Are you an entrepreneur who addresses climate and energy challenges? Apply for the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator programme before 13 April 2024.
Are you an entrepreneur who addresses climate and energy challenges? Apply for the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator programme before 13 April 2024.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) invites applicants for the second edition of the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen) Programme. The Programme serves as a platform for nurturing and amplifying the voices of young entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who are committed to addressing climate and energy challenges. By providing support, resources, and mentorship, NewGen aims to catalyze the development and implementation of youth-led solutions in the renewable energy and climate technology sectors.
Successful applicants will benefit from the following:
- Webinars, workshops, and mentorship provided by IRENA experts
- Access to pitching events and investment matchmaking
- Dedicated Climate Impact forecasting workshop.
- A tailored acceleration program in renewable energy and climate technology
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age between 18 and 35 years old.
- At least one start-up founder falls within the age range of 18 and 35.
- Start-up’s primary focus should be renewable energy technologies, climate adaptation technologies, or climate mitigation technologies.
- At least two start-up founders must commit 16 monthly hours to attend accelerator sessions.
- Participants must ensure the originality of submitted documentation and compliance with copyright laws.
To apply for the Programme, visit Applications.
Are you a tech startup interested in mentorship and investor networking opportunities? Apply for the Market Access and Acceleration Program from the African Tech Startup Forum before 19 April 2024
Are you a tech startup interested in mentorship and investor networking opportunities? Apply for the Market Access and Acceleration Program from the African Tech Startup Forum before 19 April 2024
The African Tech Startup Forum, a Market Access and Acceleration Program designed to prepare, train, expose, and connect tech ventures with opportunities applicants for this year’s edition of the program. Its primary objective is to showcase exceptional tech innovations emerging from Africa and provide them with the necessary support and exposure to thrive in the global marketplace. The forum endeavours to accelerate the development and scaling of tech ventures across various industries by facilitating access to resources, mentorship, and strategic connections. Through this initiative, the forum seeks to advance the African tech landscape and drive the continent’s economic growth and technological innovation.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Access to specialized resources, mentorship, and collaborative workspaces through the incubation program.
- Strategic connections facilitated by the B2B matchmaking platform to foster mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Investor sourcing assistance, connecting promising startups with potential investors to secure funding for scaling operations.
Target beneficiaries of the African Tech Startup Forum include tech ventures spanning all industries, encompassing established entities such as Accelerators and Incubators (ESOs) and early-stage startups operating within eligible African countries. These countries include Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Egypt, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana.
Applicants must create and submit a 1-3 minute video introducing themselves and their business or project. The video should articulate the applicant’s aspirations and objectives for participating in the program. Once created, the video must be uploaded as private or unlisted on platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo. It should be accessible to anyone with the link, and applicants are advised to have the link ready for submission along with their application.
To apply, visit Application form
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.
Are you a woman entrepreneur with an innovative solution making a positive difference in your community? Apply for funding from the Les Margaret Awards before 8 January 2024
Are you a woman entrepreneur with an innovative solution making a positive difference in your community? Apply for funding from the Les Margaret Awards before 8 January 2024
JFD, an international growth accelerator for women making a positive difference in their communities invites nominations for the Les Margaret Awards. The Awards aim to recognize and honour outstanding individuals and organizations making a positive difference in their communities.
Now in its third year, the annual awards shine a spotlight on social entrepreneurs, non-profits, activists, and community leaders driving impactful change. There are five categories that projects or initiatives can be nominated for: Education, Environment, Poverty Alleviation, Health, and Community Building.
Successful nominees will benefit from the following:
- Total of CAD 500,000 in prize money awarded among categories
- $100,000 grant for the Social Impact Champion of the Year
- Increased visibility, exposure and networking opportunities
- Resources to help scale projects and initiatives
- Recognition for outstanding work creating social impact
Nominees must fulfil the following to be eligible for the Awards:
- Be a citizen of a European, African country, or from Canada, with an innovative project that responds to societal issues
- Entrepreneur category: be a female founder or co-founder of a tech startup
- Intrapreneur category: have an innovative project in agreement with an employer while remaining an employee
- Junior category: be a young woman under 18 years with a project that highlights creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit
To apply for the awards, visit: Application form
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
Calling Tech Entrepreneurs for the Africa Tech Summit Investment Showcase. Apply before 19 December 2023.
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
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
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.
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