Chat for Women's Livelihoods

Are you a women-led social enterprise empowering women economically via platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram? Apply for funding and mentorship from the Chat for Women’s Livelihoods Accelerator Program before 31 January 2023.

Are you a women-led social enterprise empowering women economically via platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram? Apply for funding and mentorship from the Chat for Women’s Livelihoods Accelerator Program before 31 January 2023.

The Chat for Women’s Livelihoods Accelerator Program, a six-month accelerator program invites social enterprises working to empower women in low-income countries economically. The program is aimed at supporting women-led social enterprises that are using chat platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram to empower women economically.

Successful applicants will benefit from the following:

  • Access to up to $15,000 in seed funding upon completion of the program
  • One-on-one mentorship from experienced social entrepreneurs and industry experts
  • Customized training and capacity-building workshops on business strategy, fundraising, growth hacking, and more
  • Networking opportunities with potential investors, partners, and fellow social entrepreneurs
  • Global visibility and promotion through the program partners’ communications channels

Interested applicants should fulfil the following criteria to apply:

  • The enterprise must use chat platforms as a primary channel to deliver their products/services
  • It should address challenges faced by women such as financial inclusion, skills development, healthcare access, etc.
  • The legal entity should have been registered and operating for at least 6 months
  • The founding team must have at least one female founder
  • Annual revenue should be less than $100,000
  • The enterprise should demonstrate strong growth potential and social impact

To apply, visit: application form


Make in Africa Mentorship program

Call for applications for the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship program! Apply before 18 February 2023

Call for applications for the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship program! Apply before 18 February 2023

Quality Communications (Qualcomm) invites applicants for the Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship program. Through the program, Qualcomm seeks to identify and support promising early-stage startups interested in applying advanced connectivity and processing tech to innovate end-to-end systems solutions. Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:

  • One-on-one mentorship with Qualcomm leaders regularly until product realization
  • Masterclass on product management, pitch clinic, hardware architecture and intellectual property rights
  • Demo day with the startup ecosystem
  • Networking with industry leaders, venture capitalists, investors and other accelerators

To apply for the program, visit: Applications


Archipelagos Capacity Building

Are you an entrepreneur or graduate interested in enhancing your business skills? Apply for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program before 30 June 2024.

Are you an entrepreneur or graduate interested in enhancing your business skills? Apply for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program before 30 June 2024.

Archipelagos, a multi-year international cooperation program developed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, the Italian Financial Institution for International Development Cooperation, with the support of the European Commission, invites applicants for the Archipelagos Capacity Building program.

The program aims to support African SME growth, facilitate capital market access, and create a more enabling business environment through stakeholder engagement. Participating SMEs will embark on a tailored learning journey to increase their readiness for capital markets and long-term success.

Successful applicants will receive the following benefits

  • Access online training courses through the Archipelagos digital platform to develop business skills
  • Receive mentoring from experienced professionals to navigate challenges
  • Connect with other businesses to establish partnerships and share best practices
  • Explore potential collaborations and funding opportunities

Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:

  • Be a small or medium enterprise operating in Africa
  • Be willing to develop new capabilities and boost competitiveness
  • Be willing to connect with other businesses and investors
  • Be interested in pursuing opportunities to access debt financing

The most promising SMEs will receive support raising funds through innovative debt instruments backed by a European Commission guarantee facility. In addition, young entrepreneurs can strengthen their skills through the capacity-building program.

To apply, visit: Application form.


climate-smart

Do you have an agribusiness with a climate-smart innovative solution? Apply for funding and business development support from CGIAR before 8 January 2024

Do you have an agribusiness with a climate-smart innovative solution? Apply for funding and business development support from CGIAR before 8 January 2024

The Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a global research partnership that unites organizations engaged in research on food security, invites applicants for the CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator program. The program aims to support agribusiness in scaling climate-smart innovations to solve pressing challenges in agribusiness value chains.

Successful applicants to the program will receive the following benefits:

  • Technical assistance from CGIAR scientists that encourages agribusinesses’ adoption and strengthens their compliance, safety, and accountability practices.
  • Technical assistance on impact measurement and management (IMM) from CGIAR scientists and experts.
  • Technical assistance on investment readiness from CGIAR partners and its network to help secure private sector financing.
  • Provision of a de-risking Grant of USD 20,000 to four successful companies at the end of the program.
  • Access to investors and corporate partners to attract follow-on funding and potential business opportunities.

Interested agribusinesses must fulfill the following to apply:

  • Be legally registered and compliant with regulatory authorities. Applicants should present the following supporting information:
  • A Certificate of Incorporation for a Limited Company or Partnership Deed for a Partnership Business.
  • Two years of audited accounts.
  • Contact details of the company’s references.
  • Team composition.
  • Curriculum Vitae for the management team.
  • Tax Compliance Certificate.
  • Have a clear inclusive strategy for smallholder farmers, women, and youth within the business model in at least one of the dimensions: ownership, management team, workforce and policies, supply chain, and/or customers.
  • Be a for-profit company and demonstrate commercial viability and either be profitable or on the path to profitability. NGOs, corporate companies, and consultants will not be considered
  • Be operating in the following countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia

For more information on the program, visit: CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator

To apply, visit: Application

 


Investment Showcase

Calling Tech Entrepreneurs for the Africa Tech Summit Investment Showcase. Apply before 19 December 2023.

Investment Showcase

Calling Tech Entrepreneurs for the Africa Tech Summit Investment Showcase. Apply before 19 December 2023.

The Africa Tech Summit, an annual tech event that brings stakeholders in Africa’s tech ecosystem together, invites applicants for the investment showcase. The showcase provides exceptional African startups with direct access to international investors to pitch their business models to significant VC funds, corporate investors, development finance institutions and angel networks. It allows entrepreneurs to market their products efficiently, demonstrate traction and seek capital that may not otherwise be available locally.

Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:

  • Companies must be from African countries
  • Startups should have a minimum viable product
  • Demonstrate strong growth potential
  • Preference given to fintech, health tech, agritech, logistics and renewable energy sectors
  • Early and growth investment stages considered

Selected startups are provided with exhibition booths, where they can creatively display demos, videos and marketing materials to capture investors’ interest. Short scheduled pitch sessions allow entrepreneurs face time to present their business proposition and field questions.

To apply, visit: Application form


Climate Finance Lab

Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative solution addressing climate change? Apply for funding from the Climate Finance Lab before 27 December 2023.

Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative solution addressing climate change? Apply for funding from the Climate Finance Lab before 27 December 2023.

The Climate Finance Lab, an innovative program designed to address the urgent need for financing climate solutions, invites applicants for the 2024 edition. The program seeks to bridge the funding gap for climate-related initiatives and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. By leveraging private sector capital, the program aims to unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and drive positive environmental impact.

The program offers several benefits to successful participants, which include:

  • Financial Support: Selected projects receive financial support through grants, concessional loans, or equity investments.
  • Technical Assistance: The program provides technical expertise and guidance to project developers, helping them refine their business models, develop investment strategies, and navigate the complexities of climate finance.
  • Access to Networks: Participants gain access to a global network of investors, policymakers, and experts in the field of climate finance. This network facilitates knowledge sharing, collaboration, and potential partnerships, enhancing the visibility and scalability of projects.
  • Market Validation: Being selected for the Climate Finance Lab 2024 program provides a stamp of credibility and market validation, which can attract further investment and support from other stakeholders.

Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Have solutions demonstrating innovative approaches to addressing climate change, such as new technologies, business models, or financial instruments
  • Demonstrate potential for significant scale-up and replication
  • Have a clear and viable financial model, demonstrating the potential for long-term sustainability and profitability
  • Have a measurable and positive impact on climate change mitigation or adaptation

To apply, visit: Application form


social entrepreneur

Are you a social entrepreneur that addresses pressing needs in your community? Apply for funding from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation

Are you a social entrepreneur that addresses pressing needs in your community? Apply for funding from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK), a global venture philanthropy supporting early-stage, high-impact social enterprises, invites social entrepreneurs to apply for funding. The foundation seeks to support outsized impact through entrepreneurs and enterprises that address pressing societal problems affecting people.

The foundation seeks to find social enterprises that fulfil the following:

  • Address a critical social or environmental issue as the focus of their work
  • Have founders who intend to expand their impact significantly over time
  • Be operating in Africa, Europe, India, Latin America, and the United States
  • Be an independent non-profit or impact-first, mission-driven for-profit entity
  • Have one or more founders who are full-time or intend to be
  • Demonstrate diversity of people proximate to the problem at hand and a commitment to foster justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging practices
  • Have a program, product or service already in the market with an early indication for impact

Applicants admitted for interviews will be taken through three phases of interviews to assess their eligibility for funding. Successful applicants will be accepted through a final due diligence phase to work towards clear goals for the new venture, including metrics and milestones to help the social enterprise achieve its mission.

Applicants that have successfully passed through all the interviews will receive funding twice a year over a three-year term, totalling USD 300,000.

To apply for the opportunity, visit: Application form


Insights from Entrepreneurs

Nurturing Mental Wellbeing: Insights from Entrepreneurs

Nurturing Mental Wellbeing: Insights from Entrepreneurs


We have the privilege of hearing from entrepreneurs who have grappled with the challenges of maintaining their mental health amidst the demands of their ventures. These firsthand accounts will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for coping with the unique pressures entrepreneurs face.

Hearing from Entrepreneurs: Shared Experiences in Mental Wellbeing


Nurturing Mental Wellness: Insights from Entrepreneur Constanza

Nurturing Mental Wellness: Insights from Entrepreneur Constanza

Being an entrepreneur is an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and the pursuit of success. However, amidst the excitement, it is crucial to prioritize mental wellness. In this article, we dive into the experiences and advice of Constanza, an entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the business world while maintaining her mental well-being.

Originally from Italy, Constanza Casullo has managed her day job as an office worker and established a remote business called Devkenya. Devkenya aims to connect Kenyan web developers with clients across the African continent, focusing on Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. Their services range from company websites and e-commerce platforms to mobile apps, SEO, and website redesign.

When asked about the rewards and challenges of running her own business, Constanza acknowledges the positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, she finds immense satisfaction in witnessing a website come to life and observing how it benefits businesses. However, she also highlights the constant time constraints, expressing a desire for more than 24 hours daily. This limitation can be frustrating, but Constanza remains determined to overcome it.

A vision of the future drives Constanza’s entrepreneurial journey. She envisions a world where the efforts she puts into her business will be worthwhile. She believes East Africa will significantly shape this new world with its burgeoning tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Drawing from her experiences, Constanza offers valuable advice to fellow entrepreneurs, particularly in managing their mental well-being. Here are two key insights she shares:

Managing Communication Overload: Constanza advises entrepreneurs not to let the constant influx of WhatsApp messages overwhelm them. In her experience, people in Rwanda tend to rely heavily on WhatsApp for business communication. She emphasizes that entrepreneurs are not obligated to respond immediately. Taking a few hours to reply will not determine a business’s long-term success or failure. Constanza suggests having a separate phone number dedicated solely to business matters or even deactivating notifications to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Embrace Clarity in Communication: To avoid living in a state of uncertainty, Constanza emphasizes the importance of clear communication with clients. For instance, when a client mentions calling in the afternoon, she advises asking for a specific time. Similarly, if a client promises to send the required materials, she recommends setting a deadline. By proactively seeking clarity, entrepreneurs can avoid unnecessary ambiguity and maintain a sense of control over their work.

Entrepreneurship is a rewarding yet demanding journey that requires careful attention to mental wellness. Constanza’s experiences and advice shed light on the importance of managing communication overload and embracing clarity in business interactions. By prioritizing mental well-being, entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of running a business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.


Nurturing Mental Wellness: Insights from Entrepreneur Claudine

Nurturing Mental Wellness: Insights from Entrepreneur Claudine

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, maintaining good mental well-being is crucial. We often find ourselves caught up in the demands of work and life, leaving little time for self-care. However, entrepreneur Claudine shares some valuable insights on how to prioritize mental wellness and find balance amidst the challenges.

One of Claudine’s key pieces of advice is to incorporate exercise into our routines. While it may seem difficult to find the time, even a regular exercise routine can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. Physical activity not only helps to relax the body but also clears the mind, allowing us to recharge and refocus. So, whenever possible, make it a point to engage in exercise and experience the positive effects it can have on your mood and energy levels.

Another important aspect of nurturing mental wellness, according to Claudine, is to connect and laugh with friends and family. Taking time to socialize and share moments of joy can be a great way to escape from work-related stress. Laughter has a remarkable ability to alleviate tension and boost our mood. By surrounding ourselves with loved ones and engaging in lighthearted activities, we can process our emotions, recharge our batteries, and feel supported.

Claudine also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from technology. In today’s digital age, we are constantly bombarded with notifications and the pressure to be constantly connected. However, Claudine suggests taking a day off and disconnecting from phones and social media platforms. This intentional break allows our minds and bodies to relax, providing much-needed respite from the demands of work and technology overload.

Navigating through challenging times is an inevitable part of life, and Claudine acknowledges this reality. To overcome these hardships, she advises setting priorities and seeking help and support from work partners. By effectively managing tasks and delegating responsibilities, we can alleviate some of the burdens and create a more balanced work-life dynamic.

Claudine also shares her personal experience with anxiety, a common challenge faced by entrepreneurs. The constant concern about business performance, competition, and innovation can take a toll on mental well-being. However, Claudine encourages entrepreneurs to embrace self-reflection and find ways to channel their anxiety into motivation for growth and improvement.

Nurturing mental wellness is essential for overall well-being, especially in the entrepreneurial world. Claudine’s insights remind us of the importance of incorporating exercise, connecting with loved ones, taking breaks from technology, and seeking support when needed. By prioritizing mental wellness, we can navigate the challenges of work and life with greater resilience and find a sense of balance and fulfillment.