Bolt, a ride-hailing platform in Nigeria, has unveiled the next phase of its groundbreaking Bolt Accelerator Program, a pivotal initiative that aims to revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape for drivers on its platform.
In a visionary move, Bolt is poised to launch the bespoke online training hub with a dedicated focus on enhancing the business development competencies of Bolt drivers.
Collaborating with prominent online learning platforms, Coursera and in-person implementation partner PM4Success, the Bolt Academy stands as a remarkable stride towards fostering entrepreneurial excellence among Bolt drivers.
Spanning three months, this comprehensive program covers a wide spectrum of essential entrepreneurial skills, encompassing Time Management, Productivity, Communication, Customer Service, Project Management, Leadership, and Organisational abilities.
The program will see 100 drivers engage in weekly courses that will further build on their entrepreneurial skills.
This groundbreaking initiative follows Bolt’s recent launch of the Bolt Den project in September.
With a seed fund of €25,000 earmarked to support innovative business proposals developed by Bolt drivers, the Bolt Den represents a resounding affirmation of Bolt’s commitment to embolden drivers for entrepreneurial success.
Out of the 1,275 applications received, an exceptional 100 drivers have successfully progressed through the application phase to the ideation phase.
100 dedicated drivers have actively participated in specialised ideation sessions crafted to empower them with the indispensable knowledge necessary for the proficient construction and development of their business proposals.
Consequently, the top 20 drivers, showcasing the most innovative and promising business solutions, will advance to the intensive bootcamp phase.
This phase is meticulously structured to prepare them thoroughly for the forthcoming stage within the Bolt Den program.
The pinnacle of the Bolt Den program is slated to reach its culmination on the eagerly anticipated Pitch Day, scheduled for November 2023. On this momentous occasion, participating drivers will have the privilege of presenting their business proposals and groundbreaking concepts to an esteemed panel of judges. The most exceptional ideas will secure the seed investment required to turn their aspirations into reality.
A representative of the drivers expressed profound enthusiasm for the Accelerator program emphasising that it stands as more than a learning opportunity for the driver community. That this initiative by Bolt is a source of hope for drivers in Nigeria.
“We are amazed and truly delighted with the turnout for the Accelerator program and the enthusiasm shown by drivers”, says Yahaya Mohammed, Country Manager at Bolt Nigeria. “We strongly believe in the potential of this initiative to empower drivers and we are excited to see what these innovative entrepreneurs accomplish”.
Bolt Academy is a beacon of opportunity for drivers, said Dr David Emumena, Managing Director of PM4Sucess International and we believe every driver has the potential to be successful and we are committed to nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit and bridging the gap to equip drivers for a brighter future.
“We’re thrilled to play a role in unlocking potential and nurturing entrepreneurship among Bolt drivers,” says Hadi Moussa, Managing Director EMEA at Coursera. “Through this program, we’re not just fostering individual growth with vital business skills, but also positively impacting Nigeria’s economic landscape. It underlines our belief in the transformative power of education on lives and communities.”
Bolt is a super-app with over 150 million customers in more than 45 countries and 500 cities across Europe and Africa (list of locations here). We offer a range of mobility products for different services and
needs:
- Ride-hailing
- Bolt Food, delivering ready-made meals from restaurants
- Bolt Business, our corporate mobility service
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