Free online course, networking and funding opportunity

Adansonia is an acceleration program that trains entrepreneurs, gives them a certificate and enables them to apply for funding.

The program is free and open to all entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa. It is a collaboration between Bocconi University, one of the top business schools in Europe, and venture capitalists across the African continent.

Benefits to entrepreneurs:

• Take a free online course on entrepreneurship by a top university in Europe, Bocconi University.
• Learn to build a business and to apply for funding.
• Earn a certificate from Bocconi University, a top business school.
• Write a business proposal and have it evaluated by pan-African venture capitalists who have partnered with the program. The top proposals get to pitch to investors.
• Pitch to investors at the final pitching event. The partnering venture capitalists decide which proposals to fund.
• Earn an all-expenses paid trip to Milan, Italy to learn more in a short business course at Bocconi University that lasts roughly a week. This prize is awarded to the participants who most actively help their peers refine their business ideas.

Who is eligible? 

All Africa-based entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs are eligible. You just need 

• a business idea (or an existing business that you wish to expand),
• professional proficiency in English (the online course and pitching event will be in English),
• to be able to watch the course videos on the Internet (an Internet-connected device, e.g., smartphone or computer).

Spread the word

Invite your friends and colleagues to join the program!  New businesses, like Adansonia trees, grow thanks to a network of roots and connections.

Outline of the 6-week online course 

In this new 6-week course taught by professors at Bocconi University and by venture capitalists in Africa, participants will learn the following topics:

• Ideating a new value proposition: learn how to identify spaces for innovation, and find customers.
• Testing an idea before launch: learn how to assess market size and your competitors.
• Marketing: learn how to develop your value proposition and segment customers.
• Cost: learn how to identify partners, compute break-even analysis, and devise a pricing strategy.
• Finalizing your business plan: learn how to do financial forecasts and what investors look for.
• Get ready to present your startup: learn how to build your team, pitch your idea, and apply for funding.

Free online course, networking and funding opportunity