GrowthAfrica accelerator program open for applications

GrowthAfrica, a Kenya-based accelerator platform, has opened applications for its 2023 program and seeks cohorts from five states.

GrowthAfrica, a Kenya-based startup accelerator and business support platform, is currently seeking applicants for its 2023 accelerator program. Founded in 2002, GrowthAfrica supports business acceleration and offers strategic advice and access to investment.

To date, GrowthAfrica has accelerated 437 ventures, that have created over 40,000 jobs, according to the company. 1,800 companies have been assisted through local and international advisory firms.

GrowthAfrica 2023 program

The GrowthAfrica acceleration program is a six-month support program that will guide entrepreneurs across a range of business areas, including education on the various components of a business, realizing internal and external realities, and identifying growth challenges with the goal of creating a comprehensive implementation-ready growth plan. The program also offers leadership trading, business acceleration activities, strategic advice and access to investment.

Benefits

Through a range of activities, the program will deliver training and support in the following areas:

• Growth strategy: Experienced facilitators will lead sessions focusing on how to increase your revenue, profits and impact
• In-company support: GrowthAfrica’s team will offer tailored in-company support
• Networking: Successful applicants will join a peer-to-peer network of entrepreneurs from across Africa
• Investment support: GrowthAfrica will support businesses in identifying, accessing and engaging with potential investors
• Mentoring: Graduates will have access to mentors and experts to offer advice and feedback
• Financial modelling: Support in building a financial model for business growth and investment
• Leadership: Entrepreneurs will be given skills and tools to develop stronger entrepreneurial leadership

Criteria

GrowthAfrica are seeking applicants from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Ghana.

All startups must meet the following criteria:

• Be a for profit, post revenue business
• Have a full time and dedicated core team
• Have existed for at least three years
• Have a dedicated, full time founding team
• Have a turnover of over USD 50,000
• Be open to raising external investment

GrowthAfrica will consider companies from any sector, but particularly focus on agribusiness, education, IT/mobile solutions/tech-enabled businesses, financial services and fintechs, renewable energy, water and sanitation, health, manufacturing/processing and retail and e-commerce.

Applications must be submitted by February 28 and can be completed here.

Fintech dominates African startup funding, though its lead is slipping, with sectors including e-commerce, retail-tech and healthtech gaining ground.