Application Deadline: 30th April, 2021
MEST, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, have announced the launch of the Startup Creation program aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs to build, launch and scale software technology enabled ventures in Ghana. The program, to be run under the Pre-MEST program, will provide free training in entrepreneurship and startup development in response to growing demand for software entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial skills among young people in the country as well as provide the opportunity for participants to launch tech-enabled startups that solve local problems.
The Pre-MEST program, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Young Africa Works, is currently looking for young people based in Ho, Kumasi, Bolga and Takoradi, Ghana, who have a keen interest in software entrepreneurship and a desire to build technology businesses, to join its first-ever cohort in Startup Creation to launch their own ventures. The course runs from May 17th – August 6th, 2021.
Over the course of 12-weeks, participants in this cohort will be given the opportunity to go from business idea to business venture by learning the essential business, communication and technology skills needed to become software entrepreneurs and start a successful early-stage tech company. Upon completion of the course, participants will have the opportunity to launch startups.
Participants will also receive dedicated mentorship throughout the program, as well as attend workshops and sessions designed to improve employability through soft skills training. The 12-week in-person program is tuition-free and requires full-time dedication for the duration of the course. Successful graduates will receive certification upon completion and the opportunity to launch tech-enabled businesses.
Training will take place at the following locations:
- Women’s Haven Africa in Kumasi (women only)
- Ho Node Hub in Ho
- Dansyn Innovation Social Organisation in Bolga
- iCode Ghana in Takoradi
Curriculum Overview
The Pre-MEST Startup Creation cohort curriculum will combine workshops with hands-on projects developed through a series of subject-focused sprints. Led in a bootcamp style, the participants develop relevant usable skills in technology and business. The Pre-MEST team will also give each cohort some learning work to complete before the program start date, to ensure they have the minimum skill levels to delve into projects and exercises from the first day.
Course Topics
- Market Research and Product Development
- Business Modelling
- Branding & Communications
- Sales
- Finance
- Market Testing and Traction
- Young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years
- Must reside in Ghana, but can be from anywhere
- Passionate about technology and entrepreneurship, and how to use technology to achieve business results
- Has a tech-related business idea or willing to develop one
- Preferably has past experience with entrepreneurship or within a startup environment
- Disciplined, motivated and a self-starter who can work and deliver on assignments and projects
- A team player that can thrive working independently as well as collaboratively
- Should be able to commit full time for the duration of the course
Interested in applying? Please read the instructions below carefully before starting your application.
Please note – it is important that you complete all four steps and ensure you successfully submit your application by the deadline of April 30th, 2021. This application will then be considered for admission into the program. Should your application be successful, you will be contacted with information detailing how to move on to the next steps of the application process listed below.
Application Process
Here is how to apply:
Step 1. Join the Pre-learning Slack channel as well as the WhatsApp channel for the hub you wish to train at using the links below:
- Pre-MEST pre-learning slack channel
- Women’s Haven Africa (Kumasi) pre-learning whatsapp channel
- Ho Node Hub (Ho) pre-learning whatsapp channel
- Dansyn (Bolga) pre-learning whatsapp channel
- iCode Ghana (Takoradi) pre-learning whatsapp channel
Step 2. Complete the Pre-MEST application form for the hub of your choice. Select the relevant hub below:
Pre-MEST Startup Creation – Cohort 1 application Form
Step 3. Complete these pre-learning courses on IBM and Google Learning Portals (you need to complete all to qualify for the program). Select either the ‘Tech’ or ‘Business/Communication’ track (not both) depending on your area of interest:
Tech Track Pre-Learning Courses
- Design Thinking
Intro to Agile
Design Thinking for Beginners
Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner - Basic Web Development
Web Development
HTML & CSS
Javascript
Git - Business
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Business Modelling Canvas - Software Development
Coding for Designers
JQuery Building Blocks
Javascript Foundations
UX Fundamentals
Business/Communication Track Pre-Learning Courses
- Design Thinking
Intro to Agile
Design Thinking for Beginners
Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner - Basic Web Development
Web Development
HTML & CSS
Javascript
Git - Business
Business Modelling Canvas - Digital Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Content Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the MEST/Mastercard Foundation Startup Creation training Program 202