Call For Applications: Startup and Talent Enhancement Program (STEP)
The Startup and Talent Enhancement Program (STEP) is an initiative of IDEA Africa with support from the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub which is designed to provide essential support to post-revenue startups that have achieved market traction and revenue but are facing various growth challenges. The program also provides visibility and opportunities for tech talent to utilize and enhance their skill experience through its distinctive matching process.
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The Startups and Talent Enhancement Programme (STEP) is a pioneering initiative by IDEA Africa and fully supported by the UK- Nigeria Tech Hub, and is designed to provide essential support to post-MVP startups that have achieved market traction and revenue but are facing challenges related to technical debt, growth hacking, marketing, and other critical interventions required for accelerated growth. With a holistic approach that combines targeted intervention and strategic resourcing, STEP equips startups with the necessary tools and talent to propel them towards rapid and sustainable growth.
STEP seeks to match innovative, revenue-generating startups with a proven market presence to skilled and innovative professionals with a proven track record in areas such as technology, growth hacking, marketing, and strategic planning to unlock their growth potential. These startups will undergo a rigorous selection process, evaluating their growth potential, market fit, and alignment with the program’s objectives. Additionally, the startups must demonstrate not only a promising market position but also a willingness to embrace transformative changes.
Who can Participate?
Post-revenue startups with early revenue traction who are seeking talent and mentorship support to enhance their product and grow their business.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for STEP, startups must meet the following criteria
LOCATION
Must be located within geolocations of Enugu, Rivers or Ekiti states.
STAGE
Must be post revenue with market traction and generating revenue.
TECH ENABLED
Must be leveraging technology to drive its core business model.
COUNTERPART FEE
Must be willing and able to match STEP’s 60% support with 40% of the talent fee.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
Having a female founder, co-founder, or female leadership is an advantage.
SOCIAL IMPACT
Demonstrating alignment with one or more of the SDGs is an added advantage.
Benefits
- Access to skilled talent at subsidized fees.
- • Technical debt remediation
- • Product improvement
- • Growth hacking and marketing support
- • Strategic planning assistance
- • Increased visibility and networking
- • Mentorship and guidance
- • Community and ecosystem support
- • Long term sustainability
How to Apply