Investment firm focused on scalable female-led and owned businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, ShEquity has launched the fourth edition of its accelerator program, ShEquity Business Accelerator (SHEBA).
The 17-week SHEBA program provides venture-building and technical support to African female entrepreneurs across the ECOWAS region who are looking to successfully grow their businesses and become investment ready.
Organized in partnership with MBC Africa, SHEBA was built to bridge the gender funding gap that exists in major parts of the world. The program is set to reduce the risks faced by African female-led businesses, equipping founders with the skill set needed to grow and scale their businesses.
The SHEBA program has executed three (3) cohorts of 30 participants each, with participants from the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Benefits
The accelerator program is designed to address investors’ concerns and investment risks by focusing on the following:
- Business Development
- Finances
- Legal & Governance
- Human Resources & Leadership
- Marketing & Communications as well as
- Impact Measurement.
This investor-focused approach is complemented by hands-on market testing as well as executive coaching, mentorship sessions, and opportunities to leverage ShEquity and MBC Africa’s pan-African and global networks.
In addition to the robust program development focus, SHEBA offers the opportunity to receive funding from ShEquity and other investors within the ShEquity network.
After the acceleration program, qualifying businesses are recommended to the ShEquity team for investment consideration. The typical ShEquity seed investment ranges between $50K and $250K, with an additional opportunity for post-investment support.
Eligibility
SHEBA focuses on impactful, innovative, and scalable businesses in:
- Agribusiness (agric tech, production, processing, wholesale, retail, all agribusiness value chain aspects)
- Climate-smart businesses
- Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs)
- Healthcare
- Mobility/logistics, and
- Tech-enabled businesses (fintech, clean tech, ed tech, etc.).
Applicants’ businesses should be duly registered in ECOWAS countries, female-owned and managed with a minimum of 51% female ownership, and in operation for at least 24 months.
How to apply
Stand a chance to scale your female-led/owned businesses via ShEquity Business Accelerator (SHEBA). Apply before the deadline on Friday, April 21, 2023.
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