Hello Innovators! 👋

Precious here from SASIE, your partner in tech entrepreneurship.

I'm excited to kick off the week with some news that's focused on empowering you. The SASIE Idea to Venture program Cohort 2 is now accepting applications! This is your chance to connect with mentors, establish a strong foundation for your business, and join a supportive community of fellow female entrepreneurs.

Your entrepreneurial journey starts now! Additionally, don't miss out on other fantastic opportunities this week intended to help you grow and thrive.

• develoPPP Ventures: Catalytic Financing for High-Impact Startups in Africa!

• AU! Youth Start-Up Programme at IATF2025: Promote! Your Business is on! A Continental Stage!

• Standard Chartered Bank Women in Tech Incubator – Ghana 2025: Supporting Women-Led Tech Business!

• Startup Innovation Hub Business Catalyst Incubation Program 2025: Kickstart Your Startup Dream!

• Calling for Volunteer Trainers: Power the Future of Women Entrepreneurs in Africa

AU! Youth Start-Up Programme at IATF2025: Promote! Your Business is on! A Continental Stage!

Calling Young African Entrepreneurs: Fully Sponsored Opportunity to Showcase and Develop in Algeria!

The AU Youth Start-Up Programme empowers young African innovators by providing fully sponsored attendance at IATF2025. Shortlisted start-ups get a booth at the AU Youth Start-Up Pavilion to showcase their ideas, products, or prototypes to over 35,000 attendees, including policymakers and buyers. In addition to the exhibition, the program includes matchmaking meetings with investors for funding access, free training and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, and enhanced visibility to promote growth and cross-border trade aligned with African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals.

Who is it for?

• African entrepreneurs aged 18-35 years who need to meet the following requirements:

• Be 18-35 years old when applying.

• Be a citizen of an African Union member country or member of the African diaspora.

• Be founder/owner or co-owner of a registered startup, or a working prototype addressing problems in the fields of health, education, or food security in Africa.

Awards-winning startups will be afforded:

• An entirely funded booth at the AU Youth Start-Up Pavilion in Algiers to showcase their products/services.

• Attending investor and business leader matchmaking sessions.

• Attending free training and mentorship by successful entrepreneurs.

• Visibility to over 35,000 visitors, including partners, buyers, and policymakers.

• Networking with over 2,000 exhibitors from across Africa and beyond.

• Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered during the duration of the program.

• Opportunity to be shortlisted for awarding or funding support.

• Access to the AU Start-Up alumni network for ongoing support.

Deadline: May 30, 2025

Standard Chartered Bank Women in Tech Incubator – Ghana 2025: Supporting Women-Led Tech Business!

Launch World-Class Training, Mentorship, and Access to Finance Opportunities in Ghana!

The Women in Tech Incubator is an intensive program to equip entrepreneurs who are women in Ghana with the skills, knowledge, and network to grow successful technology-enabled businesses. The initiative offers an inclusive "Mini MBA" in business development, leadership, and digital innovation, as well as one-to-one mentorship from industry experts. They also get to have masterclasses, networking, and support services such as legal, financial, and technical assistance for their business. The most interesting aspect of the initiative is that the top five finalists will benefit from getting $10,000 in equity-free grants to fuel their growth.

Participants will gain:

• Global-class Training: A "Mini MBA" course on business growth, leadership, and digital innovation.

• Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one advisory sessions with experienced industry players.

• Masterclasses & Networking: Access to workshops and engagement with top entrepreneurs in Ghana.

• Support Services: Legal, financial, and technology development advice.

• Funding Opportunity: The top five finalists will each receive $10,000 (GHS equivalent) in equity-free grants.

Deadline: May 30, 2025

Startup Innovation Hub Business Catalyst Incubation Program 2025: Kickstart Your Startup Dream!

Unlock Mentorship & Resources from Experts to Take Your Innovative Venture to the Next Level!

The Startup Innovation Hub is accepting applications for its Business Catalyst Incubation Program 2025, an intensive program to support early-stage startups, women-founded and women-led startups, in transforming their innovative ideas into sustainable and scalable businesses. This program offers useful mentorship, resource access, and a nurturing ecosystem to take you through the initial stages of building a successful company. If you have a viable startup idea but are looking for experienced mentorship to shape it, this incubation program can be your launchpad.

The applicants can expect to receive:

• Personalized Mentorship: Guidance and counsel from veteran entrepreneurs and industry specialists.

• Business Development Training: Workshops and classes on the most critical areas of business planning, marketing, finance, and legalities.

• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to other startups, mentors, investors, and potential partners.

• Guidance on Funding: Support with preparation for and seeking potential investment opportunities.

Deadline: May 25, 2025

develoPPP Ventures: Catalytic Financing for High-Impact Startups in Africa!

Open Financing & Support to Develop Your Innovative Business in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, or Tanzania!

develoPPP Ventures delivers important early-stage capital to startups with innovative business models that solve critical development challenges. The initiative looks for ventures that are not just financially sustainable but also work toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting a commitment to positive social and environmental impact. In addition to capital, develoPPP Ventures offers access to an important network and expertise to support startups in becoming scalable.

What’s in it for you?

• Catalytic Funding: Access EUR 100,000 to invest in your growth plans. Consider growing your team, strengthening your operations, or expanding your market reach locally.

• Growth Advisory: Gain hands-on tailored technical assistance and strategic advisory from top experts in the field.

• Ecosystem Networking: Connect with fellow founders, industry experts, and investors across the African startup landscape.

• Trusted Support: Get backed by a strong implementation network of local and international partners leading you every step of the way.

Deadline: June 30, 2025

Calling for Volunteer Trainers: Power the Future of Women Entrepreneurs in Africa

Empower Aspiring Founders with Your Expertise – Volunteer Now!

Are you a seasoned entrepreneur, business leader, or expert in your field who is passionate about seeing women thrive? The SASIE Idea to Venture program Cohort 2 is here, your chance to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of aspiring women founders in Africa.

Why Volunteer as a Trainer?

✅ Shape the next generation: Directly guide and mentor women as they launch their businesses.

✅ Share your impact: Transfer your valuable knowledge and experience to those who need it most.

✅ Expand your network: Connect with other passionate leaders and innovators in our community.

✅ Invest in our future: Play an active role in building a stronger, more vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem for women in Jos.

✅ Gain personal fulfilment: Witness firsthand the growth and success of those you've mentored.

Who Can Volunteer?

🔹 Experienced entrepreneurs and business owners in Jos and the wider network.

🔹 Leaders with expertise in areas like business planning, marketing, finance, and operations.

🔹 Individuals who are passionate about empowering women in entrepreneurship.

🔹 Those willing to dedicate to guide participants.

ICYMI

• Four Powerful Steps To Build A Sparkly Personal Brand And Become A Highly Sought Professional - Forbes

• The Decision-Making Rule That Helps You Focus, Make Smarter Choices, and Think Like a CEO - INC

• How to Build a Business That Serves Your Life, Not the Other Way Around - Entrepreneur

• 10 Steps to Make Your Grant Proposal Stand Out to International Donors - FundsforNGOs

• SMEDAN Pushes Boundaries to Empower Nigerian Small Businesses - Opportunity Desk

• UN FAO Global AgriInno Challenge 2025 for Youth Innovators and Agri-tech Entrepreneurs - See Details

• Work Remotely/Globally Flexible as a Senior Writer - CEO Communications at Plan International

• 2025 Dangote Graduate Trainee Program - Dangote

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