VC4A, a leading organization dedicated to supporting startups in emerging markets, is proud to announce its key partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in the implementation of the She Wins Africa 2024 program. The program’s objective is to improve opportunities for women-led startups to access early-stage financing through investment readiness interventions and connections with investors. The program targets high-potential female entrepreneurs, offering them comprehensive support to scale their businesses and achieve sustainable growth.
As a leading ecosystem builder in the startup landscape, VC4A brings its extensive resources and expertise to support 100 female founders participating in the She Wins Africa program. Through this collaboration, VC4A reaffirms its commitment to promoting inclusive growth and gender equality in the tech ecosystem in Africa.
VC4A will implement the She Wins Africa program through:
- The VC4A Startup Academy: Participants gain access to a curated library of online courses covering topics such as investment readiness, business scaling, and marketing strategies. This flexible, self-paced learning environment accommodates the busy schedules of female entrepreneurs.
- The VC4A platform: The program uses VC4A’s robust online platform, connecting participants to a diverse community of entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners. This visibility boost and networking opportunity are essential for emerging startups.
- The VC4A Mentorship Marketplace: She Wins Africa beneficiaries can tap into VC4A’s global network of experienced mentors, receiving tailored guidance and support to address specific business challenges.
Join She Wins Africa 2024 program as a mentor
VC4A believes in the impact of collective action to build a flourishing startup ecosystem. We firmly believe in the power of mentorship to unlock the potential of women-led businesses. As a result, we are calling on experienced industry leaders to join this initiative and play a vital role in engaging with the 100 exceptional African female founders accepted into the program. Your guidance will set them up for success.
We encourage those interested in becoming a mentor to visit the VC4A website or application form for more information and to apply by the deadline on August 19, 2024. As a mentor, you can:
- Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Africa’s business landscape.
- Expand your network and connect with a diverse range of entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
- Share your expertise and make a tangible impact on the success of these inspiring female founders.
Benefits of becoming a She Wins Africa mentor
- Recognition as an official She Wins Africa Program mentor from IFC and VC4A,
- Additional visibility in the VC4A Mentorship Marketplace to engage with other companies,
- Help in decreasing the existing gap in funding opportunities between women entrepreneurs and male entrepreneurs,
- Discover new investment opportunities,
- Expand your network and connect with like-minded mentors across Africa.
Program structure and mentor expectations
She Wins Africa – call for mentors is looking for women business leaders, successful entrepreneurs, investors and business coaches to work with the African female-founders who’ve been accepted into the program. It is a highly-structured program that will take place over an 11-month period, going from August 2024 to June 2025.
Time commitment: By accepting to be part of the program, you would be expected to meet with your mentee at least once every month for 60 – 90 minutes (physically or virtually) to work with them on their identified business issue.
Founder experience: You will work with founders at different stages of growth across three program tracks of the program which are the Launch, Grow and Scale tracks.
Giving back: This is structured as a pro-bono mentorship program, therefore it is open to professionals who find it interesting to connect with founders, as a way to give back to the startup community.
Success metrics: The determinant for success is when mentors meet with their mentees at the agreed upon times, and that they have made measurable progress in their focus areas.
Apply now
We look forward to welcoming new mentors to the She Wins Africa 2024 program. Your involvement will play a crucial role in the success of Africa’s female-led startups. Click on this She Wins Africa 2024 – Call for mentors link to apply by the deadline on August 19, 2024.
For more information or to apply, please contact Barbara Onyejose – Mentorship & Academy Lead, VC4A.