Entrepreneur-focused non-profit organisation (NPO) BiD Network will select three African finalists from Burundi, Rwanda and Liberia in June as the ICT Challenge competition draws to a close.
With the coaching deadline passed last month, entrants are now working on their business plans to submit by June 30.
Finalists will be offered workshops in business training, investor meetings and leadership development, as well as a sponsored travel opportunity to the BiD Network offices in Netherlands.
Speaking to HumanIPO Joëlle Payet, head of marketing and communications at BiD Network, said: “The ICT Challenge supports ICT entrepreneurship and innovation in five emerging markets by identifying high potential business ideas, providing international exposure and finance.
“We believe in the power of the ICT sector in strengthening economies, enterprises and communities around the world.”
With its focus on empowering entrepreneurs, BiD Network connects with local partners in commerce, universities and businesses.
Walking a path of relational growth with startups, the organisation provides a platform for a varied array of services.
“We do make a difference by helping someone in a functional way, which evolves into a more interesting and long term relationship which is mentoring,” Payet said.
Voluntary network coaches assist emerging entrepreneurs in mentorship with a minimum of 20 hours.
The organisation is also currently running a Women in Business competition until April 30, which supports females in the industry with similar assistance.
Since its existence in 2007, the organisation has helped 673 businesses to become established and has over 46,000 members on its platform, of which 10,000 are entrepreneurs and 100 investors.
Through the BiD Network platform 4,755 direct jobs have been created and US$15 million mobilized up to date.
Active engagement occurs in various ways, from peer-to-peer meetings and personal coaching to mentoring sessions via Skype and email.
BiD Network’s advisory services to business and financial service providers in emerging markets range from Ready4Finance training to certification of trainers to support on how to source and prepare entrepreneurs and establish local coaching and investor networks.
The web platform offers direct and online services (including offline coaching) to entrepreneurs, coaches and investors.
“Through the platform, the largest online community of emerging market entrepreneurs, coaches and investors, we start, grow and finance businesses,” Payet explained.
