Are you a woman entrepreneur struggling with access to finance, markets and networks? Apply for the IFC She Wins Africa program before 15 September 2023
Are you a woman entrepreneur struggling with access to finance, markets and networks? Apply for the IFC She Wins Africa program before 15 September 2023.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) invites applicants for the She Wins Africa program, launched to support women entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa. The She Wins Africa program addresses the challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing finance, markets, and networks. The program provides participants with training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them build skills and knowledge to build and grow their businesses.
The program includes the following components:
- Investment readiness training: Participants will receive training on how to pitch their businesses to investors, develop financial projections, and build robust business plans.
- Mentorship: Participants will be matched with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.
- Networking opportunities: Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other women entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.
Interested participants must meet the following criteria:
- Be for-profit businesses.
- Have a female founder or co-founder.
- Be based in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have been operating for at least one year.
- Have a clear business model and financial projections.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Increased access to finance: The program provides participants with training on how to pitch their businesses to investors. This can help them secure the funding they need to grow their businesses.
- Improved business skills: The program provides participants with training on various business topics, such as marketing, sales, and financial management. This can help them improve the performance of their businesses.
- Increased networking opportunities: The program allows participants to connect with other women entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. This can help them build relationships and collaborate on new projects.
- Increased visibility: The program allows participants to be featured on the IFC’s website and in its marketing materials. This can help them raise awareness of their businesses.
To apply for the program, visit Applications.
Are you an export-oriented business in need of funding? Apply for the EGF Ambuka Competition before 17 September 2023
Are you an export-oriented business in need of funding? Apply for the EGF Ambuka Competition before 17 September 2023
The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) invites participants to apply for funding from the Export Growth Fund (EGF) through its Ambuka Competition. The Fund was established with the aim of supporting and stimulating the growth of export-oriented businesses in Rwanda by providing much-needed affordable financing and technical assistance.
The EGF offers a number of benefits to eligible businesses, including:
- Flexible financing terms that are tailored to the needs of each business with terms of up to 10 years and interest rates of up to 9%.
- Collateral-free financing, making it easier for businesses to access financing even if they do not have assets to pledge.
- Technical assistance to help businesses improve their export performance. This includes things like training on market research, product development, and export documentation.
Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be a Rwandan or registered Rwandan company/Enterprise operating in Rwanda.
- Having already made exports or intending to make exports
- Having a comprehensive business plan reflecting the targeted increase in exports, projections of expected production, exports return, expected developmental impacts and profits for the project and/or the company
- Having financial statements of the last 3 years for existing companies. 1- and 2-year financial statements are applicable to companies with 1 and 2 years of existence
- Having bank statements for 1 year
- Having defined financing needs in investment, working capital or matching grant
- Commit to comply with environmental regulations
To apply, visit: Ambuka Competition Applications
Rejections: Mastering the Art of Rejection And Build Resilience.
Author:
Malik Shaffy Lizinde, Expert Entrepreneur
Date:
The Art of Ideating – Newsletter
Rejection. An inevitable part of life, it is particularly so for those who dare to step into the world of growth or even entrepreneurship. From clients declining proposals to ideas needing to meet the enthusiasm they deserve or even being rejected by your own people, can often feel like a daunting roadblock. However, as I learned through my own journey, it’s possible to transform rejection from a roadblock into a stepping stone.
In my life, I faced more rejections than I could count. Each ‘no’ felt like a critique of my vision, creativity, personal belief, and even me. Each failed business venture felt like a nail in the coffin of my dreams. However, with time and much soul-searching, I learned that these rejections did not measure my worth or potential. Instead, they were opportunities for learning and growth.
One of the most challenging aspects of my journey was that it was often not there when I reached out for support. The people I thought would be my cheerleaders sometimes rejected my ideas or me as a person. I was rejected for not being one of them, for being misunderstood, and for being me. This was a tough pill to swallow, but it forced me to develop a thick skin and become my own biggest supporter.
Dealing with rejection, particularly from those close to us, can be a gut-wrenching experience. However, over time, I learned great ways to cope:
Separate the Rejection from Your Self-Worth: Remember, rejecting your idea or business is not a rejection of you as a person. You are not your work. This distinction can help prevent rejection from affecting your self-esteem.
Use Rejection as a Learning Opportunity: Instead of seeing rejection as a dead-end, view it as feedback. Analyze what didn’t work and use this knowledge to refine your ways of doing, improve your skills, and return stronger.
Practice Resilience: Like a boxer in a ring, you must get back up each time you get knocked down. Resilience is the key to transforming rejection into success. This is a trait I saw exemplified by being Rwandan and learning from our own transformation. We Rwandans chose to see their challenge not as a setback but as an opportunity for growth.
Build a Trusted Support Group: Surround yourself with positive influences and people who believe in you no matter what. They can provide the encouragement you need when you face rejection.
Don’t stop: Persistence is crucial in the face of rejection. Remember that ‘no’ often means ‘not yet.’ Keep refining your craft, and stay true to your vision.
My journey as an entrepreneur of, even my personal life, for I have grown up till today, has been filled with rejection, but every ‘no’ and every failed venture has been a stepping stone towards growth and eventual success.
Mastering the art of rejection is about transformation and resilience. It’s about shifting our perspective to see every ‘no’ as a ‘not yet,’ every setback as a setup for a comeback. It’s about embracing the lessons that rejection brings and using them as fuel to drive our growth.
Rejection is not a dead end; it’s a return on the path to success. And remember, you are not alone in your journey. We are all navigating the path of rejection, resilience, and eventual triumph.
Do you have an innovative idea that addresses a social challenge? Apply for funding and business development support from the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge before 20 August 2023
Do you have an innovative idea that addresses a social challenge? Apply for funding and business development support from the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge before 20 August 2023
The Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge, a global competition that aims to empower young social innovators, invites applications for its 2023 edition. The Challenge is designed to provide young social innovators with the resources and support they need to develop and implement their ideas.
Participants will have access to a world-leading Digital Incubator program, which includes e-learning, live events, peer support, and the opportunity to access expert mentors from the world’s leading companies. The Challenge also offers a cash prize of up to $10,000 for the best ideas.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges who will be looking for ideas that are innovative, scalable, and have the potential to make a real impact on the world. Interested participants must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply:
- Be aged 18-30 years old
- Be from anywhere in the world
- Have an idea for a social innovation project
- Be able to commit to the entire duration of the Challenge (August 2023 – February 2024)
To apply, visit: Application
Do you have a tech solution that creates social change in your community? Apply for funding from ACT Foundation’s Changemaker Innovation Challenge before 31 July 2023
Do you have a tech solution that creates social change in your community? Apply for funding from ACT Foundation’s Changemaker Innovation Challenge before 31 July 2023
The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation invites applicants to the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, which recognizes and rewards innovative social impact projects that use technology. The Challenge is open to African organizations (non-profits, businesses, and social enterprises) working to address a social or environmental challenge.
Winners of the Challenge will receive the following benefits:
- A cash prize of $10,000 to support their project.
- Access to a network of mentors and experts who can help them to develop and grow their projects.
- Exposure to potential funders and partners.
Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be a registered non-profit, business, or social enterprise in Africa.
- Be using technology to create social change in their communities.
- Have a project that is already in operation or ready to be implemented.
To apply, visit: Changemakers Innovation Challenge Application
The Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation invites applicants to the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, which recognizes and rewards innovative social impact projects that use technology. The Challenge is open to African organizations (non-profits, businesses, and social enterprises) working to address a social or environmental challenge.
Winners of the Challenge will receive the following benefits:
- A cash prize of $10,000 to support their project.
- Access to a network of mentors and experts who can help them to develop and grow their projects.
- Exposure to potential funders and partners.
Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be a registered non-profit, business, or social enterprise in Africa.
- Be using technology to create social change in their communities.
- Have a project that is already in operation or ready to be implemented.
To apply, visit: Changemakers Innovation Challenge Application
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
Are you a startup tackling climate change with technology? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program before 7 July 2023
Are you a startup tackling climate change with technology? Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program before 7 July 2023
Google for Startups, a program launched by Google in 2011 to provide hands-on business development for aspiring entrepreneurs, invites applicants for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program. The 10-week, equity-free program aims to support startups in the seed and series A financing phase tackling climate change with technology to positively impact the environment.
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits and opportunities:
- Access to Google’s resources, including mentorship, technical support, and marketing and sales expertise.
- Collaboration with other startups and organizations working on climate change
- Participation in events and workshops led by Google experts
- Pitching to investors and potential partners
- Featuring on Google’s website and in its marketing materials
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be based in North America, Europe, or the Middle East and Africa.
- Be in the Seed to Series A stage of funding.
- Have a product or service that addresses climate change.
- Have a team of at least 5 people.
- Be available to participate in all aspects of the program.
To apply, visit: Application
Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative solution that addresses a development challenge? Apply for the Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award before 11 June 2023.
Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative solution that addresses a development challenge? Apply for the Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award before 11 June 2023.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), through its Subregional office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), in partnership with the African Youth SDG Summit and AfriLabs, invites applicants for the Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award. The Award is a competition that aims to recognize and reward outstanding young entrepreneurial efforts with innovations that resolve a specific development problem for firms, governments, households and communities and with an impact on the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Interested participants must filfil the following to apply:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Have developed an innovative solution that addresses a development challenge
- Be able to demonstrate the impact of their innovation
Award winners will receive the following benefits:
- A cash prize of $10,000
- An opportunity to present their innovation at the Africa Youth SDG Summit
- Access to mentorship and support from experts
- An opportunity to participate in training and development programs
To apply, visit: Africa Youth SDG Innovation Award
Are you an e-health start-up interested in funding? Apply for the Investing in Africa i3 Program before 26 June 2023
Are you an e-health start-up interested in funding? Apply for the Investing in Africa i3 Program before 22 May 2023
Investing in Innovation (i3), a pan-African initiative invites e-health start-ups to the Investing in Africa i3 Program. i3 aims to accelerate the development and scale-up of innovative solutions that improve the availability, accessibility, affordability, quality and visibility of health products at scale in Africa. The Program seeks to advance access for start-ups traditionally excluded from funding and support, including women-led companies and founders in Francophone Africa.
Successful applicants will benefit from the following:
- Grant of USD 50,000 to support commercialization and impact
- Access to leading donors, industry and institutional players who will facilitate introductions to customers
- Tailored investment readiness support delivered by leading innovation experts
- Opportunities to participate in i3’s flagship event, the i3 Marketplace, which connects innovators with potential partners and investors
Interested participants must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be based in Africa
- Be developing a solution that addresses a health product distribution challenge in Africa
- Be at the early- or growth-stage
- Have a strong team with the experience and expertise to execute on their business plan
To apply for the Program, visit: i3 Applications
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