Deadline:
May 17, 2024
Location(s)
Online
Overview
ABH aims to identify, support, and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their local communities, working to solve the most pressing problems, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.
The initiative aims to be as inclusive as possible. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages who operate businesses formally registered and headquartered in an African country, and that have a 3 year-track record.
Every year, ten finalists will be selected to compete in the ABH grand finale pitch competition and participate in a TV Show that will be broadcast online and across the continent. The finalists compete for a share of US $1.5 million in grant money.
All finalists also join an exclusive community of likeminded entrepreneurs, business professionals, investors and mentors. In addition, they get access to training and networking opportunities to further support them on their business journey.
Details
BENEFITS OF APPLYING
ABH is more than a competition and has been designed to provide applicants and finalists with numerous benefits:
- Insights into your business: Our application process helps applicants strengthen their pitching/fundraising efforts via an introspective application process. Applicants also get the opportunity to receive feedback and advice from numerous business professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs at various stages of the competitions.
- Targeted & practical training programs: We provide ABH community members to a range of bespoke training programs such as financial management, marketing and more. Finalists have the opportunity to access even more programs & services such as investment readiness and talent sourcing via our network of partners and judges.
- Mentorship from business icons: Our Finalists have the opportunity to be mentored by global business icons both throughout the competition and afterwards.
- Grant Funds of up to $300,000: Our Top 10 finalists share a prize pool of $1.5 million with the first prize winner taking home $300,000 in grant funds.
- Global recognition and exposure: ABH also spotlights the most promising entrepreneurs as they progress via press releases, social media, news articles and provides significant exposure opportunities to finalists via the Africa’s Business Heroes Show, which is distributed across 40+ African countries.
- Access to an exclusive & vibrant entrepreneurship community and network: Finalists join an exclusive community of some of the most impactful and successful entrepreneurs from across the continent. ABH organizes numerous online and offline networking opportunities where these entrepreneurs can connect and collaborate.
JUDGING PROCESS
To identify our heroes, we run a 4-step application process:
- Round 1: An online application and review process to determine our Top 50 Finalists. Each application will be reviewed by two judges. Step
- Round 2: Video-Call interviews with established business leaders who determine our Top 20 Finalists. Step
- Semi-Final Pitch: In-person pitches with a distinguished and experienced panel of investors, business leaders and professionals to determine our top 10 finalists. Step
- Due diligence: Our shortlisted top 10 finalists will need to pass due diligence checks by our partner: Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) in order to be confirmed an ANPI 2020 Africa's Business Heroes and to have their chance to pitch at the Africa's Business Heroes Show.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
We are looking for Africa's Business Heroes who are bold, passionate, resilient, innovative and impact-oriented. African business owners from all 54 African countries are eligible to apply irrespective of age, industry sector or gender. However, ANPI has a strict set of criteria:
- Applicant should be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company.
- Applicant has African citizenship or is the child or grand-child of an African citizen.
- The Company is Africa-Based. The business is registered and headquartered in an African country, and primarily operates in Africa.
- Company is post-Idea stage. Business is 3 years old or more and has at least 3 years of revenue history.
Dates
Deadline: May 17, 2024
Cost/funding for participants
THE PRIZE:
- Opportunity to pitch to business legends and receive advice from them
- Grant funds of up to $300,000
- Global recognition and exposure via the televised Africa’s Business Heroes Show
- Tailored Feedback, Mentorship & Training via the Africa’s Business Heroes Network of Partners and Judges
- Admission into Alibaba’s eFounder program that provides a two week immersion into China’s digital economy
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
