Zidicircle facilitates diaspora-led development by supporting and training high-potential diaspora entrepreneurs and investors, catalyzing angel investments into green SMEs, and aiming to be a global leader in diaspora entrepreneurship and angel investment capacity-building.
Role Description
This is a full-time hybrid role as a Program Coordinator at Zidicircle with remote work flexibility. The Program Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and managing various programs related to diaspora entrepreneurship and angel investing, organizing events, and facilitating community connections.
Duties and Responsibilities
The programmes Coordinator is the prime interface for entrepreneurs, investors and partners responsible for coordinating the planning and development of the Entrepreneur and Investor programmes of ZIDICIRCLE. This position requires a team player with leadership qualities, excellent coordination skills, a professional and positive attitude, organization and dependability. This is a challenging role but at the same time makes available endless opportunities and learning for the candidate.
A particularly exciting and challenging part of the job is building relationships with our diverse teams, facilitators and partners. Our teams are spread across different countries so having a great sense of responsibility when working remotely is an asset.
This is a hybrid full-time position reporting to programmes manager.
The specific duties of a programmes coordinator includes:
Prime interface for entrepreneurs, investors and partners responsible for coordinating the planning and development of the business in the Entrepreneur and Investor programmes of ZIDICIRCLE.
Pre-training logistics such as preparing the agenda or training schedule, candidates call, shortlisting of candidates, screening and admission as per the set protocol
Building and Managing the training resource persons/facilitators- updating trainers with programme agenda by emails, calendar invites, sending them reminders and introducing them during the trainings- Contacting the already existing programmes facilitators and trainers with module allocation and training or event logistics
During a programme/training: Provide training facilities to participants: create training agendas and implement them, assist in arranging consultation meetings, keep track of the training process
Updating all training materials on Zidicircle School learning platform in a timely manner and notifying the learners
Events and workshops: Plan various workshops/events/webinars for the community, and execute the same with the help of partners.
Ensuring that the programmes are well promoted by coordinating with communication and marketing teams.
Reporting programmes outcomes in a timely manner
Administration of the programmes and any other activities which require the coordinator’s involvement.
Qualifications
A business degree or equivalent combination and and experience
Excellent organizational and coordination skills
Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
Experience in program management or event coordination
Understanding of diaspora communities and entrepreneurship is a plus
Ability to execute and innovate programmes
Ability to relate and communicate efficiently with a wide variety of audiences
Ability to develop and cultivate relationships
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse teams(both physically and remotely
Comfort with ambiguity, uncertainty, and ability to rapidly adapt to changing conditions.
Excellent English communication skills – both verbal and written. Knowledge of french will be an added advantage
We are excited to announce the launch of the O-REMIT project that has been funded by the Belgian Government and implemented by partners; The International Organization for Migration (IOM)- Belgium and Luxembourg, Ondernemers voor Ondernemers vzw(OVO), Nationale Bank van België and ZidiCircle.
This project aims to offer cost-effective alternatives for remittances and opportunities for investment of savings by tracking diaspora remittance flows from Belgium into Morocco, Senegal, and the DRC, creating awareness among remit senders and receivers on these corridors on remittance options, and offering opportunities for diaspora in these corridors to convert some of the remittances into investments through the Venture backers programme that trains aspiring diaspora angel investors on angel investing.
Zidicircle will train diaspora from Morocco, Senegal, and the DRC living in Belgium on how to start functioning as angel investors and connect them to investor-ready SMEs in the three countries. We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to collaborations that extend this important work on remittances, diaspora investments, and supporting Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs) in Africa.
Zidicircle will further connect the trained diaspora angel investors to selected investor ready SME’s in Morocco, DRC and Senegal. Through the 8 weeks programme, the diaspora investors will receive tools to become confident and start functioning as venture backers who invest collectively thus minimizing the risk.
The programme will entail;
In-depth bootcamp covering Angel l investing basics
One-on-one Mentoring from experienced investors from OVO
At Least 3 physical meetups in Brussels for a chance to network with peers and investor mentors
Investing where they assemble their venture backers club and start investing together under our guidance and ecosystem deal pipeline
Chance to become judges in the country specific SME pitch competition
Joining the Zidicircle Coop-Diaspora investment vehicle and community to enable them invest
Access to the Zidicircle Angel investing school online learning platform
Zidicircle leverages on the knowledge and resources of the diaspora and in-country resources to bridge both the capacity and funding gap for diaspora’s and Africa’s small and medium enterprises.
”It is such a pleasure to extend the venture backers programme to more countries in Europe and Africa. Many thanks to the Belgian Government for recognizing the African diaspora potential along with their economic power that comes with Remittances and what they can be able to do for both Belgium and Africa. On many occasions IOM has partnered with us on diaspora entrepreneurship and Investments topics, and this moment is particularly important as we are actioning the remittances opportunity towards the Green transition . I look forward to full implementation and sharing the bigger impact of the O-Remit project”.
According to Dorien Deketele, Project manager for O-REMIT project at IOM Belgium Country office,
”There is a lot of untapped potential of diaspora, who often have an urge of giving back and who are uniquely placed to contribute to what was once their home country. Managing migration can be a very positive story with a win-win for all parties involved including the migrant, the home and host country”.
SME’s in the Green Sectors
This project will target SME’s in the Green economy sectors such as Food and Agriculture, Renewable energy, Water Sanitation and Health (WASH). Manufacturing and digital solutions supporting the Green economy will also be considered.
Morocco cohort
The first group of aspiring diaspora angel investors will be Moroccan diaspora members residing in Belgium and willing to invest in SMEs in their country of origin.
The training by Zidicircle will give the selected diaspora investors an opportunity to participate in entrepreneurship as angel investors and advisors even though they are not running the businesses themselves. They are also able to promote community capital so that more entrepreneurs can access capital and grow their businesses either nationally or internationally.
The Senegal diaspora investor angel investing programme will follow in Autum 2023 and DRC will be covered in the Spring of 2024.
You can apply for the Morocco programme set to beginning on in June 6th to 4th July 2023 here
As always, we remain committed to our mission of catalysing diaspora driven development through entrepreneurship and investments in Europe and Africa.
Any comments or correspondent please email o-remit@zidicircle.com
Partners
The Belgian government is the sponsor for the O-REMIT project, with as goal to create a more meaningful insight on the remittance flows and the different forms under which remittances leave Belgium.
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners.
OVO strengthens sustainable entrepreneurship in Africa. They select, guide, finance and monitor African businesses and organizations to help them achieve their goals.
The NBB is the prudential supervisor of the Belgian financial sector and functions as the central bank. Moreover, NBB provides data sources and meaningful insights on banking behaviour in Belgium.
The Zidicircle Coop is a Diaspora Investments special purpose vehicle that enters into investment agreements with start-ups or small and medium-sized businesses as an investor for and on behalf of the venture backer who have decided to invest in the business concerned. The beneficial ownership from those investments lies with the investors. The investment vehicle was initiated by an organised group of diaspora individuals from Zidi B. V’s Venture Backers programme and other professionals, entrepreneurs and like-minded international angel investors who want to reduce the knowledge, resources and funding gap for startups and small and medium businesses founded by underserved entrepreneurs who are driven by a positive impact on the environment, society and support the sustainable development goals (SDG’s)
Do you have a keen interest in financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and impact investing? Zidicircle promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and financing for the Global diaspora & SMEs in Africa. We do this by facilitating training boot camps for startups and angel investors as well as facilitating funding, mentorship, match-making and venture partnerships. We are headquartered in the Netherlands with a physical presence in Ghana and Kenya and Virtually through programmes that widely reach the global diaspora and participants across the EU, UK and Africa.
This role of an investment intern will support the Angel investing programme called the Venture backers programme where aspiring diaspora and in-country angel investors get trained and thereafter start investing through the Zidicircle Coop-Investment Vehicle.
The focus on Ghana will mostly support Green SMEs and Angel investors through the investment process. Read more about the Green venture backers programme here.
Our organization has a very inclusive culture with a hybrid format that promotes a great work-life balance. We also have good personal development opportunities through training and International exposure. This role requires someone based in Ghana and mobile enough to visit the SMEs in different regions.
This is a 3 months internship position with a possibility of being absorbed by Zidicircle.
Skills & Attributes
The following skills would be an advantage:
A recent university graduate of a finance-focused degree or a related discipline
Broad understanding of SMEs needs and solutions
Excellent Analytical skills
Excellent spreadsheet skills – particularly in Excel
Excellent communication – both verbal and written english, french is an added advantage
Excellent organizational skill
Tech savvy
Responsibilities:
Act as a liaison between the Green SMEs and Investors
Coordinate the retrieval of business information from the green SMEs
Reviewing green SMEs funding application forms
Onboarding the green venture backers’ (investors) to the Zidicircle Coop including replying to applications, onboarding calls, bylaws clarification, information requests and approvals
Coordinating SMEs and Investors for the green pitching events including evaluation, grading and post pitch follow up
Coordinating due diligence by contacting entrepreneurs and gathering all relevant information for due diligence
Coordinating with 3rd parties for due diligence background checks
Visiting SMEs for on-the-ground due diligence
Holding investor meetings and sharing meeting reports
Scheduling entrepreneurs’ meetings where necessary
Preparing investments committee minutes
Facilitating funding negotiations and documentation with the SMEs, investors and lawyers
Proper storage of green SME investments documentation, filling in the database
Responding to queries by outside parties
Coordinating with Lawyers for deal closing
Preparing payments documentation for the Board
Coordinating timely reporting by the portfolio companies
Applications with a detailed CV and cover letter can be made online on this link by 27th November 2022. For any queries write to applications@zidicircle.com
Ghanaian startup, Uvuko Company Limited has raised funding from Zidicircle’s Diaspora Angel Investors through their investment vehicle: Zidicircle Coop- to scale its plastic waste management and recycling within Tarkwa in the Western Region of Ghana. Founded in 2017 by Kofi and Aba Ackon, Uvuko Company Limited aims to promote sustainable cities by reducing the effect of plastic waste pollution on the environment.
Entrepreneurship Training and Pitching
Uvuko Company Limited was incubated under the Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project, a four-year action from the European Union, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) that aims to create greater economic and employment opportunities for youth, women, and returning migrants by promoting and supporting sustainable, green businesses in two selected regions in Ghana: the Ashanti and Western regions.
After successfully completing the GrEEn Incubation Programme, a 6-month business advisory training provided by SNV Ghana and its business hub partners in the two regions (Kofi was supported by U-hub located in Tarkwa) where GrEEn is being implemented, Kofi Ackon pitched to Diaspora and Ghanaian angel investors trained under the Green Venture Backers’ Programme, a partnership between Zidicircle and SNV Ghana that provides coaching and support to interested diaspora and in-country angel investors. (The Green Venture Backers’ Programme is geared at mobilizing a fraction of diaspora remittances and in-country savings, converting them into venture investments to bridge the financing gap and provide financial inclusion to green and sustainable start-ups and innovations by entrepreneurs in the circular economy).
Under the partnership with SNV Ghana, green entrepreneurs who graduated (like Kofi) or were currently enrolled in the GrEEn Incubation Programme then pitch their products and services to trained angel investors from Zidicircle. After the pitch, Zidicircle’s angel investors, under the guidance of the Zidicircle Coop (a diaspora-driven special-purpose investment vehicle) evaluate the businesses and collectively invest in any chosen green company.
From a Problem to a Business
Kofi Ackon was inspired to build Uvuko Company Limited after being unemployed upon completing his postgraduate degree and experiencing severe flooding caused by a blockage in the main drain by PET bottles and polyethene bags where he lived, “After experiencing the severe flooding, I decided to find ways of getting plastics off our street and out of our drains. I discovered the plastic recycling industry was a budding one in Ghana and there was a high demand for recycled plastics. So I decided to go into plastic recycling to help rid our streets of plastics and create employment for myself and the youth in my community.” says Kofi.
Once the company was set up, Kofi and his team went ahead to build a plastic recycling culture in Tarkwa by sensitising people in the communities, schools, markets, churches and organizations in their city. “Right from the onset of Uvuko, we realized the need for a strong relationship with all stakeholders in the municipalities. Through these engagements, we were able to liaise with chiefs and local government authorities to set up collection points in the communities. We engage members in the communities, mostly women, as agents. The impact is seen in how clean some communities have become and the extra income that goes to households in the communities,” stated Kofi.
The plastic recycling culture that Uvuko is continuously building has drastically grown over a period of 5 years from collecting 150 kg of plastics per month to collecting over 20,000 kg of plastics per month. This has to a great extent reduced the volume of plastic that ends up in drains and landfills in the municipality, but there’s still more that needs to be done.
Once the plastics are collected, they are sorted, shredded, washed and dried into flakes and pellets which are then packaged in recyclable sacks and sold to plastic-manufacturing companies. The company also promotes the reuse of plastics among local waste management enterprises by providing them with refurbished dustbins. What’s more, the brand also sells clean and reusable plastic gallons to SMEs that produce liquid soap.
Over the years, the venture has created a loyal market for its recycled products. Kofi attributes this to a strong value chain, “What makes our flakes and pellets one of the best in Ghana lies in the strong value chain we have created over the years. From collection to processing, all the players involved are educated on the Resin Identification Codes (RIC) to ensure that quality recyclable plastics make it to the end of the processing line.”
Some of the diaspora angels at a past event in Amsterdam
What’s Next for the Company?
With the funds raised, Uvuko Company Limited plans to get more machinery to scale up the production of flakes and pellets, and introduce renewable energy solutions to aid in lighting during production, “We are always looking for new means of reducing cost and improving the quality of our products. It’s no wonder we produce one of the best flakes in Ghana.” adds Kofi
The company also plans to level up its education on plastic recycling by working more with communities and institutions within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality to collect more plastic waste. Currently, Uvuko works with basic schools, mining service contractors, sachet water producers, bulk aggregators in over 20 communities, local gin producers, liquid soap manufacturers, waste management firms, and over 690 individual collectors in Tarkwa.
Kofi also plans to expand production, “The funding has created an opportunity for Uvuko to add more value to the plastic waste it collects. It will increase our capacity to educate and add more communities in the three adjourning districts by the close of next year.”
He continues, “The funding will also create an avenue to serve not just the local market but the foreign ones as well. However, the majority of the impact will be felt by the various collectors, transporters, agents, aggregators and individuals along our value chain. The extra capacity will rail in more income that can support the growth of everyone involved in the value chain.”
Genevieve Parker-Twum, the Senior Incubation and Acceleration Advisor for the GrEEn Project in SNV Ghana expressed elation about the funding provided to Uvuko, “We’re excited about this opportunity for Uvuko Company to expand its business. Kofi was very committed to the GrEEn Incubation Programme and to growing his business. Our hope is that our partnership with Zidicircle on the Green Venture Backers Programme will be the stepping stone for improved cooperation with Ghanaian diaspora investments in SMEs.”
Fridah Ntarangwi, the Managing Director of Zidicircle also elaborated on why the investors chose Uvoko, “Kofi and his team really impressed our investors. They are solving a major environmental problem, and they have managed to get all stakeholders involved at the local community level. They are also providing employment opportunities along the plastic recycling value chain. This investment will enable them to acquire the necessary equipment to scale creating a better environment with more opportunities for the youth.“
From Zidicircle and SNV Ghana, we wish Kofi and his team at Uvuko Company Limited all the best as they step into this new chapter of their journey!
About Zidicircle Coop- Diaspora Investments
The Diaspora Investments Coop is a special-purpose investment vehicle that enters into investment agreements with start-ups or small and medium-sized businesses as an investor for and on behalf of the venture backer who has decided to invest in the business concerned. The beneficial ownership from those investments lies with the investors.
The investment vehicle was initiated by an organised group of diaspora individuals from Zidi B. V’s Venture Backers programme and other professionals, entrepreneurs and like-minded international angel investors who want to reduce the knowledge, resources and funding gap for startups and small and medium businesses founded by underserved entrepreneurs who are driven by a positive impact on the environment, society and support the sustainable development goals (SDG’s).
About SNV
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a not-for-profit international development organization that makes a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services. SNV focuses on three key sectors: agriculture, renewable energy and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). SNV has a long-term, local presence in over 25 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and has been working in Ghana since 1992.
The Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project is a four-year action from the European Union and its European Union Emergency Trust Fund (EUTF) for Africa, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The project aims at creating greater economic and employment opportunities for youth, women and returning migrants by promoting and supporting sustainable, green businesses and local climate-resilient economies in two regions in Ghana: Ashanti and Western. Within the GrEEn project, SNV is responsible for two result areas:
Employability and entrepreneurship capabilities of youth, women and returnees are improved in selected sectors, for the benefit of green and climate-resilient local economies.
SMEs, offering decent and sustainable jobs to youth, women and returnees, are incubated and/or accelerated and contribute to green and climate-resilient local economies.
About Zidi B.V
Zidi B.V is a business incubator and Investments Advisory firm headquartered in the Netherlands that promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and Financing for the Global diaspora & SMEs in Africa. Zidi’s Venture Backers Programme is targeted at local and diaspora professionals who are interested in investing in SMEs in their home countries. We provide various interventions;
Our corporate services include; Training boot camps for startups/SMEs, angel investing training, and angel investment management.
Our advocacy roles include Mobilizing global diaspora towards economic development in Host and home countries, Rallying governments into creating enabling environment for the diaspora and creating vibrant entrepreneur support and funding ecosystems
We work with Entrepreneurs, investors, development partners, corporate partners, Consultants and organizations that share these goals.
Do you have a keen interest in financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and impact investing? Zidicircle promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and financing for the Global diaspora & SMEs in Africa. We do this by facilitating training boot camps for startups and angel investors as well as facilitating funding, mentorship, match-making and venture partnerships. We are headquartered in the Netherlands with a physical presence in Ghana and Kenya and Virtually through programmes that widely reach the global diaspora and participants across the EU, UK and Africa.
This role of an investment intern will support the Angel investing programme called the Venture backers programme where aspiring diaspora and in-country angel investors get trained and thereafter start investing through the Zidicircle Coop-Investment Vehicle.
The focus on Ghana will mostly support Green SMEs and Angel investors through the investment process. Read more about the Green venture backers programme here.
Our organization has a very inclusive culture with a hybrid format that promotes a great work-life balance. We also have good personal development opportunities through training and International exposure. This role requires someone based in Ghana and mobile enough to visit the SMEs in different regions.
This is a 3 months internship position with a possibility of being absorbed by Zidicircle.
Skills & Attributes
The following skills would be an advantage:
A recent university graduate of a finance-focused degree or a related discipline
Broad understanding of SMEs needs and solutions
Excellent Analytical skills
Excellent spreadsheet skills – particularly in Excel
Excellent communication – both verbal and written
Excellent organizational skill
Tech Savvy
Responsibilities:
Act as a liaison between the Green SMEs and Investors
Coordinate the retrieval of business information from the green SMEs
Reviewing green SMEs funding application forms
Onboarding the green venture backers’ (investors) to the Zidicircle Coop including replying to applications, onboarding calls, bylaws clarification, information requests and approvals
Coordinating SMEs and Investors for the green pitching events including evaluation, grading and post pitch follow up
Coordinating due diligence by contacting entrepreneurs and gathering all relevant information for due diligence
Coordinating with 3rd parties for due diligence background checks
Visiting SMEs for on-the-ground due diligence
Holding investor meetings and sharing meeting reports
Scheduling entrepreneurs’ meetings where necessary
Preparing investments committee minutes
Facilitating funding negotiations and documentation with the SMEs, investors and lawyers
Proper storage of green SME investments documentation, filling in the database
Responding to queries by outside parties
Coordinating with Lawyers for deal closing
Preparing payments documentation for the Board
Coordinating timely reporting by the portfolio companies
Applications with a detailed CV and cover letter can be made online on this link by 31st July 2022. For any queries write to applications@zidicircle.com
The pitch event happens as the last module (Module 10) of our Entrepreneurship Bootcamp.
On 31st August 2021, the Zidicircle Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (Spring cohort) got to pitch to our pool of investors and partners for a chance to get funding or commercial networks. This was part of completing the training.
Our entrepreneurs came from an array of sectors, including:
Digital Media Creatives (IAMNATIV)
Human Resource Services Digitalization (EssentialPeople)
Green Economy-Solar powered cooling system (Kibanda Poa)
Fintech- Small Businesses Financial Management App (Kuungana Technology)
eCommerce (Bendera)
The Pitch
Every pitcher (entrepreneur) was required to create a pitch deck highlighting important aspects of their business. Here are some of the topics that the pitch decks had.
With a succinct, well-thought-out and engaging pitch deck, the pitchers were able to explain their businesses’ concept and value to potential investors. It took each pitcher a maximum of three minutes to dive in and give a clear picture of their businesses and what they intend to do.
The goal of a pitch is to tell the company’s story in a short, engaging way that will pull in the investor to want to know more about the company, but still give enough information for the investor to make a buy-in decision.
Clarification and Grading
Once the entrepreneurs make their pitches, the judges take them through a Q&A session to clarify investors’ interest points to make the buy-in decision easier. The judges on the August Pitch Demo day had a host of questions for our entrepreneurs.
These were the August 31 Pitch Demo Day judges:
One crucial point to note though is that it’s a huge misconception that the only reason startups pitch is to get funding. Although this is mainly the case, some entrepreneurs don’t necessarily need funding. Some entrepreneurs may need commercial networks and partnerships instead.
So, if you need market entry and penetration networks or even international distribution channel networks, you can still pitch for a chance to get them.
Once the judges got the clarification they needed, they had enough information to grade the entrepreneurs. On a scale of 1 to 10, the judges graded the entrepreneurs based on the:
Attractiveness of the business idea
Clarity when pitching
Entrepreneur’s presentation skills
Economic logic of the business
Ease of implementation and
Quality of the value proposition
The average grade pointed to the entrepreneur’s skill set. So, the entrepreneur with the highest points got first place and with first place came amazing awards.
The Winners and Awards
To us, all our entrepreneurs were winners because they put in considerable effort to understand their businesses and they were also willing to share their stories to get the ask they needed.
Volition Advisor session in Digital Marketing Strategy, Content, and Advertising.
An investor readiness program by Fledgerr and then conduct fundraising on Fledgerr’s main platform
A complete product prototype designed by The Bhub with a value of up to 3K USD, go-to-market tools through The Bhub’s partnership with AWS and Mixpanel, and early user acquisition support, including a data science consultant, 2 years of free AWS hosting credits worth $5k and Mixpanel hosting credits worth $10k.
Olivia Decker, the founder Bendera
Olivia, the founder of Bendera and Kenya Hub took second place after an amazing pitch, leading her to scoop the following awards:
A potential consideration for investment by Zidicircle
Faith Obange, the founder and CEO of Kibanda Poa scooped:
A potential consideration for investment
These awards were made possible by the collaboration of our partners:
The Next Pitch Event
The next Zidicircle Entrepreneurship Bootcamp pitch event is set for 27th January 2022, where our Autumn cohort from an array of sectors will pitch to investors. These entrepreneurs come from different sectors, including:
Zidicircle and SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation) have partnered to launch the GrEEn Venture Backers programme. The programme aims to equip investors in Ghana and the Diaspora who are seeking to invest in Ghana’s green economy with the knowledge and skills to start investing in green SMEs in the Ashanti and Western regions.
The two organisations strive to build synergies and coordinate activities to support sustainable growth, development and financial inclusion of green entrepreneurs through diaspora investment, mentorship and portfolio management. Therefore, they plan to mobilise and strengthen diaspora, international and local investors to support green SMEs led and owned by youth, women and returning migrants by facilitating access to innovative financing opportunities and solutions.
The collaboration is expected to result in additional complementary activities in future that may contribute to a sustainable green and circular economy in the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana, such as the upcoming 3-day regional investment fora.
The GrEEn-Diaspora Venture Backers programme, a four-week virtual training, will focus on green businesses and SMEs in three sectors namely, Food and Agriculture, Renewable Energy, as well as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Due to the partnership, this programme will be offered free of charge on condition that participants commit to invest a set minimum amount post-training.
Since November 2019, SNV in Ghana has been implementing theBoosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project. The GrEEn project is a four-year action from the European Union, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and aims at creating greater economic and employment opportunities for youth, women, and returning migrants by promoting and supporting sustainable, green businesses in two selected regions in Ghana: the Ashanti and Western regions.
As part of the GrEEn Project, SNV Ghana runs incubation and acceleration programmes that support green businesses and start-ups at the early stages of development to make better use of natural resources, be energy efficient, properly manage waste and pollution, and operate profitable business ventures.
According to SNV Ghana’s Senior Incubation and Acceleration Advisor on the GrEEn Project, Genevieve Parker-Twum,
“The structure of most investment facilities makes it nearly impossible for early-stage businesses to access critical funding for growth. With funding from the European Union and through the GrEEn Project, we are excited about this opportunity to work with angel investors in Ghana and the diaspora, as it offers many opportunities, unlocks the much-needed affordable funding and brings the investors closer to the SMEs. On our part, the GrEEn incubation and acceleration programmes will focus on supporting the SMEs to be investment ready so they can take advantage of the great opportunity this programme presents“.
Zidicircle has been facilitating investments, mentorship and business incubation services both to the diaspora and in-country programmes in African countries since 2016. In 2021, Zidicircle launched the Venture Backers Programme targeting in-country investors and diaspora professionals who are interested in investing in SMEs in their home countries. In May, Zidicircle partnered with SNV Ghana to conduct the first-ever GrEEn-Diaspora match-making programme.
“To me it’s a dream come true. Having both the local investors in African countries such as Ghana, and the diaspora contribute to sustainable development through venture investing in the green economy is a game changer. With the current funding landscape, very few mainstream investors are willing to take the risks associated with the green sectors, and what SNV is doing with the support of the European Union is commendable. We are plugging in to simplify green investing by a step-by-step learning approach with real case studies and de-risking mechanisms that will support the climate goals”.
The GrEEn-Diaspora Venture Backers Programme seeks to further develop and strengthen the green entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana. Zidicircle and SNV are partnering to train and support angel investors in Ghana and the diaspora on how to invest in already trained and vetted green start-ups and SMEs.
The programme will run quarterly every year, starting September 2021 until November 2023.
Green Economy
The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines a green economy business as one that contributes to protecting and restoring the natural environment, and reduces the harm caused to it. It is also productive, fair, and secure.
In the context of theGrEEn project, green businesses may include one or all of the following aspects:
· Efficient use of resources, e.g. energy, water
· Protection of natural resources, e.g. soil, water, forests and biodiversity
· Reduction of waste and losses (especially in relation to food crops) along the value chains: e.g. through solar drying and solar cooling facilities
· Promoting the circular economy, e.g. re-use, upcycling and recycling
· Reduction of carbon emissions
· Resilience against climate change, e.g. conservation agriculture and climate-smart agriculture
· Reduction of waste and pollution
Qualifications
The Ghanaian or Diaspora angel investor should be a motivated and passionate professional with a broad interest in the venture capital space and driven to find and fund exceptional green businesses in the three sectors.
Zidi B.V is a business incubator and investments advisory firm based in the Netherlands that is promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and financing for the Diaspora Entrepreneurs in Europe & SMEs in Africa. Zidi does this by providing training, mentorship and investments to diaspora entrepreneurs who partner with local SMEs in Africa. Zidicircle has headquarters in the Netherlands with entrepreneurship and investments chapters in Ghana, Kenya, Germany and has hosted diaspora entrepreneurs from 24 African countries. Zidi has been recognized by the European Union’s Emen Project as one of the migrant-led initiatives that promote inclusive entrepreneurship in Europe and has been nominated by the European Women Payments & Fintech as Initiative of the Year (2018).
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a not-for-profit international development organisation that makes a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services. We focus on only three sectors and have a long-term, local presence in over 25 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Its team of over 1,300 staff is the backbone of SNV.
SNV has been present in Ghana since 1992 and operates from its national office in Accra with project offices in the Western, Ashanti, and Northern regions.
The programme is open for applications. Read more and apply here
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
In one of our entrepreneur’s stories, we feature one of our spring cohorts, Aggrey Anduuru, the proprietor and CEO of Essential People.
We asked Aggrey a series of questions, whose answers we hope you, our Zidicircle community, will find enlightening, insightful, inspiring and motivating
Q: What is the name of your venture?
A: Essential People… trading as Essential Business Advisory Services Limited
Q: What does Essential People do?
A: We are a people business. We are into recruitment, selection, placement, compensation, learning and development services. Following the change in the workplace following COVID 19, we strive to build workplaces of the future… that value human capital as an asset and not as a liability
Q: What is the history of your business?
A: I have been in the family business for close to 30 years, but formally got involved in HR in 2008, following my graduation from USIU. In 2014, my mum and company CEO passed on following a long-term illness. I took over the leadership of the family business in October of that year. In 2020, in response to new challenges and opportunities in human development such as Digitalization, Biometrics, AI, Cloud computing…remote working: I took a look at the position of the business in this changing world and realized if we don’t pivot then in 5 years we would have lost our position in the market to agile competitors. We conceived Essential People to reflect a new focus on people-process engineering as opposed to just hiring to fire when the fit isn’t right…
Q: How did the idea for Essential People come about?
A: Essential People…is a tribute to the legacy of my mum. The family business is called Essential Management Consultancy Services Limited, but that is a mouthful and I wanted something that was easier to say…so Essential People was born. We also desired to repurpose ourselves, especially after COVID 19 broke out. New challenges arose such as Safety and Health at work, supply of manpower during the pandemic, and working from home. All these created a different business environment from that which we operated 20 years ago…and with that the realization that change was here
Q: What would be your 3 key pieces of advice from your journey to fellow entrepreneurs?
A:
1) Never walk alone…and I don’t just say that because I’m a Liverpool fan ?
2) Seek advice and seek partnerships that will grow you and test you. Secondly don’t be afraid…
3) Thirdly be humble enough to say sorry when you mess up
Q: What triggered you to take part in the bootcamp?
A: I wanted to start afresh…and was looking for energy and ideas from the start up space. I also really want to work with Bhub to build a killer cloud based HRNIS system
Q: What have you learnt so far from the program and how have you applied the lessons learnt?
A: Pain points. I learned to listen to customer and client pain about my service delivery and it was humbling. Two clients; I’ve already written letters of apology for performance that was below expectation, and devised action plans to correct behaviour
Q: Where do you see your business in 3 years’ time? And what will it take for you to get there?
A: I want to build a business that provides solutions to human capital challenges such as recruitment and selection of talent that is the right fit, performance management systems that bring out the best of the employer-employee collaboration, learning and development opportunities that will empower all employees regardless of rank or position.
I want Essential People as a PEO that can be counted on to maximize the full potential of everyone… To get there we need assistance in putting in place systems and processes. We also need mentorship and partnerships more so to assist in the move to ultimately attain International Certification
Q: Would you recommend the program to other entrepreneurs?
A: Yes
Q: Do you have any advice for other starting entrepreneurs?
A: Don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities and relationships.
Q: How can interested parties find you? A: Our website is www.ebas.co.ke Our physical address is Jogoo Rd Plaza, 2nd floor, Door 09.
How these Successful African Entrepreneurs Raised Capital for Their Businesses?
“I don’t have the capital.”
“Nobody wants to give me capital.”
“The banks have turned me down five times.”
These are some of the most common reasons people give for not starting or growing their businesses.
Access to capital is arguably the biggest threat to entrepreneurs around the world. And every year, thousands of passionate people – especially in Africa – give up on their business ideas, projects, and dreams just because they can’t find capital.
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