Call for Applications: The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Women Entrepreneurship For Africa (WE4A) Program 2024 (Up to $5 Million in funding)
The “Women Entrepreneurship for Africa” (WE4A) program represents a collaborative effort supported by the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Implemented by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and the German Development agency GIZ (E4D program), with the assistance of the Swiss Association for Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets (SAFEEM), this initiative is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, including women, youth, and the informal sector.
The primary objective of the program is to enhance the business capacity of women-led enterprises, thereby increasing their likelihood of attracting follow-on funding from private sector investors. Fifteen enterprises demonstrating exceptional high-growth potential will receive additional grant funding of up to €50,000, alongside a comprehensive growth program facilitated by an expert panel. This additional program will span three months.
Both the initial acceleration and follow-on growth programs are designed to bolster the success of women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering employment creation within their communities through enhanced business acumen, improved access to formal financial services, and integration into local and regional value chains.
ACCELERATION PROGRAM STARTUPS
The 100 TEF Alumna who are beneficiaries of this partnership were distributed into eight clusters based on their growth stage and sector, to provide a more personalized approach to the program. Each cluster is led by an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) who provides mentorship and support throughout the program.
- Agriculture 1
- Agriculture 2
- Consumer Products
- Eco-Friendly
- Education & Training
- Health
- Market Places
- Services
Eligibility Criteria:
- Female entrepreneurs from the TEF Alumni network.
- Must have a working product with existing customers.
Acceleration Program Startups: The 100 TEF Alumna beneficiaries are categorized into eight clusters based on their growth stage and sector. Each cluster is overseen by an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) who offers personalized mentorship and support throughout the program.
Program Details:
- The acceleration program spans three months, followed by an additional three-month growth program and technical assistance for selected participants.
- All training and related activities will be conducted virtually via Zoom, supplemented by an online program management and e-learning platform.
Application Deadline: March 31st, 2024
Seize this opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Click HERE to apply and join the ranks of empowered women entrepreneurs driving positive change in Sub-Saharan Africa.