Are you an African tech start-up interested in training to make you investment-ready? Apply for the SAIS Investment Readiness Program before 20 October 2023
Are you an African tech start-up interested in training to make you investment-ready? Apply for the SAIS Investment Readiness Program before 20 October 2023
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), through its “Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-up (SAIS)” project, invites applicants to the Investment Readiness Program (IRP). The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP) offers African tech start-ups from the agriculture, food, and livestock sectors a year-long tailor-made support program to make them investor ready and scale up their business.
The program seeks to support start-ups in agribusiness, agritech, animal farming, clean technology and energy, crop farming, e-commerce, edtech, fintech, food and beverage, food production, and logistics. Interested applicants must fulfill the following to apply:
- Be registered and operating in Africa with a certificate of registration
- Have a clear and convincing business model
- Have a clear problem statement, digital solution, customer segment, and revenue stream
- Have a founding member on a team of at least two people who work full time
- Founding and management team should have entrepreneurial and technical experience in their area of operation
- Must have a viable digital product that impacts customers’ incomes
- Must have a product that has a positive impact on the African AgTech, FoodTech or livestock (vertical sectors that have an influence can be accepted like e-commerce, fintech, logistics and edtech
- Must have launched digital products at least six months before the application period
- Be able to demonstrate traction (customer base and revenue)
Participating start-ups will benefit from the following:
- Access to online training (tailored)
- Add-on: Programme for Female Leaders
- Access to the GIZ network
- Access to additional services
- Integrating you into a local hub (optional)
- Regular sessions of personalized coaching with local and international experts
To apply, visit: SAIS IRP Applications
Are you an early-stage startup using Amazon Web Services (AWS ) with an innovative financial solution? Apply for the Global Fintech Accelerator program before 14 August 2023.
Are you an early-stage startup using Amazon Web Services (AWS ) with an innovative financial solution? Apply for the Global Fintech Accelerator program before 14 August 2023.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms, invites applicants for the Global Fintech Accelerator program. The 6-week equity-free program helps early-stage startups use AWS to accelerate their businesses growth and success. The program is designed to provide startups with the resources, mentorship and support they need to build and launch innovative financial solutions. The program provides startups access to the following:
- Technical mentorship from AWS experts on cloud computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence topics.
- Business mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors in business strategy, fundraising, and go-to-market plans.
- AWS resources including global infrastructure and services, as well as a variety of tools and resources to help build and launch products.
Successful applicants will benefit from the following:
- Increased visibility and exposure: The program allows startups to showcase their products and services to a global audience of investors, partners, and customers.
- Accelerated growth: The program helps startups to accelerate their growth by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to build and launch successful products.
- Increased funding opportunities: The program can help startups to increase their chances of securing funding from investors.
Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be early-stage fintech startups that are using AWS to build their businesses.
- Have a product or service that is in the development or early-stage launch phase.
- Be located in one of the following regions: North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, or Latin America.
To apply for the program, visit: Applications
Apply for the Westerwelle Young Founders Programme before 13 August 2023
Apply for the Westerwelle Young Founders Programme before 13 August 2023
The Westerwelle Startup Haus invites applicants for the Young Founders Programme’s Autumn Cohort. The 6-month Programme aims to support the development of entrepreneurs by providing participants with mentoring, peer learning, access to experts, and exposure to the Berlin startup ecosystem.
Successful applicants to the Programme will receive the following benefits:
- Mentorship: Each participant is paired with a successful entrepreneur or mentor who can provide guidance and support.
- Peer learning: Participants can network with other young entrepreneurs from around the world.
- Access to experts: The Programme features several expert sessions where participants can learn from business leaders.
- Exposure to the Berlin startup ecosystem: The Programme culminates in a 5-day conference in Berlin, where participants learn about the latest trends in the startup world.
Interested applicants should meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
- Be a citizen of an emerging market.
- Have a viable business idea or startup.
- Be fluent in English.
To apply, visit: Applications.
Are you a startup entrepreneur with an innovative tech solution that works to end global hunger? Apply for the WFF Startup Innovation Awards before 15 July 2023
Are you a startup entrepreneur with an innovative tech solution that works to end global hunger? Apply for the WFF Startup Innovation Awards before 15 July 2023
The World Food Forum, an independent, youth-led global network of partners, invites applicants for the WFF Startup Innovation Awards powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC). The awards were established to support and showcase innovators and entrepreneurs harnessing the power of technology to drive the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in support of ending global hunger and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to win the following awards:
- Better production startup award
- Better nutrition startup award
- Better environment startup award
- Better life startup award
- Startup innovator of the year award
Additionally, finalists and award winners will have the opportunity to gain global visibility, raise capital, network with international entities, and identify membership opportunities to support pioneering tech breakthroughs.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Be legally incorporated as a business enterprise
- Not a publicly-traded company
- Agree that only non-confidential information is being submitted and there is no confidentiality agreement implied between XTC, its partners, and applicants regarding submitted pitch decks
For more information on the awards and application details, visit: WFF Startup Innovation Awards
How market analysis can help grow your business
How market analysis can help grow your business
Once a small business is up and running, a common challenge owners face is identifying how best to attract new customers. Market analysis, which helps a business gather and analyze information about its target market, is one of the most effective tools used to identify potential customers. It helps business owners to make informed decisions about their products, services, marketing, and pricing.
There are many ways to conduct a market analysis, and the best approach varies depending on a business’s specific needs. However, there are some common steps:
- Define your target market: Who is your business targeting? Identify your those customers most likely to buy your product or service, the size of the market, and the competitive landscape. For example, suppose you have a business that sells sports products. Here, your target customers will be people interested in sports. You’ll identify whether the market is contracting, stable, or growing (luckily, in Kigali, it is increasing due to heavy investment in the sports industry) and look for other businesses offering similar products so you can see how yours might compare.
- Gather data: What can you learn about your target market? Once your target market has been defined, the next step is to gather data to learn how to provide the product or service customers are most likely to purchase. This data can be collected from various sources, including events, customer surveys, networking with stakeholders in the industry, or public and private sources like newspapers. The data gathered can be qualitative or quantitative. Using our sports example, this may mean scoping out events where industry players are present to collect data on which sports equipment will most likely be in high demand for a certain period (qualitative) and how much will likely be required to satisfy your target market (quantitative).
- Analyze the data: What does this data tell you and how can that inform your business decisions? Once data has been collected, it needs to be analyzed. Look for trends and patterns from what has happened in the industry so far and think ahead about what that may mean for your business for the next few months. Here, a sports business could look at recurring sports events like the Basketball Africa League to see what products were most sold during this period to then make decisions about which products to stock and how best to promote them.
- Develop a plan: What’s next? Once the data has been analyzed, the next step is to develop a plan. Here, you want to focus on setting a budget, purchasing the items you expect to sell well in advance, and identifying marketing messages and tactics.
Market analysis is less complicated than it sounds – follow the four steps above, and you’ll be on a good track to better understand your target customers, the competitive landscape, and different opportunities and challenges in the market.
Do you have a business addressing sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems? Apply for the Circular Food Systems Rwanda SME Fund before 31 May 2023
Do you have a business addressing sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems? Apply for the Circular Food Systems Rwanda SME Fund before 31 May 2023
The Circular Food Systems for Rwanda, an initiative that seeks to transform Rwanda’s food system to be more circular and sustainable, invites applicants for the SME Fund. The Fund seeks to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) committed to implementing circular economy principles in their operations. Through financial assistance and technical support, the Fund aims to foster innovation, create jobs, and contribute to a more resilient and environmentally friendly food system in Rwanda.
The program prioritizes the following principles:
- Reduce waste: Minimize food loss and waste at all supply chain stages from production to consumption.
- Optimize resources: Use resources efficiently, including energy, water, and raw materials to minimize environmental impact.
- Regenerate natural systems: Support the health of ecosystems and biodiversity by adopting regenerative agricultural practices and reducing pollution.
- Design for circularity: Develop products and packaging that can be reused, recycled, or composted, minimizing the need for new materials.
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be a registered SME in Rwanda operating in the food sector.
- Demonstrate a commitment to implementing circular economy principles in their operations.
- Have a viable business plan that outlines how the funds will be used to support circular practices.
- Show potential for growth, job creation, and positive environmental impact.
Successful participants will receive the following benefits:
- Access to finance: The Fund provides much-needed capital to help businesses invest in circular practices and grow their operations.
- Technical support: Businesses can access expert advice and guidance on implementing circular practices, improving operations, and reducing environmental impact.
- Capacity building: The Fund offers training and capacity-building opportunities to help businesses develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a circular economy.
- Networking opportunities: Participating businesses can connect with other like-minded SMEs, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the sector.
To apply, visit: SME Fund Application
Are you an entrepreneur needing mentorship, training, and investor access? Apply for the Next Generation Africa Think Glocal Roadtrip before 31 May 2023.
Are you an entrepreneur needing mentorship, training, and investor access? Apply for the Next Generation Africa Think Glocal Roadtrip before 31 May 2023.
Startup Africa Roadtrip, a non-profit initiative launched by BeEntrepreneurs APS to support and drive cutting-edge social innovation in developing countries, invites applicants for the Next Generation Africa Think Glocal Roadtrip.
The program aims to identify startup founders, innovators, and young talent intending to develop products and services with a high potential impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Selected startups will participate in a free week of training and co-planning at Norrsken House Kigali in August 2023, with a chance to win a fully funded trip to Italy in spring 2024.
Participants travelling to Italy will present their business ideas to Italian professionals, universities, and investment funds. Trip participants will be supported to build strong relationships with local and Italian stakeholders for a win-win business approach and create a collaborative, multicultural, and innovative ecosystem without barriers and borders.
To apply for the program, visit Applications
Do you want to expand your tech business into global markets? Apply for the Eastern Africa Startup Awards before 31 January 2023
Do you want to expand your tech business into global markets? Apply for the Eastern Africa Startup Awards before 31 January 2023
The Global Startup Awards, an independent startup ecosystem competition, invites applicants for the Eastern Africa Startup Awards competition. The Startup Awards connects East African tech startups across the region to a global network of leading innovators and investors. The competition will award and support entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystem leaders making an impact in the following areas:
- Environmental sustainability
- Inclusive economic growth
- Emerging technologies and innovation
- Cross-border collaboration
Successful applicants in the competition will benefit from the following:
- Access to new markets
- Access to funding opportunities
- Access to a global network of leaders
- Exposure on a global stage
The competition process also brings together local ambassadors, country partners, national and international jury members, and key advisors to identify innovative startups in all aspects of the ecosystem.
To apply for the competition, visit: Applications
Do you have an agribusiness with a climate-smart innovative solution? Apply for funding and business development support from CGIAR before 22 December 2022
Do you have an agribusiness with a climate-smart innovative solution? Apply for funding and business development support from CGIAR before 22 December 2022
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 IFDC-2SCALE 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
- 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
Are you an entrepreneur in need of investment-readiness training? Apply for the Investment Preparation Program
Are you an entrepreneur in need of investment-readiness training? Apply for the Investment Preparation Program
Mooto Holdings Limited, an investment and business advisory firm invites applicants for the Investment Preparation Program, an SME mentorship program. The program seeks to identify and support high-potential SMEs to become ready for investment. The program will be conducted in two phases, each detailed below:
Phase 1 – Business Development: In the first phase of the program, participants will receive a series of online classes covering the aspects of business development including business planning, business profiling, digital marketing, and financial accounting. At the end of each session, participants will be tasked to complete templates of business plan and profile to be used to formulate their business.
Phase 2- Fundraising: During this phase, Mooto Holdings Ltd will identify funding opportunities that participants and also support them in acquiring the identified funds. This will be conducted on a continuous basis until the participants decide to they no longer need the support of Mooto Holdings Ltd
Interested participants must fulfill the following to qualify:
- Must be a resident and the business must be registered in any of our target countries (Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda)
- Have a business that is fully registered
- Have a business that demonstrates the capacity to generate revenue through paying customers
- Have a good internet connection because the program will be undertaken remotely with regular virtual communications.
- Have access to an electronic device that connects to the internet, this can be a smart phone, laptop, desktop, or tablet for as long as the participant will be able to access the internet.
- Be proficient in speaking, listening, and writing English proficiency
To apply, visit: IPP Applications