The first cohort of the MEST Express accelerator, which is focused on sustainability, has chosen six impact-driven Ghanaian entrepreneurs to participate. Each startup will receive US $5,000 in grant cash and other forms of support.
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. The most recent cohort’s main goal is to support Ghanaian entrepreneurs that offer technology-based solutions to spur transformational change and build a more secure future for everyone.
At the start of the program, the six chosen entrepreneurs underwent a thorough requirements assessment to determine key focus areas. They will now collaborate with industry professionals to build customized solutions to their needs and obstacles. Additionally, each startup received a stipend of $5,000 USD.
Agri e-commerce company Africa Goodnest, baby and maternity e-commerce service Tiny Reusers, health consulting platform Digital Health Access, shea production resource provider Sommalife, and e-commerce and courier platform Shaq Express are among the chosen firms.
The MEST Express initiative has expedited 80 entrepreneurs in Ghana since its debut in September 2020 and given out over $100,000 in grant money. As a result of its involvement with these firms, more than 200 jobs have been generated.
