What is the YALTA Business Accelerator about?
The YALTA Business Accelerator, an initiative of The Netherland Foods Partnership within the Youth in Agroecology and Business Learning Track Africa (YALTA page) calls upon SMEs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to submit their agroecological ideas for a sustainable, healthy and diverse food system.
The 10 selected participants will benefit from business & innovation skills training, innovation jams and coaching to improve their agroecological ideas and turn them into a plan that is ready to be implemented. All 10 participants will get the chance to pitch at a final event.
At the end of the final event, 3 winners will be announced. The winners will receive a matching grant and coaching to make game-changer ideas a reality.
Overview
Program dates | Jul 1 - Nov 1, 2021 |
Organizer | Bopinc |
Website | Visit website |
Targets | Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda |
Sectors | Agribusiness, Food and beverage, Food production, Waste management and recycling |
How to apply?
Just click on Apply and fill in the FULL application form BY 30 JUNE 24:00 EAT the latest. Once we have received your application, you will receive a confirmation email. We will keep you updated by mail on the selection process. The final selection will be announced by the end of July.
Timeline
Are you eligible?
Yes, if you are:
- A young entrepreneur in agriculture, food and nutrition
- Managing a local business for the local / regional market in Ethiopia / Kenya / Rwanda or Uganda
- You have an idea to improve your business so that it contributes to a sustainable food system
- Your business is running since 1+ year
- If the COVID-19 measures allow: you are available to travel to Nairobi for a 3-day-long in-person training at the end of August (travel costs reimbursed).
- If the COVID-19 measures do not allow: you are available and able to participate in the training online, including participation on virtual sessions and online self-study sessions over the period of 2 weeks at the end of August.
What are the selection criteria?
We are looking for SMEs who already follow principles of sustainability, aim to benefit people and the planet, and who have clear agroecological ideas on how to do better.
Winning ideas contribute to one or more of these goals:
- Resource efficiency (waste reduction, regenerative agriculture and circular practices)
- Dietary diversity
- Agrobiodiversity
- Synergies and co-creation in the food system
- Human health and well-being
- Creating value for low-income or other vulnerable groups
Besides impact potential on these goals, applications will be evaluated based on:
- Feasibility and clarity of the idea
- Desirability: is the idea benefiting your customers, clients?
- Viability: is the business model behind the idea viable?
- Current contribution to agroecological principles: what do you do already in your business to be resource-efficient, and benefit people and the planet?
- Suitability: is the YALTA Business Accelerator a good fit for you based on your ambitions
Note: we aim to select at least 1, but preferably 2-3 applicants from each country (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda).
Questions? Contact us via yalta@bopinc.org
Team
Portfolio
Name | Country | Sector(s) | Stage |
---|---|---|---|
Women Smiles Uganda Women Smiles empowers women and youth through sustainable farming. |
Uganda | Agribusiness | Startup stage |
Wage Spices Permaculture & Value addition on agricultural produce (Spices & herbs) |
Uganda | Crop farming, Food production, Packaging | Growth stage |
BeeGulf Limited Life's Sweet With beegulf Honey |
Rwanda | Agribusiness, Animal farming, Environmental servic… | Growth stage |
Horticulture, Ecotourism and Beekeeping. Feed and plant |
Ethiopia | Agribusiness, Environmental services, Waste manage… | Startup stage |
Golden Insect ltd We bring life to land and land to life |
Rwanda | Agrichemicals, Animal farming, Crop farming | Mature stage |
BeNu Foods Eat right, do good! |
Ethiopia | Agribusiness | Growth stage |
Dudu Masters Limited Let's feed the world without consuming mother earth. |
Kenya | Animal farming, Crop farming | Startup stage |
Boka biofuel We turn biowaste to biofuel. |
Kenya | Agribusiness, Biofuels, Clean technology and energ… | Startup stage |
Sylvine Seedling Production I sell high quality avocado and mango seedlings |
Rwanda | Crop farming | Growth stage |
Bana Jam Eat health, stay health. |
Kenya | Agribusiness | Growth stage |
Horticultural Crop Seeds Producer It is a sole proprietorship business, which is operated by me. |
Ethiopia | Agribusiness | Growth stage |