The GET Accelerated Program, in partnership with Kick-off Africa, has launched its third cohort, targeting startups across Nigeria to become scalable businesses capable of withstanding market shifts and policy changes.
Initiative Overview
Led by the Grooming Endowment Trust (GET), a nonprofit organization established in August 2020, the initiative provides grants, mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to aid startups in developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Building on the success of its two previous cohorts, where 20 startups received over N150 million in funding and resources, the program focuses on a market-driven approach and supports startups in sectors like healthtech and edtech.
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Program Expansion
Michael Adoghe, Operations Manager at GET, highlighted the program’s growth. “In previous years, we focused on early-stage founders and idea-stage analysts. This year, we’re incorporating a hybrid approach, providing dedicated coaches and broader opportunities for startups.” He emphasized the program’s mission to promote sustainability in areas such as education, health, and private company development by bringing ideas to life through grants and investments in social enterprises.
Application Process
The application process for the GET Accelerated Program will run until August 11. It includes a selection and interview stage to identify the top 10 startups, which will join an in-house three-day bootcamp followed by a twelve-week virtual accelerator. This concludes with a Demo Day and an award ceremony where startups will showcase their achievements to potential investors and partners.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate, startups must:
- Be registered in Nigeria.
- Demonstrate operational capabilities within six months to a year.
- Have a clear business model.
- Understand their customer base and revenue generation strategy.
Impact and Testimonials
GET has supported startups from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Uche Ukonu, founder of Smallchops.ng, shared his experience: “GET Accelerator was the first program to truly see the economic potential of what we were doing. Our operations have expanded significantly, and the mentorship helped us refine our processes.” Olapeju Umah, founder of MyFoodAngels, added, “GET Accelerator helped us bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. We’ve gone from being a shopping service to a supply chain solutions provider. The program’s impact on our business has been a huge one.”
Other notable alumni include ALARRT, Agrodemy, and Regxta, each making significant impacts in their respective sectors. Adoghe reiterated the program’s emphasis on grooming and believing in startups, stating, “We take chances on founders and provide them with the support they need to succeed. It’s about seeing the potential in ideas that others might overlook.”
Program Structure
The program condenses its curriculum into an intensive three to six-month format, ensuring real-world application. This market-driven approach focuses on consumer demand, rather than assuming a product’s necessity. Divided into phases focusing on different stages of startup growth, the program aims to create a replicable model for success, helping startups transition from early-stage to possessing fully developed MVPs.
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Support and Sustainability
The GET Accelerated Program invests in founders rather than just their ideas, acknowledging that failures are part of the startup journey. It provides continuous support through quarterly check-ins and additional funding opportunities, fostering a collaborative community where startups share knowledge and resources. Emphasizing sustainable business models and peer-to-peer support, the program equips entrepreneurs with the skills and resilience needed to pivot and adapt.
How to Apply
To become part of the GET Accelerated Program’s third cohort, interested startups can apply via this link