Hi, It's Precious.

Welcome to the No Ordinary Woman Newsletter. Are you looking for inspiration and potential new markets for your business? In this article, we delve deep into the dynamic world of Africa's emerging EnergyTech sector. Discover the untapped potential and investment opportunities that could revolutionize your business.

Now, Here's what we got today:

• Opportunities: A Call to Action for Tech-Savvy Women Entrepreneurs: Getting a Grant!

• Start-Up Story: From Kitchen Table to Market Success: Laide Olambiwonnu's Pickytarian Journey

• Bookclub: Traction: Get a Grip On Your Business

• Inspiration: From Barefoot Strides to Breaking Barriers: The Inspiring Journey of Tegla Loroupe

• 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)

Start-up Ideas

No Code, No Problem: 6 Steps to Validate Your Tech Startup Idea Without Coding (SASIE Blog)

Advice for Start-ups

5 Signals From Customers That Your Brand Relationship Is Healthy (INC. Blog)

Social Media Marketing Tips

If You’re a Small Business, You’re Likely Using Social Media Marketing. How Can You Slay the Competition? (Blog)

OPPORTUNITY

Young African Women Entrepreneurs: Apply for the Anzisha Prize!

Attention all young, ambitious women in Africa! Are you between the ages of 15 and 22 and leading a high-impact business venture?

The Anzisha Prize is Africa's biggest venture-building fellowship designed specifically for young entrepreneurs like you. This prestigious award recognizes and rewards innovation and leadership in young Africans making a difference on the continent.

Here are some exciting things about the Anzisha Prize:

Financial Support: Winners receive a share of a $140,000 prize pool, giving them much-needed capital to invest in their businesses.

Mentorship and Training: It offers a three-year fellowship with access to mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. This all-inclusive program equips young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to take their businesses to the next level.

Think you have what it takes?

Visit the official Anzisha Prize website for application details and eligibility criteria. This is your chance to showcase your talents, gain transformative support, and connect with top young entrepreneurs in Africa!

OPPORTUNITIES

A Call to Action for Tech-Savvy Women Entrepreneurs: Getting a Grant!

Are you a woman entrepreneur interested in technology and social impact? The Global Women's Public Service Network may have just the thing for you.

GWPSN is offering a grant to support one woman-led technology venture focused on social good. This could be your chance to make an innovative idea real and create positive change in the world.

Here's what you need to know:

• Focus: The grant emphasizes projects that demonstrate social impact and leverage technology to address global challenges.

• Eligibility: This opportunity is now open for women entrepreneurs who lead technology-based ventures.

Interested? Head over to the GWPSN to learn more about the grant details and eligibility criteria. Don't miss this great opportunity to make a difference with your entrepreneurial vision!

STARTUP STORY

From Kitchen Table to Market Success: Laide Olambiwonnu's Pickytarian Journey

Laide Olambiwonnu is one of the major visionary forces at Pickytarian. This isn't a big business idea to start with; rather, it started innocently in her kitchen, driven by this simple yet profound thought of making disposable eco-friendly dinnerware both stylish and sustainable.

Being a busy professional and a mother, Laide wanted some practical and eco-friendly solutions for daily dining.

So, it really disturbed her not to find options she could relate to. She rolled up her sleeves and started experimenting with different materials and designs.

Of course, it wasn't a smooth road to convert her idea into a successful business.

Laide battled the procurement of sustainable materials, the complexity of the manufacturing process, and the strength required for brand identity. But this girl was on fire, willing to make a change for sustainability.

After all those trials and errors, she developed a line of compostable, biodegradable dinnerware that was not only nice but also great to use.

Today, Pickytarian's product lineup is offered in stylish patterns and colours, making sustainable dining easy and cool for many.

Read on for an inspiring story of Laide and her vision for a more sustainable future

BOOK CLUB

Feeling Stuck in Your Business? Get Traction with Gino Wickman's Guide.

No matter where you are on your entrepreneurship journey, getting stuck or not knowing which way to go is an all too common experience. Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman provides a clear roadmap to steer through those challenges and realize sustainable growth.

Key Ideas:

• The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): This framework provides a structured approach to running a business, focusing on six key areas: Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, Traction

• The Importance of Clarity and Focus: Setting a clear vision and prioritizing goals is crucial for business success.

• The Role of People: Building a strong team with the right skills and mindset is essential for driving growth.

• The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data to track performance and make informed decisions can significantly impact business outcomes.

• Strong company culture: This can promote a positive and collaborative work environment, boosting employee morale and productivity.

• Accountability: Accountability ensures that each person is responsible for their role in the achievement of company goals.

Traction offers a detailed method for implementing the EOS framework. It guides businesses in creating a clear vision and nurturing a positive company culture.

Wickman provides practical tools and exercises to address the common challenges faced by growing enterprises.

Happy Reading!

INSPIRATION

From Barefoot Strides to Breaking Barriers: The Inspiring Journey of Tegla Loroupe

One can only imagine having to run 10 kilometres to and from school as one means of transportation there.

This was the reality for young Tegla Loroupe growing up in a very remote village in Kenya. With discouragement and a lack of resources holding her back, Tegla's running career could not be contained.

Tegla's story is one of remarkable determination and resilience that defied expectations.

Initially dismissed due to her small stature and perceived lack of strength in competitive running, she dedicated herself to training tirelessly.

In 1994, she made history by becoming the first African woman to win a major marathon, claiming victory in the prestigious New York City Marathon.

But she didn’t stop there; the following year, she repeated her success in the same race and went on to dominate many marathons around the world.

Tegla not only achieved sports glory, but she also broke many stereotypes. Competing barefoot for years demonstrated that expensive equipment was not necessary to become a winner.

Later she became an outspoken champion of women's rights and education, using her platform to advocate for change.

Tegla's story reminds one that success can emerge from the least anticipated origins.

She is an inspiration to female entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that barriers may be broken with unyielding passion and an indomitable spirit to do extraordinary things.

To read more about this remarkable woman's life and achievements, check out Tegla Loroupe's Wikipedia

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Thomson Reuters Foundation - Head of Africa Hub

• MasterCard - Partner, Brand

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