Hi, It's Precious again.

I want to remind you of this FREE workshop titled From Idea to MVP: Building an MVP with Limited Resources with Joseph Ogiolu, a renowned tech leader and CTO of Jalode Technology Limited.

Learn how to build successful tech products, from engineering your MVP to achieving product-market fit.

Nov 23, 2024, 08:00 PM West Central Africa

Register today and book your spot!

Now, Here's what we got today:

• Opportunities: Seize the Future: Apply to the Harvard Africa Business Club Startup Competition

• Start-Up Story: From Bedtime Stories to Building Dreams: Shaneisha Dodson's "Brilliant Girl" Journey

• Bookclub: In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from Over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs

• Inspiration: From Loss to Legacy: Dr. Victoria Kisyombe's Story of Empowering Women

• Job Opportunities

BEST LINKS

My Favourite Finds

Hear some feedback from participants of our first cohort

SASIE Idea to Venture: A Catalyst for Innovation. (YouTube)

Business Ideas

Starting an Innovation Business as an African Woman: A Comprehensive Guide. (SASIE Blog)

Communication in Business

Navigating the Balance of Authenticity and Strategic Communication. (She Owns It)

Tips For Business Owners

How To Organise Your Entire Business With A Dream Business Operating System (Female Entrepreneurs)

OPPORTUNITY

Seize the Future: Apply to the Harvard Africa Business Club Startup Competition

Are you an African woman entrepreneur passionate about a game-changing business idea? 

This is your time to shine! The Harvard Business School Africa Business Club will host its annual New Venture Competition, with a prize pool totalling 55,000 dollars and the chance for your venture to be on a world stage.

Here's why you should consider applying:

• Financial Boost: This contest may just give you that important finance you need to take your business to the next level.

• Expert Feedback: The finalists will be given constructive criticism by a panel of experienced judges and investors.

• Global Exposure: Extensive media coverage of the contest might turn the eyes of the world to your business.

Does your business have what it takes?

Visit Disrupt Africa for the application criteria and processes.

Seize this fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent, gain recognition, and elevate your African startup to new heights!

OPPORTUNITIES

Nurture Your Agribusiness Dreams: Mastercard Foundation Bridge-in-Agriculture Initiative

Does your vision for your agribusiness go beyond your backyard garden?

The Mastercard Foundation's Bridge-in-Agriculture Initiative might just be the fertile ground you need to sow the seeds of your success.

It aims to empower women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector by providing them with the necessary resources to help their agribusiness thrive.

Here's how Bridge-in-Agriculture might be the ideal fit:

• Financial Springboard: It offers access to low-cost loans at single-digit interest rates, easing the financial burden of growth.

• Focus on Women Entrepreneurs: Bridge-in-Agriculture is all about supporting and empowering women within the agricultural industry.

• Beyond Money: Success requires more than just money; you will receive training to develop the essential business skills needed for success.

Ready to see your agribusiness thrive?

Go to Opportunities for Youth to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements. Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure the resources you need to build a successful and sustainable agribusiness!

STARTUP STORY

From Bedtime Stories to Building Dreams: Shaneisha Dodson's "Brilliant Girl" Journey

We've all been there—frustrated by a lack of options that reflect our values or identities.

For entrepreneur Shaneisha Dodson, it was the poor representation of children's toys that urged her to do something about it.

It birthed Brilliant Girl, a company focused on diverse dolls to empower little girls.

Building a successful business can be quite an ordeal; here are some of the main problems Shaneisha had to face:

• Standing Out: The doll market is very crowded, and it's difficult to compete with other well-known brands.

• Funding Hurdles: Raising funds is an added hurdle for a woman entrepreneur of colour.

• Getting the Word Out: It took creative marketing to make parents and children aware of her brand.

So, how did Shaneisha overcome these challenges?

• Passion & Perseverance: She had a mission to set feminine portrayals right and never gave up on that dream.

• Building a Network: Shaneisha connected with other women entrepreneurs and mentors, finding support and guidance.

• Innovation & Storytelling: She used creative marketing and powerful storytelling to capture attention and build brand loyalty.

Inspired by Shaneisha's journey? 

Head to The Story Exchange to read her full story. How she overcame challenges familiar to many women entrepreneurs and turned her frustration into a business empowering young girls!

BOOK CLUB

Seeking inspiration or sharing your journey? "In the Company of Women" has got your back.

Whether you're a fledgling entrepreneur taking tentative first steps or an established business owner, this book, In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from Over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney, can be a kind companion.

Key Concepts:

• The book weaves a rich tapestry of stories from over 100 successful women in diverse creative fields.

• You will learn about their creative processes, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they learned along the way.

• The book celebrates the power of community and collaboration among women entrepreneurs.

"In the Company of Women" is a practical, motivational resource. Bonney will empower and motivate readers through the journey of these successful women to pursue a dream of their own.

Happy Reading!

INSPIRATION

From Loss to Legacy: Dr Victoria Kisyombe's Story of Empowering Women

Dr. Victoria Kisyombe's life story is that of resilience, innovation, and how one's vision can change many lives.

A Tanzanian entrepreneur and leader, Dr. Kisyombe's story began with a personal tragedy—the passing away of her husband.

With three young children to care for, Victoria was left to fend for herself and face an uncertain future.

Turning Grief into Action:

Instead of giving in to despair, Dr. Kisyombe channelled her grief into action. She understood the constraints that most Tanzanian women, especially widows, face in accessing resources and establishing financial security.

It was then that the idea for SELFINA was born: Sero Lease and Finance Limited, a micro-leasing company designed to give women the ability to exercise economic independence.

Challenges and Breakthroughs:

SELFINA did not have a smooth path. Traditional microfinance models usually shut out women who lack collateral or business experience.

Dr. Kisyombe's innovative approach, however, offered lease-to-own assets—livestock, machinery, and equipment—giving women a chance to make money and build credit until they owned the very things that made them successful.

A Legacy of Impact:

Today, SELFINA has touched the lives of over 200,000 people in Tanzania. Dr. Kisyombe's dream has enabled many women to become businesspeople, raise their families, and thus serve their communities.

She is an example to entrepreneurs around the world of how strong and committed one can be—that even one idea can change everything.

Ready to go in-depth with Dr. Kisyombe's story? Head over to Lionesses of Africa to read more about her incredible journey and the impact she is having on lives in Tanzania. May Dr. Kisyombe's story ignite your entrepreneurial flame!

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• PayStack - Risk Lead, South Africa

• Africa Economic Research Consortium (AERC) Internship

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