Applications are now open for FemBioBiz Acceleration Program 2019 for ambitious women leaders in green agri-food related businesses.
Objectives
For the benefit of the continent, girls and women must be empowered and supported in becoming more entrepreneurial and competitive. The creation and support of economically viable businesses are linked to promoting gender-equality between men and women in working life. The international alliance of SANBio and Hivos aims to achieve this by supporting in-country incubators and providing young entrepreneurs with opportunities to start and/or scale their own businesses. The programme focuses on the bio-sciences sector but also appeals to linked industries and cross-cutting themes. In order to contribute in the long-term to the creation of job opportunities and employability of (young) women, the alliance aims to achieve the following objectives:
- By the end of 2019, the FemBioBiz program (phase 3) has significantly contributed to the visibility of an opportunity for (young) women in biosciences-sector in Southern Africa.
- By the end of 2019, the FemBioBiz Program (phase 3) and its network have significantly contributed to the capacity-level (business and technical skills) and investment-readiness of women-led businesses in the biosciences-sector in Southern Africa.
- By end of 2019, the FemBioBiz Program (phase 3) has significantly contributed to the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Southern Africa (including access to finance, knowledge and enabling policies/ government involvement) business ecosystems and regional and international networks tailored for female entrepreneurs
- Hivos, SANBio and partners are looking for ambitious women leaders in green a/o agri-food related businesses. Women who want to grow their business through an acceleration program, and gain regional exposure and access to international markets. Participants stand a chance to win prizes in their countries, attend the SA Innovation Summit, and enjoy additional opportunities in and outside of the continent.
- The program targets both women business owners who already run a company, as well as entrepreneurial students with exciting business ideas involving agri-food, health, (bio)waste, natural beauty products or nutrition. Innovation is particularly important, and both formal and informal businesses are welcome to apply.
