Last Updated on December 12, 2022
The objective of the Project is to address gender inequality and inclusive economic empowerment for African women. Specifically, the Project aims at increasing the capacity and sustainability of enablers supporting Women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs), as well as increase access to mentorship, funding and visibility for WSMEs.
Over the past years, many promising entrepreneurship support programs (ESOs) such as incubators, accelerators, university-based innovation hubs, maker spaces, technology parks, and co-working spaces, have been launched across the continent to help build more sustainable and successful startups that are relevant in Africa’s economy. However, these enablers are often limited in the support they are able to provide WSMEs due to lack of funding and network access, and lack of well-positioned services.
Aim and Benefits of Seedstars Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship for Africa Program
- To address gender inequality and inclusive economic empowerment for African women.
- Specifically, the Project aims at increasing the capacity and sustainability of enablers supporting Women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs), as well as increase access to mentorship, funding and visibility for WSMEs.
- Increased investment readiness through capacity building for WSMEs
Requirements for Seedstars Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship for Africa Program Qualification
Enablers:
- Based in one of the following countries: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, ZambiaIvory Coast, Ethiopia, Angola, Mali, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia, Namibia, Cape Verde, Mauritius and Nigeria.
- Enhancing the viability and sustainability of WSMEs,
- Providing innovative approaches to ecosystem support designed to close the financing gap for WSMEs,
- Introducing innovative ways to provide capacity building for WSMEs,
- Providing digital presence and visibility to WSMEs,
- and Enhancing access to mentorship for WSMEs.
WSME:
- Between Seed and Growth Stage
- Based in one of the above countries
- Have at least one woman on the founding team
- Have a digital element in their product (example: Mobile application, Online Shop, SAAS product, etc.)
Interview date, Process and Venue for Seedstars Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship for Africa Program
Timeline:
Open Call: 1st of December – 31st of December 2022
Sourcing: December 2022
Screening: January 2023
Program Activities: February – May 2023
Investor Forum: June 2023
Application Deadline: December 31, 2022
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Apply Here
For more details, visit Seedstars website