Applications open for the 2024 BIC Africa Online Acceleration Programme.
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 BIC Africa Online Acceleration Programme. This upcoming edition of the BIC Africa Acceleration Programme 2024 aims to assist a total of 20 women entrepreneurs, with 15 hailing from specific country projects such as Angola, Comoros, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, and 5 others from various Sub-Saharan African countries who are eager to expand their businesses while contributing towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Scheduled to take place from April to July 2024 over a span of 4 months, the programme will cater to established post-revenue women entrepreneurs with a registered startup or business, encompassing all sectors and business types. It will involve a blend of online training modules, coaching sessions, individual exercises, and a networking event with women experts from Africa and Europe possessing relevant experience in supporting innovative entrepreneurs and start-ups.
BIC Africa Online Acceleration Programme Requirements:
BIC is seeking established women entrepreneurs who are open to the idea of growing (and potentially internationalizing) their business with the backing of the BIC Africa Acceleration Programme. The selected group of twenty women entrepreneurs will undergo a comprehensive online training course consisting of 6 modules, engage in specialized group coaching sessions (4 sessions) to delve deeper into specific topics covered during the training, participate in 2 networking sessions, get acquainted with the alumnae network of the BIC Africa Women Acceleration programme, and gain access to additional networking opportunities and events related to market linkage.
The ideal candidate for the BIC Africa Online Acceleration Programme must meet the following criteria:
- – Must be a female entrepreneur who is at least 18 years old.
- – Must be the founder or owner of an established business with a strong potential for growth.
- – Must have an operational team in place.
- – Must be available from April to July 2024 to participate in the Programme.
- – Must be able to commit a maximum of 2 hours per week for online sessions, as well as additional time for individual work and reflection.
- – Must already be running a start-up or company that has been registered for at least 1 year.
- – Must be actively seeking to scale up their business.
- – Must demonstrate a strong commitment to actively participate in all activities of the Acceleration Programme and contribute to its future development.
- – Must have access to a reliable internet connection.
- – Must have a good working knowledge of the English language.
BIC Africa Online Acceleration Programme Programme Details:
- The core programme will consist of the following components:
- – 6 online interactive training modules, each lasting 1.5 hours. Topics covered will include Mission and Unique Value Proposition, Product Development, Business Model, Team & Partnerships, Finance, and Marketing.
- – 4 online group coaching sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours. Topics covered will include Leadership and Influencing Skills, Mastering Personal and Business Finances, Storytelling and Pitch Training, and Time Management and Prioritization.
- – 2 Networking sessions, one at the beginning and one at the end of the programme.
- – Access to support documents and recordings of the sessions.
- – Integration into the BIC Africa Community of women entrepreneurs, with visibility on the BIC Africa website and integration into the LinkedIn group for this Community.
- – Access to other networking and market linkage opportunities and events.
BIC Africa Online Acceleration Programme Benefits:
- Upon successful completion of the 12-week course acceleration programme, participants will receive a Certificate of recognition in an electronic format from EBN – BIC Africa project. This certificate acknowledges their achievement and serves as a testament to their dedication (attendance of at least 9 out of the 12 sessions is required).
- High performing participants, selected by the BIC Africa expert committee, will have the opportunity to engage in remote one-to-one Mentoring sessions. These sessions will be conducted by European incubation experts who will provide guidance and support to participants as they navigate their growth trajectory. More information regarding this mentoring opportunity will be provided at the beginning of the programme.
- In addition, selected high performing participants will be eligible for other Business Awards. These awards may include additional support, increased visibility on the BIC Africa website, and the invitation to participate in a BIC Africa event. The specific details of these awards will be determined by the BIC Africa expert committee.
The BIC Africa Acceleration Programme aims to assist the 20 participants in various ways.
- Firstly, it will help them explore growth and scaling trajectories for their businesses and solutions.
- Secondly, it will enable them to assess their team competencies and adapt their business models to the growth phase.
- Furthermore, participants will be guided in articulating the social value proposition of their proposed solutions, highlighting how they contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Additionally, participants will have access to sector-specific, local, and international experts who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
- Moreover, participants will become part of a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs, offering opportunities to learn, exchange knowledge, and establish connections.
- Lastly, participants will have the chance to connect with BIC Africa and the European Business Innovation Centre Network (EBN), leveraging their resources and expertise to maximize the impact of women entrepreneurs. (see: https://ebn.eu/).
BIC Africa Online Acceleration Programme Application
- For more information about the BIC Africa Online Acceleration Programme visit the official webpage.
- Deadline: 19th of March 2024
