Are you in need of training and mentorship to scale up your business? Apply for Cohort 2 of the SME Growth Lab Africa Accelerator Program before 23 April 2024
Are you in need of training and mentorship to scale up your business? Apply for Cohort 2 of the SME Growth Lab Africa Accelerator Program before 23 April 2024
SME Growth Lab Africa, a community impact project created to upskill SMEs in Africa, invites applicants for Cohort 2 of the 2024 Africa Digital Accelerator Program. Through this Program, established business owners across African countries will gain access to business training, mentorship, and support to take their businesses to a higher level.
Successful applicants will be taken through a 4-week extensive training led by exclusive facilitators in for modules in selling techniques, marketing strategies, financial literacy and management, and legal counselling. Additionally, participants will have access to community events, mentorship from experts, and a certificate of completion.
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to register:
- Be business owners based in any African country
- Be between 18-40 years of age
- Commit to attending virtual sessions and group calls
- Be willing to volunteer and participate in community events and project
To apply for the Program, visit: Applications
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
Do you have a business addressing sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems? Apply for the Circular Food Systems Rwanda SME Fund before 23 March 2024
Do you have a business addressing sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems? Apply for the Circular Food Systems Rwanda SME Fund before 23 March 2024
The Circular Food Systems for Rwanda, a three-year (2021-2024) program that seeks to transform the country’s food systems to operate more circularly and sustainably, invites applicants for the 2024 intake. The program specifically targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food sector, offering support to adopt circular business models or improve existing practices. By focusing on SMEs, the program aims to drive systemic transformation and establish an enabling policy environment for sustainable food systems in Rwanda.
Successful participants will receive the following benefits
- Access to specialized expertise that is otherwise difficult to obtain or expensive in Rwanda
- Access to a technical assistance provider from the program’s network, tailored to the specific needs or goals of the entrepreneur
- Opportunity to choose a provider and collaborator for designing a customized circular adoption plan or scaling solution
- Access to market linkages within the agri-business sector
Interested applicants must fulfil the following to apply:
- Be operating in the agri-food sector in Rwanda
- Demonstrated focus on agri-food
- Have a clear understanding of business fit in the value chain
- Have a proposal for new or expanded circularity integration
- Have at least two years of operation
- Be locally registered in good standing with relevant authorities in Rwanda
- Be technology-enabled
- Have partner/investor relationship referrals
For more information and application details, visit Circular Food Systems for Rwanda
Are you a woman social entrepreneur advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Apply for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge before 12 April 2024
Are you a woman social entrepreneur advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Apply for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge before 12 April 2024
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition for social entrepreneurs advancing or inspiring others to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will honor innovative women leaders globally who incorporate the SDGs in sustainable business practices and inspire others to follow suit.
Awardees will receive capacity-building and opportunities to connect to an unparalleled global network to advance their businesses. Additionally, awardees will participate in events surrounding the 79th UN General Assembly and in a dynamic pitch competition for an opportunity to receive a grant worth USD 20,000.
Interested entrepreneurs should fulfil the following criteria to apply:
- Woman entrepreneur with a lead decision-making role in a for-profit or non-profit organization/business
- Be at least 21 years old by 1 August, 2024
- Have a business/organization that has been in operation for three years as of 1 August, 2024
- Have at least three full-time employees
- Proficiency in writing and speaking English
- Have a business/organization that generates at least USD 75,000 in annual revenue or sales
- Be available to travel to New York and participate in events from 22-29 September 2024 or participate in a virtual program if needed from August through October 2024
To apply for the Challenge, visit: WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Application
Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2024
Are you an early-stage startup with a scalable business idea? Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme by 1 March 2024
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), an African private-sector-led philanthropic foundation empowering young African entrepreneurs across 54 African countries, opened applications for the 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is a 10-year flagship initiative with a commitment of USD 100 million to identify, train, mentor and fund entrepreneurs able to change the face of business in Africa. TEF training is designed to be self-paced for each entrepreneur to allow necessary flexibility for participants to learn while managing their businesses and other responsibilities.
Through the programme, successful applicants will be offered the following:
- 12 weeks of business management training
- Seed capital of USD 5,000
- Networking with business leaders from the TEF network
- Access to business advisory services and market linkages via the TEFConnect proprietary platform
Interested applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a scalable business idea or early-stage company operating for less than five years
- Be above 18 years of age
- An application must only focus on one business entity or idea
- Business must not adversely affect the environment, lives, and property
- Business ideas must be the original work of those making the submissions
To apply for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, visit: TEF Entrepreneurship Programme Application
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
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.
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
Do you have a business that operates in agriculture, food processing, distribution or related sectors? Apply for funding from the Support for Early-Stage Businesses program.
Do you have a business that operates in agriculture, food processing, distribution or related sectors? Apply for funding from the Support for Early-Stage Businesses program.
The Africa Agriculture Development Company (AADC), a United Kingdom investment company that has invested in over 50 companies, invites applicants for the Support for Early-Stage Businesses program.
The aim of the program is to foster entrepreneurship and innovation that can drive agricultural transformation across Africa. It targets startups and growing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in food production, processing, distribution and related sectors.
Successful applicants will benefit from the following:
- Seed capital investments ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 that do not need to be repaid if milestones are met
- Technical assistance to help businesses professionalize operations, strengthen management and access new markets
Interested applicants should meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be registered and operating legally in a sub-Saharan African country
- Be operational for less than five years
- Have a proven business model
- Demonstrate potential for long-term growth
- Demonstrate potential to positively impact people, economies and the environment
- Have annual revenues below USD 1,000,000
Priority will be given to women-led, youth-led and businesses in underserved regions/value chains
Interested applicants should contact investment@agdevco.com.