Are you a tech startup interested in scaling up your business? Apply for the Microsoft for Startups challenge before 23 May 2022
Are you a tech startup interested in scaling up your business? Apply for the Microsoft for Startups challenge before 23 May 2022
Microsoft for Startups, a global program supported by a team of startup veterans and industry experts, invites applicants for the Microsoft for Startups Challenge. Microsoft for Startups aims to provide a customized set of offerings and resources to support tech startups grow from ideation to scale.
Through the challenge, participants will gain:
- Opportunity to unlock up to $150,000 in free Azure credits (a perk offered by Microsoft to save money on your cloud bill)
- Access to robust development and productivity tools, including GitHub and Microsoft 365
- Mentorship guidance from business and technical experts
- Startup-friendly offers from Microsoft partners
- Access to VivaTech onsite event (annual networking event for tech entrepreneurs)
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have a startup engaged in developing a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of your current or intended business – this software must be owned, not licensed
- Have a startup that has not already received more than a total of $10,000 in free Azure
- Have headquarters residing in the countries covered by our Azure global infrastructure (including…[insert ones relevant to us in Africa])
- Have a startup that has not gone through a Series D or later funding round
- Have a for-profit business that is not an educational institution, government entity, personal blog, dev shop, consultancy, agency, bitcoin or crypto mining company
To apply for the Microsoft for Startups Challenge, create an account at Challenge Signup
Are you an early-stage fintech startup in Rwanda? Apply for Stitch fintech startup showcase before 10 February 2022
Are you an early-stage fintech startup in Rwanda? Apply for Stitch fintech startup showcase before 10 February 2022
Stitch, a South African API infrastructure live in Nigeria and South Africa, in partnership with Paystack and Disrupt Africa, are set to host a startup showcase for African early-stage FinTechs. The showcase will provide an opportunity for early-stage FinTechs to share their solutions with local and global investors and support to prepare for the pitch from the Stitch team.
The showcase will take place in Cape Town, South Africa on 25 February 2022. Interested applicants must have a FinTechor embedded finance solution based in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania or Rwanda. Selected companies will receive several benefits, including:
- Support to prepare for the pitch from members of the Stitch team
- An opportunity to pitch their solutions to an audience of global and local fintech and investors
- Access to office hours with members of the Stitch team
- Access to a 1-hour workshop with members of the Paystack team focused on fundraising and growth
- Free payment processing from Paystack for selected startups operating in Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana
- Access to the Stitch API for selected companies operating in Nigeria and South Africa for six months
Note: All applicants working in Nigeria and South Africa will receive two months of free access to the Stitch API
To apply for this showcase, visit: Stitch Startup Showcase Applications
Are you a university student or a recent graduate with an innovative digital idea? Apply for the Digital Innovations for Business Resilience in the EAC program before 21 February 2022
Are you a university student or a recent graduate with an innovative digital idea? Apply for the Digital Innovations for Business Resilience in the EAC program before 21 February 2022
Digital Innovations for Business Resilience in the East African Community, a program under Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA) project, seeks to support young innovators from universities from the EAC member states. Through the program, young innovators will be supported to develop and implement digital innovations for business resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dSkills@EA project is part of the technical development cooperation between the EAC and Germany.
Ten selected teams per country will be offered an opportunity to participate at the National Pitch-Event, where they will present their digital innovations to the industry, academia, investors, government representatives and the EAC entrepreneurship ecosystem stakeholders. Additionally, selected participants will benefit from the following:
- Opportunity to finetune their innovative idea via online ideathon to acquire skills in customer insights, product development and business modelling
- Access to connections from the East African Innovation Ecosystem
- An opportunity to be selected for the boot camp to receive in-depth support through mentors and trainers to shape their innovations further.
- Team winners will receive grants of a pool of USD 10,000
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Be university students or recent graduates (not more than one year in the past)
- Be from an East African University
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age
- Have fluency in English
- Possess an idea for digital innovation or are in early implementation stages.
- Have a team of a minimum of two people.
To apply for this program, visit: Digital Innovations for Business Resilience in the EAC
Apply for the second cohort of the Fintech Incubation Program by 27 July 2022!
Apply for the second cohort of the Fintech Incubation Program by 27 July 2022!
In December 2021, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), a research and development tech lab innovating for social impact, collaborated with Google, Mojaloop Foundation, and the Government of Rwanda to launch a Fintech Incubation Program. This program is one of the initiatives designed to accelerate Rwanda’s digital transformation to drive inclusive economic development by leveraging technology and fostering a pan-African Incubation ecosystem.
Through this program, CcHUB will be supporting early-stage fintech startups and innovators (with at least a Minimum Viable Product) through an incubation program. Selected companies in the second cohort will be offered a $10,000 grant. Additionally, successful applicants stand to benefit from the following:
- Equity-free funding of up to $10,000
- Product, market readiness, and investment support
- Mentorship from industry and sector experts
- Access to Google products and Mojaloop
- Access to a network of partners and investors from CcHUB
- Additional funding opportunities
Interested applicants must complete the following eligibility criteria:
- Headquartered and/or operating in Rwanda
- Have already launched a product in the market or at least a Minimum Viable Product
- Have a registered business that has been in operation (since launch date) for at least six months
- Have at least one full-time and dedicated founder
To attend the information session about the program on 20 Wednesday, 2022, visit: FIP info session
To apply, visit: Fintech Incubation Program
Are you an entrepreneur with a solution that tackles hunger, improves food security, and strengthens food systems? Apply for the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge from the World Food Program (WFP) Rwanda by 6 February 2022!
Are you an entrepreneur with a solution that tackles hunger, improves food security, and strengthens food systems? Apply for the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge from the World Food Program (WFP) Rwanda by 6 February 2022!
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Impact Hub Kigali (IHK) seek to support innovative entrepreneurs through the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge. Through the Challenge, WFP Rwanda is looking for entrepreneurs with solutions that tackle hunger, improve food security, and strengthen food systems. This Challenge is supported by the USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The inaugural IGNITE Food Systems Challenge will support Rwandan startups, SMEs and cooperatives to scale up their solutions, contributing to the economy while creating a positive social impact by addressing different gaps that exist in food systems. Successful applicants stand to benefit from USD 50,000 in equity-free funding and six months of technical support to strengthen entrepreneurial skills with support from experts and mentors. Additionally, successful applicants will also get an opportunity to network with WFP’s network of public, private, and government partners.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following criteria to apply:
- Possess a valid registration/certificate of incorporation for operating in Rwanda
- Have proof of a revenue-generating business (total turnover in the case of cooperatives) of at least the equivalent of 5,000 USD for the year 2020-21
- Have a team of at least three full-time employees dedicated to the SME/cooperative, including the founding team
- Have at least 50% of its founding and senior management team from Rwanda/East Africa
- Have key operations in Rwanda
Note: Ventures that are women-led and have demonstrated action towards promoting women in their supply chain are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should apply by 6 February 2022.
For more information about the Challenge, visit: IGNITE Food Systems Challenge
Do you have a tech solution that positively impacts society? Apply for the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge by February 11, 2022!
Do you have a tech solution that positively impacts society? Apply for the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge by February 11, 2022!
Cisco, a multinational technology conglomerate, seeks to support tech startups through their Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge. The aim of this competition is to recognize and reward early-stage entrepreneurs worldwide whose tech business solutions are focused on social impact in their communities.
Successful applicants will benefit from peer and industry validation of their tech solutions and an opportunity for global recognition and publicity for their businesses. Additionally, successful applicants will receive the following cash prizes:
Panel vote:
- A single team will be awarded USD 250,000 as a grand winner
- Three teams globally (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia, Asia Pacific, Japan and China) will be awarded USD 75,000 each as regional first runner ups
- Three teams will be awarded USD 50,000 each as second runners ups
People and employees’ choice:
- The finalist entry who will receive the most votes will be awarded a people’s choice award, and they will receive USD 10,000.
- The finalist entry who will receive the most votes will be awarded the Cisco Employees’ Choice award and will receive a cash prize of USD 15,000
Special prizes:
- Special prizes for climate impact and regeneration prize won by a single team with a cash prize of USD 100,000 for the winner, USD 50,000 for the second runners up and USD 50,000 for the HBCU startup prize.
Interested applicants should fulfil the following conditions to be eligible for the Challenge:
- Have tech solutions that use digital technology to positively impact society or the environment.
- Applicants should have tech solutions focusing at least on one of these areas, including water or food security, health care, financial inclusion, education, accessibility, and the environment.
- Applicants registering as individuals or a team must be above 18 years of age.
- Applicants registering as business entities should be legally registered with the local authorities.
To apply for the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge, visit: CGPSC Application
Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!
Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year.
As we come closer to the end of the year 2021, the SME Response Clinic would like to reflect on the initiatives that helped us achieve our objective of bringing your business closer to financial services and other business development initiatives. We are so grateful for the support you afforded us throughout the year and we look forward to your continued collaboration in the year 2022.
Here are some of the key initiatives we engaged in for the year 2021.
In March 2021, the SME Response Clinic launched the Twiteze Imbere (Let’s Move Forward) campaign to recognise small businesses’ role in Rwanda’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign’s main activity involved the nomination of favourite businesses by the general public. Three businesses from three categories (women-led, start-up and established) were nominated and each received a cash prize of 1 million Rwandan Francs and expert advisory services.
In August 2021, the SME Response Clinic entered into a partnership with KCB Bank Rwanda. The partnership was aimed at connecting entrepreneurs with a financial service provider. Over 900+ users engaged with our KCB Bank related content posted on the site. Over 30 entrepreneurs submitted inquiries into KCB Bank’s financial products with more calling directly to KCB Bank’s helpline.
Building Back Healthier Series.
In October 2021, we launched the Building Back Healthier series, a mental wellness initiative aimed at supporting entrepreneurs to deal with the mental wellness challenges they faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative was implemented in partnership with a local mental wellness service provider Geruka Healing Center. We held one radio show and two webinars featuring prominent entrepreneurs in Rwanda and experts in mental wellness through the initiative. The general public participated in these discussions, and they used the webinars as a platform to learn, ask, and share some of their experiences on how they have managed to practice self-care to run their businesses efficiently.
Away from the key initiatives, we also shared business tips, wellness tips, and funding and capacity building opportunities available in the market. We hope you approach the new year with much optimism, and we look forward to your continued engagement with us as we work to help you grow your business.
With that in mind, we would like to wish you Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!
Apply for the Open Innovation Program by 23 December 2021!
Apply for the Open Innovation Program by 23 December 2021!
Inkomoko Business Development, in partnership with Make-IT in Africa and Digital Solutions for Development, seeks to support startups in SMART cities, EdTech and AgriTech through the Open Innovation Program (OIP). The OIP aims to help tech startups nurture and scale their products by increasing their engagement with existing or prospective stakeholders.
Through the program, 15 tech startups will be selected to participate in a four months accelerator that will help them roll out their solutions to the market. Additionally, participants will be offered more customized support to scale their product to the local and regional markets. This will include product development support, market access, legal and accounting support, and multiple opportunities to network with potential investors.
Interested businesses should fulfil the following criteria to apply:
- Tech or tech-enabled product/solution must fall under one of the three sectors: Smart cities, AgriTech, or EdTech
- Must have an MVP tested in the market and present some traction (e.g. sales, users, reviews
- Product or service must create a positive social or environmental impact
- Should have been in operation for at least 6 months
- The team should be based in Rwanda, and the solution should be implemented in Rwanda
- Should be committed to working with the open innovation approach
Women-led startups are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, visit: Open Innovation Program Application
For any inquiries about OIP, contact:
Phone: 0788358639
Email: info@inkomoko.com
Apply for the Young Global Changers Recoupling Awards before 5 January 2022
Apply for the Young Global Changers Recoupling Awards before 5 January 2022
The Global Solutions Initiative, a global collaborative enterprise, seeks to reward projects and initiatives by young people through the Young Global Changers Recoupling Awards under the Young Global Changer program. The Young Global Changers program brings together young people from around the world who are working towards a global paradigm shift, combining their talents and becoming a strong voice for change.
The program seeks young innovators whose projects embody a recoupling approach guided by a people-centric approach that puts the needs of the target beneficiaries and stakeholders at the centre. The proposed projects should align economic and political activities with environmental sustainability and social prosperity.
The first round of successful applicants will receive the benefits including paid travel to and from Berlin, free admission to the Global solutions summit 2022, accommodation for the time of the Global solutions summit (three nights, March 27-30, 2022) and networking opportunities with experts in academia, business, political and civil society. Semi-finalists will be offered a chance to be part of the Young Global Changer network, an opportunity to present their project on the Global Solutions website, and invitations to events and collaborative projects. The last ten finalists to advance will be offered a scholarship to participate in the Global Solutions Summit 2022, an opportunity to present their project to the jury and international audience and exclusive networking opportunities. Lastly, three participants will be selected from the 10 finalists to receive cash awards of 5000 Euros, 2000 Euros and 1000 Euros
Selection of the applicants will be based on the following criteria:
- Young entrepreneurs or innovators who have started or are involved in a leading role in a social enterprise that aligns economic activity with environmental sustainability and social prosperity.
- Young business leaders aiming at changing “business as usual” from the inside (“intrapreneurs”).
- Young nonprofit actors, community organizers, advocacy leaders, campaigners, or implementers of social, economic, or environmental change locally or even globally.
- The project, business or initiative applied for needs to aim at recoupling, i.e. a better alignment of economic or political activities with social well-being and environmental sustainability.
- The applicant should have a leading position in the project/initiative they are applying with. (e.g. founder, co-founder, project-lead, initiator or a similar role.)
- The applicant needs to be between the ages of 18 and 35.
- Applicants need to be willing and motivated to become active members of a global network that aims at bringing about lasting global change.
To apply for this program, visit: Young Global Changer
Are you a student or a young innovator? Apply for Westerwelle Start-up Haus Ideate Program by 8 December!
Are you a student or a young innovator? Apply for Westerwelle Start-up Haus Ideate Program by 8 December!
In partnership with the US Embassy in Rwanda, Westerwelle Start-up Haus Kigali seeks to support young social innovators through the Ideate Rwanda program. Ideate Rwanda is a program that aims to empower young innovators to launch tech start-ups with a positive social impact.
Through the program, over 80 innovators will be selected to participate in a hackathon on 13th December 2021. From this group, 10 participants will be selected and provided with resources to support them in developing tech solutions for social challenges in their communities.
These participants will have the opportunity to complete a 4-month program at the Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali starting in January 2022. They will benefit from:
- Capacity building workshops
- Networking opportunities with a community of entrepreneurs
- Promotion of their developed solutions
The selection of hackathon participants will be based on the following criteria:
- The project demonstrates a positive social impact on the community
- Team/individual demonstrate the ability to execute their vision into reality
- Project/idea has an innovative model
Interested applicants should apply by 8th December 2021.
To apply, visit: Application