We are thrilled to announce that Zidicircle– an Amsterdam based diaspora incubator has partnered with Deutsch Connect and AG Career Hub -both German-based, to launch the diaspora entrepreneurship Bootcamp and incubation programme in Germany.
Started in Amsterdam about 5 years ago, Zidicircle launched the diaspora entrepreneurship Bootcamp, a semi-annual diaspora training and incubation programme aimed at supporting migrants, diaspora and under-represented founders with resources to enable them to launch businesses in the Netherlands or in their Country of Origin. The programme has so far trained over 324 diaspora entrepreneurs into launching businesses in their countries of residence, internationally or in their African countries of origin. The programme has in the past years grown beyond the Netherlands to become one of the most sort after entrepreneurship programme by the diaspora globally. The Germany chapter now joins the other chapters in The Netherlands, Kenya, & Ghana.
“More often than not, diaspora and migrants are in between two worlds. This is a great place to be, but if not natured and supported it can be a lost opportunity. Zidicircle strives to capitalize on the diaspora know-how, mobility and talent in an inclusive entrepreneurship landscape that brings better economic outcomes both in the hosts and countries of origin. This partnership and entry to Germany spells this spirit, and we are very grateful to our partners”, says Fridah Ntarangwi, Zidicircle’s Founding and Managing Partner.
This Chapter is aimed at enabling the German diaspora entrepreneurs to have an entrepreneurship programme specifically designed to cater for the diaspora and migrant entrepreneurs needs. It is very common for starting entrepreneurs to get stranded, more so if they face other challenges as migrants, therefore, this programme provides training, mentorship, access to funding and markets. Participants get access to a diverse pool of entrepreneurs spread out globally and the benefits of collaborating with African small and medium enterprises through our match-making programme who offer a wealth of experience across sectors either as business partners, team members or markets entry focal points.
Kumbirai Chipadza, Founder and CEO of Deutsch Connect notes, “With the knowledge, skills, networks and experience gained in different parts of the world it is extremely important for Diaspora to play a more active role towards Africa,s success. We are the 6th region in Africa.” Continues Kumbirai.
We are also bringing the Diaspora Venture Backers programme on board so that aspiring diaspora investors in Germany can acquire the skills to enable them to invest in other diaspora startups and Africa’s SME’s thus making community capital accessible.
“With the skills acquired by African professionals abroad, there is a need to establish business ventures abroad and back in the countries of origin. Let us establish those business ventures, connect with the global markets and offer sustainable solutions,” Says Caroline Mwangi, CEO & Co-Founder of AG-Career Hub
This partnership is founded on a common goal to support early-stage diaspora startups in Germany and beyond. Participants who join the DEB 6 Months Incubation Programme access a blended package of 10 modules of business training, 4 months mentorship by experienced industry professionals, monthly group coaching sessions, fast-tracked fundraising, a chance to be matched with diaspora entrepreneurs/investors and exposure to a rich commercial network. They also get a Demo day, where they pitch to both national, diaspora and international potential partners, investors and clients.
A soft virtual launch is scheduled for August 13th, 2021, at 16:00CET and all questions about the September intake will be answered during the session. You can register to attend here
Deutsch Connect is a German-based Afrocentric startup that links Africa and German businesses and people through B2B Matchmaking, Market Linkages, Talent Acquisition and Investment.
AG-Career Hub is an information and consulting platform that links professionals to career and business opportunities in Germany and in Africa with the goal of connecting them with companies, organizations & universities.
Zidicircle promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and financing for the diaspora entrepreneurs & SME’s in Africa through business training, mentorship, funding, match-making and venture partnerships for both diaspora entrepreneurs or investors & in-country programmes in Africa. Zidi has been recognized by the European Union’s Emen Project as one of the best migrant-led initiatives that promote inclusive entrepreneurship (2020) and Nominated by the European Women Payments & Fintech as Initiative of the Year (2018). Zidicircle has offices in Amsterdam representing the EU HUB, Nairobi representing the East African Hub and Accra serving the West African Hub
To enrol for Zidicircle’s Diaspora Entrepreneurship Bootcamp – Germany Chapter, simply read more and sign up here
Forward any comments or correspondence to Info@zidicircle.com