Are you a woman entrepreneur driving change in Africa? Here is a chance to join the Bayer Foundation Accelerator Programme, and gain valuable exposure, resources, and opportunities for your business to thrive!
The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award (WEA), powered by Impact Hub Network, is a vibrant celebration of women entrepreneurs leading innovative change.
This award goes beyond mere recognition; it is a dedication to support women pioneering in health, nutrition, and related climate-smart solutions. They are seeking 15 exceptional winners (5 per region) to join the 6-month Accelerator Programme.
1) Women business leaders
The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award aims to enhance their capacity to generate social impact through groundbreaking innovation. They seek women-led enterprises that drive social change and improve their communities.
The applicant must be a woman in a leadership position ((co)-founder or C-level) in the company. Other leadership positions in the organization may (can also) be filled by males.
2) Has a sustainable business/financing model
Organisations of any legal entity type may apply, as long as there is a strong business mindset and the business is not dependent on grants/donations/subsidies/etc as a sole income stream.
3) Driving Social Impact
The emphasis is on empowering women-led enterprises engaged in developing health, nutrition and related climate-smart solutions.
These are projects that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing). Stand-alone climate-smart solutions will not be accepted, they must be related to health and nutrition.
4) Is creating a social or community impact
Solutions should (aim to) be accessible to Low or Middle-Income Communities. Higher product/service prices before economies of scale are accepted.
5) Is driving impact in the Global South
The business must drive its impact in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia Pacific (excluding Australia & New Zealand), Latin America, or the Middle East. Business registration in the Global South is preferred.
6) Is revenue-generating
The business should have annual revenue between 0 USD and (to) 1 million USD.
7) Strong personal drive & commitment to impact
The applicant should have a strong personal drive and commitment to social impact. They favor applicants who have had to overcome obstacles in life.
Following the close of the application period, all submissions will undergo a thorough internal review. The top 30 finalists per region will be selected through the internal stakeholder review.
The finalist program will commence in April, where 10 founders per region can pitch directly to the jury of representatives from the Bayer Foundation, Impact Hub Network, and Philanthropy Network.
“Winning the Bayer Foundation Award has been an incredibly profound and heartwarming journey for both me personally and our company, Plumbee. The experience of meeting the other extraordinary winners was very inspirational.” Says June Muchuku, Co-founder of Plumbee Wholefoods and a former participant.
“The one-on-one program offered by Bayer Foundation and last year’s program partner Unknown Group is nothing short of transformative. It has had a profound impact on me as a leader, guiding me towards growth and self-discovery.”
As one of the fifteen award winners, you’ll receive:
If in deed you feel like you have what it takes, apply here before 27 March 2024.