more mature micro, small, medium-sized, or large enterprises and cooperatives in the wood sector. During the program, participants will be given general and tailored assistance to accelerate their growth, attract investors and expand into their market reach nationally, regionally and internationally. Only businesses in the wood sector with more than 12 months of business operations are eligible to apply for the accelerator program. The applications opened on 10th June 2021, and they will close on 25th June 2021, at 12 pm. 

The I/AF program seeks to support companies with the potential to grow and contribute to the development of the wood sector.  

To apply for the Incubation program, visit: National Incubation Program for Wood Sector in Rwanda 

To apply for the Accelerator program, visit: National Accelerator Program for Wood Sector in Rwanda 

For detailed instructions on how to apply, visit Guidelines for Applicants. 

 

by KachecheMusa

Celebrating the Twiteze Imbere Campaign Award Winning Small Businesses

Celebrating the Twiteze Imbere Campaign Award Winning Small Businesses

 

To recognise and celebrate the winners of the Twiteze Imbere campaign SME Response Clinic Business Awards, and reflect on the campaign, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) and ConsumerCentriX have hosted a half-day celebration alongside key campaign partners.

The Twiteze Imbere campaign was created to recognise the role small businesses are playing in Rwanda’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the campaign, the general public nominated their favourite small businesses, giving their nominees the chance to win an SME Response Clinic Business Award. The competition featured three categories: women-owned businesses, start-up or innovative businesses, and established businesses. Three winners and five runners-up stood out from almost 2,000 nominations.

During the celebration, Jean Bosco Iyacu, Country Director of AFR, congratulated the winners and thanked them for their role in Rwanda’s economic recovery. Mr. Iyacu also highlighted AFR’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses in Rwanda and appreciated the diversity within the businesses that were nominated.

Anna Gincherman, Managing Partner at ConsumerCentriX, encouraged the entrepreneurs to utilise the SME Response Clinic’s resources to grow their businesses.

“The SME Response Clinic will continue to support entrepreneurs by providing access to financial opportunities and information on business development services,” she said.

The three winners discussed how they plan to use the one million Rwandan francs prize to grow their businesses. They responded to some questions from partners and networked with business development experts including RICEM’s Dr. Olivier Mukulira and Malik Shaffy, Country Manager of the African Management Institute in Rwanda (AMI).

Jean Bosco Manirareba, winner in the established businesses category, said that the prize money will be invested to expand market reach beyond Kirehe District where Umucyo operates.

Hamdani Habumuremyi, winner of the start-up/innovative business category said: “The prize money will allow me to acquire new machinery and equipment to support my business activities.”

Judith Kaine, winner in the women-led businesses category said: “I plan to use the award to increase visibility and awareness of my business across Rwanda.”

In addition to the prize money, the three winners will each receive expert business advisory services provided by Rwanda Institute for Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), and AMI. These services will equip them with the skills and knowledge to further improve the success of their businesses.

Meet the winners here

by KachecheMusa

Call for Applications - Cultural Entrepreneurs Lab

Call for Applications – Cultural Entrepreneurs Lab 

Kunda Arts Collective, a platform for creative arts founded by multidisciplinary artists in Rwanda, will be hosting the Cultural Entrepreneurs Lab, a three-day workshop in Kigali from 18th – 20th June 2021. The workshop will support cultural entrepreneurs by equipping them with the relevant business skills and entrepreneurial mindset to grow and sustain their businesses.   

The selected applicants will participate in an interactive workshop where they will learn business skills such as:  

– Financial management
– Digital marketing
– Pricing and negotiation skills &
– Grant writing. 

Additionally, the selected applicants will get an opportunity to network with other successful artists and cultural entrepreneurs to gain insights and knowledge from established artists in the industry.  

To be eligible for this opportunity, interested applicants must be cultural entrepreneurs in music, filmmaking and acting, painting, dancing, poetry and writing, architecture, carpentry or any other artistic discipline. Successful applicants will be required to bring a laptop to participate in Saturday and Sunday sessions. The deadline for applications is 30th May 2021.   

To apply, visit: 𝗞𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 

 

by KachecheMusa

SME Response Clinic Business Award Winner's Profiles.

Meet Judith Kaine, CEO of Kurema Kureba Kwiga, Winner in Women-owned Businesses Category

Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga – which translates in English to “To Create, To See, To Learn” – is Rwanda’s pre-eminent public-arts social enterprise and custom art services provider founded by Judith Kaine. The organization works with professional Rwandan artists to create works of art that transform spaces and places through colour and creativity. 

To date, the enterprise has created over 50 murals across the country and hosted a number of exhibitions and pieces of training within 26 Rwanda’s of 30 districts. Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga has built opportunities for young aspiring artists in Rwanda by providing a platform for youth to showcase innovative and creative ideas for the arts industry. 

With the cash prize from Twiteze Imbere Campaign SME Response Clinic Business Awards, the social enterprise plans to improve its marketing and outreach efforts to reach more clients. The business advisory services offered as part of the prize will support efforts to build better business strategies to enhance the sustainability and reach of the business.  

For more information about Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga’s work, contact:

  • Phone: +250 787 684 466
  • Email: kuremarwanda@gmail.com

Meet Hamdani Habumuremyi, Founder of Hadi Construction, Winner in Start-up/Innovative Businesses Category

Hadi Construction is a domestic company created in 2021 by Hamdani Habumuremyi and Dieu Merci Moise. The two founders initially had the idea while at university when recognizing a need for high-quality construction services in their local community.  

Despite having limited resources, the owners had a strong reputation from earlier work and were able to leverage that perception in the community to build their business. They offer modern construction design and ensure their clients are educated on best practices in construction to ensure quality building with the capacity to withstand environmental disasters. 

While the business experienced a downturn due to the pandemic, the owners are excited about the next phase of their business journey. In addition to growing their business with expanded consulting services, Hadi Construction will also continue awareness-building work in the community; specifically, the owners plan to create broader awareness of land laws within their community. 

For more information about Hadi Construction’s work, contact:

  • Phone: +250 783 141 038
  • Email: dieumoise1@gmail.com

Meet Jean Bosco Manirareba, Founder of Umucyo Company, Winner in Established Businesses Category

Umucyo Company is a domestic company located in Kirehe district involved in the production of sanitary products and body lotion. Jean Bosco started this company in 2018 after attending training at Cyizere Life Center Hospital in Kayonza district about manufacturing soap, lotions, and hygienic products. To raise enough capital to start his business, Jean Bosco provided training to students at the Yego training center in Rwamagana, enabling him to save money for his own business.

In 2018, Jean Bosco started his own business in Kirehe district, serving several clients ranging from hotels and restaurants to individuals.  Umucyo company is well known for offering quality products at very affordable prices coupled. Umucyo’s excellent customer service and products have given Jean Bosco a reputation as a source of inspiration for youth to develop themselves into successful entrepreneurs.

Despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in low sales and negative cash flows, Umucyo company leveraged its network to reach out to new clients to stay afloat. The business plans to use the prize money to increase production capacities and cater to the growing demand. Umucyo company also intends to create job opportunities for youth by increasing the number of employees as business returns to normal.

For more information about Umucyo’s work, contact:

  • Phone: +250783688287

  • Email: cykagisha@gmail.com

by KachecheMusa

ABH Prize Competition 2021 Seeks Applicants

ABH Prize Competition 2021 Seeks Applicants

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition aims to identify, support and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs making a positive impact in their local communities. The competition recognizes entrepreneurs who work towards solving pressing problems  such as connected households to direct water supply and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.

Africa’s Business Heroes supports African entrepreneurs with the tools and the platform to scale and collaborate with likeminded entrepreneurs. ABH provides entrepreneurs with the chance to engage with industry experts, venture capitalists and celebrities. With the support provided the ABH finalists have made significant strides, including establishing new stores, increasing revenue and raising investments.

The competition is now receiving applications both in English and French. It is open to entrepreneurs from all African countries and sectors. Each year, ten finalists are selected to compete in the ABH finale pitch competition and participate in a TV Show that broadcasts online and across the continent.

The selected finalists for the competition will receive; 

  • An opportunity to pitch to business legends and receive advice from them
  • Grant funds ranging from $ 100,000 – $ 300,000
  • International publicity via televised Africa’s Business Heroes Show, press releases, news articles, TV/radio & print interviews
  • Tailored feedback, mentorship & training via ABH’s network of partners and judges
  • Connection to the online community of ABH Alumni that promotes peer learning, engagement and networking

Who can apply?

This competition is an opportunity for entrepreneurs who fulfil the criteria below:

  • Applicant must be the founder or a co-founder of the company
  • The applicant is of African citizenship or is the child or grandchild of an African citizen
  • The company is registered and headquartered in an African country and primarily operates in Africa
  • Business is 3 years old or more and has at least 3 years of revenue history

How to apply

To take part in the competition 2021, register and apply here.

Application deadline: 07th June 2021; 23:59 GMT

For more information;

Email; info@africabusinessheroes.org

Visit; https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/the-prize/overview

by KachecheMusa

New Faces New Voices Rwanda in partnership with Rwanda Public Procurement Authority works to ensure women entrepreneurs are competitive candidates for public tenders.

New Faces New voices Rwanda partners with Rwanda Public Procurement Authority to offer training on public procurement for women entrepreneurs. 

 

New Faces New Voices Rwanda in partnership with UN Women and Rwanda public procurement authority has developed a training program to support women entrepreneurs in the public tender process. The trainings, which launched in 2018, provide information on procurement processes, the use of e- procurement platform https://umucyo.gov.rw/  and other ICT facilities, and address participant questions. 

The dedicated training program was developed as a result of the study NFNV conducted in partnership with UN Women about gender responsive procurement in Rwanda. The study sought to collect data and evidence to enable stakeholders make informed decision and proposal for furthering gender equality and women’s empowerment through successful tendering in public procurement.

The study confirmed the limited participation of women-owned businesses in the current tendering processes. From an indicative sample of 332 public tenders awarded in 2016/2017 and 2018/19, women-owned businesses won an estimated 13% compared to 85% for male-owned businesses.  This was in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, education, gender, trade and social protection.  The tenders won by women-owned businesses represent only 5% of the estimated total of RWF 34.5 billion.

New Faces New voices Rwanda in partnership with UN Women is responding to one of the study recommendations in order to increase the number of women entrepreneurs participation in public tenders, which is “Capacity Development to enhance businesswomen’s proficiency in areas such as financial management, tax processes, procurement processes, use of e-procurement and other ICT facilities”. To date, New Faces New Voices has had 3 sessions of trainings supporting over 100 women entrepreneurs and has a plan to train more. The trainings last 2 days, are held in Kinyarwanda or English and have taken place in person.

New Faces New Voices will be hosting more trainings in May and June and July 2021. Interested candidates are encouraged to find more information via secretariat@nfnv.rw.

The SME Response Clinic spoke with two training participants to learn more about hoe the procurement training has impacted their businesses and how they plan to sue what they learned. One participant, Laura Uwase of Tripple TM General Supplies, highlighted that as a result of the training, she has been able to transfer skills to her staff. Another, Adelaide Udusanze of Promota Creations, also highlighted that she leant how to search for public tenders both online and in the field, which she now does now a on regular basis to identify relevant opportunities for her business. Watch the videos below. 

by KachecheMusa