About the program
Connect Africa is an initiative by CVC Africa Incubators aimed at impacting and accelerating entrepreneurs through strategic growth platforms, networks & access to markets, thus, ensuring economic transformation.
Through Conecta, Connect by CVC Africa Incubators is part of an integrated entrepreneur development of Africa with a global footprint. Thus, the targeted groups are Migrants & Refugees in South Africa, residing in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The focus will be on recruitment & development of disadvantaged entrepreneurs, skills/talents from various African states with businesses in Fashion & Textiles, Financial Technology, Green Economy, Tourism & Hospitality, etc. To achieve the objectives, Connect Africa by CVC Africa Incubators will design & implement a program that will effectively assist with recruitment, training, mentoring & coaching of the targeted groups in specified areas while creating business & network linkages.
The goal is to have 35 businesses recruited graduating (70% African Migrants/Refugees owned businesses and 30% South African). Upon selection entrepreneurs’ needs/gaps and areas of concern will be identified, therefore mentors will be matched accordingly to ensure business growth, stability & sustainability – thus, translating to job creation.
With extensive experience and expertise in business and entrepreneur development, the selected group will not only receive weekly support from Connect Africa’s IMs and mentors but will have access to networking platforms and facilities. To measure growth and performance, continuous monitoring & evaluation using various tools will be conducted over the 5 months program.
This is to secure quality business plans that the incubated entrepreneurs can download on completion – on the Conecta platform they will have access to the summary of their business plan, this will assist them when approaching potential partners and investors/funders.
What requirements must be met?
- Entrepreneur in early-stage phase (idea, proof of concept, PMV, prototype, or early stage startup/small business) in the following sectors:
- Fashion and textiles
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Green Economy
- Construction
- Tourism and Hospitality (except Food supply, retail and Food Manufacturing)
- Living and/or willingness to start business in Cape Town or Johannesburg.
- Able to Speak English.
- Able to dedicate 6-8 hours per week to the program over the 4/5 months (work on platform, 1:1 mentoring, optional cohort sessions)
- Access to computer or mobile phone with regular and stable internet access (it is preferable to use the computer) and Basic digital fluency.
- Motivated to establish and validate a business plan and a feasibility model through structured pedagogy and access to mentoring. Acquire entrepreneurship know-how, access to a network of local and global entrepreneurs.
- Age and level of education not importantBasic English language skills (read and write).
- Preference will be given to applicants from the African continent.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are Women.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are under the age of 35.
Sign up
DEADLINE: DEC 7, 2023
Join as a mentor and help entrepreneurs in South Africa achieve success!
We are looking for mentors who are committed to joining our incubation program. If you have a passion for entrepreneurship, have at least 5 years of professional experience and are committed to reviewing and monitoring your entrepreneur’s work before mentoring meetings, we want you to join us! We envision a fair, efficient and meritocratic society where innovation belongs to everyone. Sign up today and help South Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs succeed!
What requirements must you have to mentor?
- Professionals with 3-5 years of professional experience post academic years who are passionate about guiding and supporting early stage entrepreneurs structure and validate their businesses ideas.
- A plus is if they are migrants or refugees themselves, yet not a ‘must-have’.
Program Timeline
Start the hybrid incubation experience with mentoring sessions, working tools and structured development. You will have 5 months to complete the incubation cycle and develop your validated business plan.
- You will work weekly with your personal mentor in one-on-one sessions to go through the 8 business modules.
You will have the incubation team on hand at all times to answer any questions you may have. - You will finish the programme developing a business plan and executive summary ready to present to potential investors.
Do you have any questions about the program?
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