The GET Accelerated Program, in partnership with Kick-off Africa, has launched its third cohort, aiming to help startups across Nigeria become scalable businesses capable of withstanding market shifts and policy changes.
Led by the Grooming Endowment Trust (GET), a nonprofit organisation set up in August 2020, this initiative provides grants, mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to help startups fully scale in developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
Building on the success of its two previous cohorts where 20 startups were given grants of over N150 million in funding and resources, the program focuses on a market-driven approach and supports startups in various sectors, including healthtech and edtech.
Michael Adoghe, Operations Manager at GET, spoke about 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.”
“Our aim is to promote sustainability in areas such as education, health, and private company development. We focus on bringing ideas to life by providing grants and investments to social enterprises that create community impact.”
Instead of traditional grant applications, GET Accelerator supports businesses based on their interests and innovative ideas.
“Our mission is to advocate for, support, and promote sustainable social initiatives, believing that positive change starts with innovative ideas.”
The application process for GET Accelerated Program will run until August 11, followed by a selection and interview stage to identify the top 10 startups that will join an in-house three-day bootcamp followed by a twelve-week virtual accelerator.
This support system concludes with a Demo Day and an award ceremony, where startups will showcase their achievements to potential investors and partners.
GET has supported startups from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. “Our program not only provides financial support but also covers transportation and accommodation for participants.”
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to participate in the program, the following criteria must be met:
- Startups must be registered in Nigeria.
- They must demonstrate operational capabilities within six months to a year.
- Participants should have a clear business model, even if it’s not fully formed.
- There must be an understanding of who the customers are and how the business intends to make money.
Uche Ukonu, founder of Smallchops.ng from cohort one shared his experience. “GET Accelerator was the first program to truly see the economic potential of what we were doing,” he said. “Our operations have expanded significantly, and the mentorship helped us refine our processes.”
Olapeju Umah, founder of MyFoodAngels, also spoke about her experience. “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 a huge impact in their respective sectors.
The program’s emphasis on grooming and believing in startups was further reiterated at the conference, “We take chances on founders and provide them with the support they need to succeed,” Adoghe said. “It’s about seeing the potential in ideas that others might overlook.”
At the end of the program, participants transition from early stage to possessing a fully developed Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Unlike traditional approaches, this accelerator program condenses its curriculum into a more intensive three to six-month format, ensuring action and real-world application. This shift shows a market-driven approach where consumer demand dictates development rather than assuming a product’s necessity.
The program, divided into phases focusing on different stages of startup growth, aims to provide a replicable model for success. It’s about taking startups that might otherwise go unnoticed by venture capitalists and accelerating their growth to a point where they become viable investments.
The GET Accelerated Program focuses on investing 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, ensuring a collaborative community where startups share knowledge and resources.
In emphasising sustainable business models and peer-to-peer support, the program provides entrepreneurs with the skills and resilience needed to pivot and adapt.
How to Apply
Become a part of GET Accelerated cohort 3. Apply via the link.
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