Applications are open for the Smart Villages Off-grid Energy Challenge for West Africa, which sees selected entrepreneurs join a three-month training programme to help scale their businesses, as well as standing the chance to win US$5,000 in funding.
The Challenge seeks entrepreneurs with an existing off-grid businesses – with at least a prototype and business model -, who want to develop and grow their startup to the next level.
Winning applicants will join the three-month Bridges for Enterprise programme, during which entrepreneurs work remotely with consultants from McKinsey, BCG, as well as Cambridge and Princeton universities to grow their business and skills.
At the end of the three month period, participants will submit a proposal, for the chance to win US$5,000 in prize capital.
Those who successfully complete the programme will be offered the opportunity to work for a further three months with legal and financial consultants.
“Technological innovations for providing energy to off-grid communities have started to change the energy access landscape across the world, especially in West Africa. Access to affordable new forms of energy opens doors to a whole range of new social enterprises, where the business delivers a positive social impact for the end user,” the Smart Villages Initiative, organisers of the Challenge, said.
Applications are open here, until November 21.
