Program to empower Kenyan Women Entrepreneurs working in the ICT sector

Deadline: 17 August 2019

iHub Women In Business Program opens to grow the number of socially and economically empowered women entrepreneurs who run women-owned/women-led sustainable businesses working in the ICT sector in Kenya.

Objectives

Strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs to own and lead sustainable business working in the ICT sector.
- Strengthen the capacity of established women entrepreneurs to start, run and grow sustainable businesses that work in the ICT sector
- Identify women with the potential for entrepreneurship and nurture them to develop and run sustainable businesses in the ICT sectors
Increasing the number of women-owned and women-led companies working in the ICT sector that can handle big money projects
Strengthening collaboration between different actors in the ICT and innovation sector in order to utilise the learning and perspectives generated by the Women in Business programme to make evidence-based and credible contributions to relevant national and global policy discourses.

What do Participants Get?

Networking and exposure to expand applicant’s business networks
6 months of customized support and training based on the startup/SME’s individualized needs
Marketing and exposure through the different platforms
1:1 mentoring with experts, coaches and consultants.
Access to ecosystem events hosted by program partners

Please note that this programme does not include monetary funding for applicant’s business

Eligibility Requirements

They are looking for women who have been in business for at least one year and have a product in the market that leverages technology.
The applicant(s) must:
- Be a woman:
  - 18 and above
  - Reside in Kenya
  - Have a registered business

Eligibility Criteria

Developing an innovative and scalable product that uses technology
Has proof of concept and an existing business that is post revenue
Business model must have a clear focus on sustainability.
at least 1 year in operation
post revenue which means applicants have begun to generate sales
team of at least 2.

How do applicants become a part of the program?

Applicants will complete a comprehensive application found online
A jury made of key leaders from the implementing partners will select the companies that progress into the final
Applicants must be able to attend biweekly Saturday sessions at the iHub office in Kilimani, Nairobi

What is included?

Successful applicants will

have access to the iHub co-working space (desk space, meeting rooms for those formal discussions and lounges for laid back conversations, and other membership benefits)
participate in a 6 month tailor-made programme that will develop their business acumen and entrepreneurial and technical skills
Have access to business support services that range from legal services, human resources and many others
Become more embedded in the East African entrepreneurs community, amplify the impact of their businesses, and ensure the value from their products/solutions and services reach those who would benefit the most

What is in the curriculum?

Based on need, successful applicants will have access to the following resources: