Apply now for 2022 Nedbank-AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is hosting the 2022 cohort of its flagship AWIEF Growth Accelerator, sponsored by Nedbank.

The AWIEF Growth Accelerator is designed to support the unique needs of early-stage and high growth-oriented women-led ventures with business modelling, growth strategy training, corporate advisory, mentorship, networks, and access to strategic partnerships. The accelerator provides capital-raising support for growth, scale and sustainability. It builds women’s entrepreneurial leadership capacity, connects them with appropriate sources of capital and helps them scale.

Nirmala Reddy, Nedbank Senior Manager for Enterprise Development, says “Nedbank’s support and partnership with AWIEF is a classic example of how we partner with a platform within which an organization has the relevant support mechanisms in place to facilitate the process for addressing the limitations that make small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) unable to access or get easy access to finance.

“Via platforms such as AWIEF, there is the benefit for SMMEs to be able to leverage easier access to finance and to use these programmes as a stepping-stone to getting what they want”. She continues, “As a bank committed to skills development and growing the economy, particularly women-owned businesses, we are once again proud to partner with AWIEF on this initiative which has thus far produced inspiring stories of enterprise and commitment.”

Since 2017, more than 120 early and growth-stage South African women founders have gone through the accelerator programme. For the 2022 cohort, another 20 female entrepreneurs will be selected from sectors including: technology, agribusiness and agro-processing, financial services, manufacturing, health, education, tourism & hospitality, creative industries, and renewable energy.

Call for applications

Applications are invited from committed and innovative South African female entrepreneurs for the AWIEF Growth Accelerator 2022 cohort.

Eligibility

 Businesses must be:

  • South African Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs) or Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs); at least 51% female black-owned.
  • in a post-revenue phase.
  • scalable and innovative ventures.
  • in operation for not less than three years.
  • owned or led by ambitious and committed women entrepreneurs.
  • seeking investment or funding to scale and expand.

Timeline

  • Applications open: 10 June 2022
  • Applications close: 4 July 2022
  • Accelerator starts: 1 August 2022

What past AWIEF Growth Accelerator participants say:

“The AWIEF Growth Accelerator was an incredibly inspiring, safe and supportive environment, and was particularly useful during our sudden, rapid growth phase.”

“My business is growing and it’s thanks to AWIEF. Thank you for the tools, drive, and confidence to accelerate my company to new heights.”

Watch the video showcasing a past AWIEF Growth Accelerator participant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Llo3kudsS0

To submit your application for AWIEF Growth Accelerator 2022 cohort, please follow this link: https://awieforum.typeform.com/AGA2022

Application deadline is Monday, 4 July 2022 at 23:59 CAT.  Applications will only be accepted through the link above.

For more information email: info@awieforum.org

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