Deadline: 01-Nov-21
Applications are now open for the BfE Incubation Programme to collaborate with early-stage social entrepreneurs in the developing world to scale business ventures and empower local communities.
Founded in 2015, BfE is a global non-profit comprised of passionate individuals seeking to empower entrepreneurs like you. The BfE Incubation Programme lasts between 6-8 months. Each engagement is conducted completely free-of-charge by their chapter teams and professional mentors with deep industry expertise. Communication throughout the entire programme takes place remotely so you can focus on running your business at the same time.
They accept social enterprises that can demonstrate:
- Innovative Solutions: You have developed a unique minimum viable product (MVP) that addresses a key development challenge.
- Proven Results: You have a revenue generating business model with at least 6 months in operation.
- Positive Impact: Your business generates positive environmental or social impact in the communities you serve.
- Committed Management: Your company’s leadership team has a demonstrated track record of commitment.
Desirable Qualities
- Business Model
- Customer-centric understanding of target audience
- Documented revenue stream(s) and other financial metrics Clear business model backed by strategies for achieving KPIs
- Social Impact
- Impact alignment with one or more of the UN SDGs
- Impact is fully integrated into core business practices
- Proxies for social and/or environmental impact are identified and measured
- Product/Service
- Minimum viable product (MVP) with good product-market fit
- Sustained momentum in customer growth and demand
- Communication
- Prompt in responding to requests for information
- Easily contactable and willing to engage with BfE teams virtually throughout the programme
- Management
- Driven and committed leadership team working fulltime
- Equipped with relevant capabilities and expertise
- Team consists of more than one founder
- Advisory Need
- Actionable problem statement with clearly articulated objective(s)
- Devised initial strategies to address the problem but faced challenges
Eligibility Criteria
The BfE Incubation Programme would be a good fit for you if:
- You are a for-profit or non-profit social enterprise
- You are an early stage startup at the pre-seed or seed stage
- You have an existing product or service and have started earning revenue
- Your business is legally established in Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Middle East
- You demonstrate a clear path to financial returns and social impact
For more information, visit https://www.bridgesforenterprise.com/startups/