Application Deadlin: July 30 2014
She Leads Africa’s Entrepreneur Showcase is a platform that introduces the continent’s most promising female entrepreneurs to investors, accelerators, and mentors looking to invest in the next generation of African talent. She Leads Africa is Looking for early stage startups that want to meet investors, gain access to new mentors, and grow across Africa.
The top 10 applicants will be invited to pitch their business ideas in front of a panel of notable business personalities for the chance to win a cash prize of $10, 000 as well as other non-financial prizes.
Application Criteria:
Entrepreneur:
- Have a woman on the founding team who will present at the pitch day
- Female founder between 18-35 years old
- Be based in an ECOWAS country and focused on the African market
Company:
- Received less than $50K USD in funding
- Been in operation for less than 3 years
- Have a live product in the market
Pitch Judges
On September 27th the finalists will pitch their businesses in front of a panel of experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and financiers who understand what it takes to build a successful business in Africa.
- Hakeem Belo-Osagie
Chairman – Etisalat Nigeria - Ngozi Edozien
CEO, Invivo Partners - Bola Adesola
CEO Standard Chartered - Tokunboh Ishmael
Managing Director, Alithela Capital
Prizes:
- Cash prize of 10,000 USD for first place, 5,000 USD for second place
- Access to prominent venture capitalists, angel investors and other leading professionals to act as mentors and sponsors
- Consultation on brand development with Etisalat in-house marketing team
- Free business line for one year (including voice and data)
- SME accounting software from SmartStart Ghana
- 2 meetings with legal advisor from top law firm to discuss incorporation, corporate structures and copyrights
- Meeting with 2 executive directors of a leading merchant bank to discuss business plans and fund raising
- Interviews with major media outlets
The Process
July 30 – Application Deadline
August 15 – 10 finalists will be announced based on the strengths of their applications
August 18 – 10 finalists will be matched with young professional mentors who will help them refine their business plans and develop their pitch decks
September 18 – Deadline to send in all presentations for pitch competition
September 19 – Pre-event mixer with judges
September 27 – Pitch Day
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of She Leads Africa Pitch Competition