Early-stage Ghanaian firms are now accepting applications to expand their businesses through the MEST Express accelerator program.
MEST is collaborating with the Mastercard Foundation to operate three programs, including MEST Express, Pre-MEST, and MEST Scale.
The 20-week accelerator program provides participating firms with free training, coaching, resources, and support in an effort to provide early-stage businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to accelerate their growth.
Each participating startup will be given an upfront award of $5,000 USD, free of equity. Startups in each cohort will have the chance to participate in a pitching session at the program’s conclusion, where the best projects will be awarded grants worth up to US $20,000 that is equity-free.
“Our next cohort for the MEST Express accelerator is focused on sustainable startups because solving core problems in Africa often involves looking at how we can create sustainable solutions that positively impact our communities. Sustainability opens up a unique opportunity for African entrepreneurs, as it confronts real problem areas with high visibility and universal interest. The fundamental nature of the problems addressed, guarantee the markets are sizeable and present opportunities to merge impact on profitability,” said Femi Adewumi, director of programmes at MEST Africa.
“After two years of running six cohorts and supporting several startups, our findings also show that ventures benefit more when the support we offer is bespoke and addresses the unique challenges of each business. As such, this upcoming cohort will offer startups deeper support where specific projects will be instituted and managed throughout the program to address the unique needs of the venture.”
Over 50 early-stage enterprises have been expedited since the program’s beginning in September 2020, and 12 firms in Ghana have received over US $100,000 in equity-free capital as a result. Following the success of its initial partner cohort in Tamale with HOPin Academy, the program just launched its very first cohort in Kumasi in collaboration with hapaSpace.
Till July 10, you may apply for the next Accra-based cohort.
