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+31 20 773 5130

Meet Caitlin Seandel, The Founder of Kuungana Technology

Today, we feature one of Zidicircle’s entrepreneurs, Caitlin Seandel, the proprietor and CEO of Kuungana Technology.

We asked Caitlin 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 business?

Kuungana Technology.

Q: What does your venture do?

We help micro-businesses operating in the informal sector in East Africa grow while uniting a fragmented financial sector. We do this through our value-added and scalable technology.

Q: What is the history of your business?

It starts with my background. I have work experience in teaching English abroad in Phnom Penh, tech sales experience for a start-up in San Francisco, and worked as a program manager for a CBO microlender in rural Eastern Uganda. It was there that the idea for Kuungana took hold.

Q: How did the idea for Kuungana Technology come about?

Kuungana is Swahili for unity, which is exactly what we do; unite business owners with their business’s earning potential and through doing this we will be able to unite a fragmented financial sector.

Q: What would be your 3 key pieces of advice from your journey to fellow entrepreneurs?

1) Don’t doubt your vision.

2) When speaking with potential partners/investors/customers and they question you, don’t take it personally. Understand that this is a perfect time to learn. If there are misunderstandings in what you are trying to accomplish chances are you are not presenting your vision and process clearly.

3) Joy, fun + self-care are important. There are great times of uncertainty make sure that through everything you are taking care of yourself and finding joy even in the stress.

Q: What triggered you to take part in the Zidicircle Bootcamp?

The mentorship really intrigued me as well as having the opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs.

Q: What have you learnt so far from the program and how have you applied the lessons learnt? Give examples.

Understanding how to identify early tech adopters and your angel users. This has helped Kuungana really hone in on who our ideal user is helping out with our sales strategy and product development.

Kungaana’s past training session

Q: What‘s your highest business need at the moment

I am in need of an experienced banking industry professional in Kenya and East Africa. We are also shopping for a good mobile app developer

Q: Would you recommend the program to other entrepreneurs? Why?

If you are feeling stuck or having questions about what your technology should look like/do this is a great program for you!

It will help bring clarity to your companies’ vision and mission as well as what is needed from your service to make that happen!

Q: Do you have any advice for other starting entrepreneurs?

If you are excited about your vision and believe, just keep going. Even if you have to take a break, get back to it.

Q: How can interested parties find you?

Email: caitlinseandel@kuunganatech.com

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Digitalizing African creatives: Meet Caroline Kamya

Today, we feature one of Zidicircle’s Spring 2021 entrepreneurs, Caroline Kamya, the proprietor and CEO of I AM NATIV.

I AM NATIV ( NATIV for short) is a platform and organization that focuses on unleashing the talent of African creatives with the use of SaaS via the global internet. They are connecting buyers from all over the world with top-end media crew and related professionals in Africa. NATIV is a freelance service platform curating a network and marketplace for professional African media crew and associated creatives. With Africa in mind, NATIV is a place where creatives sell their services and content to buyers in an environment that is: Safe, secure and mobile-ready. NATIV is located in Kampala, Uganda & Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

We asked Caroline Kamya 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 business?

I AM NATIV

Q: What does your venture do?

IAM NATIV brings talented media creatives (such as crew members) and buyers of services together on one platform to buy and sell freelance audio and visual services from Africa.

As I have worked on both sides as a seller and buyer of media services for the production of media content such as documentaries and TV commercials, I have a wealth of knowledge and awareness of some of the opportunity and pain points that are involved in this market.

Customers who want to sell their services globally will find great benefit in signing up and subscribing to the platform and buyers who are searching for a reliable space to access services and content from media crew in Africa will find it in one location and be able to pay them directly.

There is a huge need for African creative services and products such as film, tv, documentaries and promos filmed on the African continent for domestic and foreign markets. With mobile money becoming the preferred banking method, we overcome this barrier by making it fast and efficient to work with and pay for these services on one space.

What we are selling are freelancers services and content from media crew working and residing in Africa to a local and global market.

Q: What is the history of your business?

I am an award-winning filmmaker. I have run and owned a production company since 2004 which is based in Europe, with an office in Africa.

Having been trained at the BBC and HBO, I have over 17 years of work experience in making tonnes of content, e.g. promos, commercials etc. I have done this for brands, ad agencies, NGO’s and so on, in Africa and Europe. Some of these companies include drinks companies, telecoms, airlines as well as making the first feature by a Ugandan woman that helped to open some doors to the burgeoning industry.

Q: How did the idea for I AM NATIV come about?

I AM NATIV came about due to timing, my work in Europe and Africa, trying to find crew to work on Projects fast, and being proud to be a “native” of Africa.

As I worked in Europe focusing on content in Africa, I noticed that my business formula could be duplicated to scale to unleash the talent in Africa and use fintech to make this streamlined.

Q: What would be your 3 key pieces of advice from your journey to fellow entrepreneurs?

  1. Keep positive, any idea has its ups and downs
  2. Keep distilling your vision -the more you work on it the tighter it is before you build it
  3. Take on constructive critiques, listen more than speak to your target group

Q: What triggered you to take part in the Zidicircle Bootcamp?

The Bootcamp has a focus on Africa and Africa diaspora and my project focuses on African talent, the mentors have a strong track record and background so I can access advice. Opportunities for funding is also attractive to me as a startup.

Q: What have you learnt so far from the program and how have you applied the lessons learnt? Give examples.

So far, all areas have been very useful from concept – to pricing. Using Miro as a virtual board has been quite helpful as well as interactive aspects to the session sharing with other entrepreneurs.

Q: Where do you see I AM NATIV in 3 years’ time? And what will it take for you to get there?

In 3 years, my business will be a global go-to platform for African creatives. At least 1 million creatives in Africa will be using the platform to earn and collaborate successfully and over 6 million sales from customers buying their services and content. I see it as the GO TO PLATFORM for media companies who want virtual services from top-end crew from Africa.

Q: What’s the greatest need for your business at this moment?

At the moment we have a funding need of $250, 000 that will help in Operations, Marketing & Advertising, Pre- Onboarding Training of creatives Scaling, Maintenance, Customer & Client acquisition, Regional Scaling, Continuous R&D and App development.  We have been very lucky to have 3 early-stage investors on board already.

I am also looking for a mentor.

Q: Would you recommend the program to other entrepreneurs? Why?

Yes, I do recommend it. It has good facilitators and experts with a strong background, it is also interactive.

Q: Do you have any advice for other starting entrepreneurs?

My advice for other starting entrepreneurs: Do it if it’s your passion and you will do it even when the journey gets hard, get advice and mentorship.

Q: How can interested parties find you?

Email me – caroline@ceekayfilms.com  / caroline@iamnativ.com / caroline.kamya@gmail.com  

For any other correspondence about our programmes email contact@zidicircle.com

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ZidiCircle Partners with SNV to launch a match-making programme between Diaspora/international entrepreneurs and Green sector SME’s in Ghana

GrEEN project: During Training of Trainers sessions in the Ashanti Region

Zidicircle and SNV (Netherlands Development Organization) have launched a match-making programme between the Diaspora/international entrepreneurs and Ghana’s green startups & SMEs. The program aims at bringing the opportunities of Ghana’s green sector economy to the diaspora and international partners.

Since 2019, SNV in Ghana has been implementing 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). The project 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.

Under the GrEEn Projects Incubation and Acceleration Programs, green businesses and start-ups who are at early stages of development are being supported to make better use of natural resources, be energy efficient, properly manage waste and pollution, among others, and operate profitable business ventures in the two regions.

According to SNV Ghana’s Senior Incubation and Acceleration Advisor on the GrEEn Project, Genevieve Parker-Twum, “the benefits of networking cannot be overemphasized in doing businesses. The circular economy is a fairly nascent sector in Ghana, and so for GrEEn’s SMEs connecting with other entrepreneurs, especially in the diaspora, will be an invaluable channel for learning, exchange of ideas and opportunities for growth”.

Zidicircle has been supporting diaspora and diverse founders to launch businesses in the Netherlands, internationally or in their African country of origin through mentorship, training bootcamps, access to funding and partnerships, “I believe the diaspora really wants to tap into the growth potential of their countries of origin, but they have no infrastructure to give them a soft landing. This matchmaking program brings them in direct contact with the early-stage green sector players, who know the customer needs and market dynamics. On the other hand, the Ghana SMEs are looking for internationalization of their businesses and I believe the diaspora brings a wealth of experience and innovative solutions, thus making good candidates as business partners, team members, mentors, global markets entry focal points or investors”, says Fridah Ntarangwi, Managing Partner of Zidicircle.  

It is a great opportunity for the diaspora looking into setting up businesses in Ghana, or international partners and investors looking at green opportunities in Ghana. Toon Buddingh’, Zidicircle’s Programmes Director, believes that the great thing in matching diaspora to local entrepreneurs is completing knowledge and qualities; Diaspora get local market info and local entrepreneurs get export channels and sometimes financing.

Diaspora Entrepreneurship programme: Ghanaian & Ethiopian diaspora Networking

The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines a green economy, business or job 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 the GrEEn 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

Diaspora or International applicants should have interests or experience in the following sectors;

  • Agriculture, including climate smart agriculture, agri-businesses and agro-processing.
  • Energy, including clean cooking, solar systems and energy efficiency.
  • WASH, including waste management, water purification, recycling, production of cleaning and sanitary products.

Zidicircle is an Amsterdam based incubator supporting diaspora entrepreneurs & small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, by facilitating business training, incubation, mentorship, funding and B2B partnerships. Some of Zidi’s programs include the Semi-annual Diaspora Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, Zidi diaspora/African SME’s match-making, East Africa International Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and the Zidi Diaspora Fund that is actively raising and investing in Diaspora and SMEs 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. So far, Zidi has supported diaspora startups and SME’s from the EU, US and Japan who originate from more than 25 African Countries. Zidi has diaspora regional hubs in Amsterdam, Nairobi & Accra.

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 more than 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.

To be considered for the match making programme simply sign up here

Any comments or correspondent please email info@zidicircle.com

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ZidiCircle Partners with The BHUB, a Kenyan-Based Top Tech Software Firm-to launch the International Entrepreneurship Programme in Kenya

Signing ceremony

Zidicircle and TheBHub today launched an international incubation programme in Kenya. The International Entrepreneurship Bootcamp(IEB) programme emanates from Zidi’s semi-annual diaspora entrepreneurship Bootcamp(DEB) , an incubation programme that has been supporting diaspora and diverse founders into launching businesses in the Netherlands internationally or in their African country of origin. “By bringing this programme to Kenya, we want the Kenyan startups, scaleups and SME’s to open up their horizons and access a global incubation programme with top notch facilitators and the benefits of collaborating with diaspora who bring a wealth of experience across sectors either as business partners, team members, mentors, global markets entry focal points or investors”, says Fridah Ntarangwi, Zidicircle’s Founding and Managing Partner.

On the other hand, TheBHub has been supporting startups and SME’s with software development,product development and information technology services. According to TheBHUB’s founder Granville, “The gap in the market is not having adequate Developers or Software Engineers, but having quality products and services being supported by the right business models that are sustainable and resilient. That’s why we joined forces with Zidicircle to ensure that our startups are guided towards achieving innovative business models that can survive the turbulent times and competition”.

Launch event

Diaspora Startups incubated by Zidicircle have wasted time trying to identify the right developers or Software Engineers. The BHUB closes this gap as a technology partner. Nairobi is becoming the next Delhii when it comes to outsourcing technology to the west, and this partnership has happened at the perfect time as it provides an opportunity to tap into this as well as BHUB’s experienced teams to develop product prototypes and Minimum viable Products on better and flexible credit terms.

This partnership is founded on a common goal to reduce the rate at which early-stage startups collapse otherwise known as the Startup Valley of Death.

Participants joining the 6 Months 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. Pitch winners get up to $5000 in investments and other incentives from our partners.

“We don’t really want to help build the next business, but innovative businesses that can withstand the test of our century. The next big companies in Sustainable Manufacturing, the next Tech Giants, the next Green Economy businesses, The next big companies in the social economy; that’s how sector pragmatic we are and technology will remain at the heart of it all”, agrees Fridah and Granville.

Zidicircle is a financial advisory, business coaching and monitoring firm supporting diaspora entrepreneurs & small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa by facilitating business training, incubation, mentorship, funding and B2B partnerships. Some of Zidi’s programmes include the Semi-annual Diaspora Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, Zidi diaspora/African SME’s match making and the Zidi Diaspora Fund that is actively raising and investing in Diaspora and SMEs 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. So far, Zidi has supported diaspora startups and SME’s from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Trinidad Tobago, Eritrea, Rwanda, Lebanon, and Syria

TheBhub is startup centric-agile Software Development and Technical Staff Augmentation company with deep expertise in Product Design and Modern Application Development.

TheBhub currently has over 300 Experienced Member Software Engineers, Product designers and Data Scientists currently supporting over 100 tech Start-ups and SME’s across Africa and Europe. Founded on the mission to accelerate innovation for start-ups and SME’s in Africa, The Bhub has focused on addressing one of the biggest barriers to innovation for start-ups which is the high cost that comes with engaging experienced Software Engineers. With The Bhub’s Startup Innovation Program start-ups have been able to access top talent as well as Web and Mobile Development Services on credit, it is through this program that remarkable start-ups such as KAZI(a non-demand service platform connecting gig workers with customers in real-time with now over 7,000 workers) came to be.

To enrol for Zidi Circle’s next incubation boot camp simply sign up here

Diaspora Founders, Start-ups and SME’s  who want Tech Support and/or App Development can sign up here

Any comments or correspondent please email info@zidicircle.com or Info@zidicircle.com

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Syrian healing solution: Introducing Gharna Halabi

Nowar Rahmouni is a Syrian diaspora and the founder of Gharna, a venture that sells traditional, natural, and organic products with handcraft designs. Nowar is part of the Zidicircle Diaspora Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2020

The story behind the venture name

Gharna Halabi, is also known as Aleppo Soap. Aleppo is an Arabic word that means Halab, Gharna Halabi means the Laurel, which is the natural product used, is Aleppean.

What the venture does

Gharna produces traditional, natural, and organic Aleppean products with special handmade packages. They provide value through making special limited packages as natural and eco-friendly gifts.

Gharna’s primary audience are Syrians in Exile facing issues with contacting other natives. They buy traditional gifts from Gharna Halabi to help them start the journey in their new communities. These packages remind them of home and its memories.

Our markets are in Lebanon, the UAE, Europe, China, and now looking to go into the USA.

All our products are 100% natural and so famous in Syria and the world such as Aleppo soap, we craft them manually and pack them into eco-friendly handmade packages.

Gharna’s background and history

Nowar was in her senior year when she got stress-induced eczema. She told her parents about it, and they sent her Aleppo soap which helped with the conditions.

She was broke and needed money to survive and finish her school projects, that’s where the enterprising spirit developed from. Facebook was popular, and Nowar decided to open a page with some images of the soaps she had.

There was a lot of interest, and we got direct calls for orders, which we sold and got more to sustain the increasing orders. My father laughed when I told him we were selling and he sent larger quantities as people kept asking for our products, packaged for the holidays as gifts.

How the name and idea was born

The name Gharna was from one of our products, while we gave the online page a name that was aimed at bringing people closer to Aleppean products.

They later changed the project’s name to Gharna Halabi,

because people saved the product name instead of the company’s. When we chose Gharna, my partner asked about the name, and I answered that it is our Laurel, which triggered Halabi, to make it easy. It is our Laurel from Aleppo city.

Gharna Halabi, because it was relatable and simple for customers.

Nowar’s 3 key pieces of advice from her journey to fellow entrepreneurs

  1. Start small and grow with time
  2. Listen to your customers because they are the reason behind your success
  3. Ask for help from professionals when you attend entrepreneurship training

What triggered Nowar to take part in the Bootcamp

I was looking for more connections and a different point of view.

What Nowar has learnt so far from the program and how she has applied the lessons learnt

I learnt how to create a persona of my customer, that helped me understand who they are, what they do, and how to find them.

The Gharna Halabi we hope to see in 3 years

Gharna products getting known in Europe and the USA.

Experience with the Bootcamp

The Bootcamp contains lots of essential contents, especially the financial part. I have attended a lot of entrepreneurship programs, and none of them went through the finance topic into details, which is what most of us entrepreneurs struggle with.

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Access to quality African products abroad: An Introduction to Bendera

Olivia Decker is a Kenyan living in the Netherlands. She is the founder of Bendera, an E-commerce platform that specialises in African products. Olivia is part of the Zidicircle Diaspora Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2020

The story behind the venture name and idea

Bendera means flag in Swahili.  A time for African products/expertise to fly high.

With so many quality African products coming to the market with no common platform to find them, it was time.

What the venture does

Bendera is an E-commerce platform that specialises in African products. To the seller, Bendera provides a more targeted audience for their products. To the customer, Bendera is a one-stop shopping site for reliably sourced quality African products. 

Some of the product categories are:

  1. Organic Tea/coffee
  2. Superfoods (Moringa, baobab etc.)
  3. Art and Home Décor
  4. Accessories (jewellery)
  5. Clothes.

Bendera’s history

Olivia as the founder of Kenya Hub, a community platform that supports start-ups and East African Entrepreneurs in The Netherlands, Bendera will give them a common platform to sell their products, giving them more visibility and accessibility to their products.

Olivia’s 3 key pieces of advice from her journey to fellow entrepreneurs

  1. Put the right structures in place for your business.
  2. Find the right people (with integrity) to work with
  3. Be open to constructive criticism.

What triggered Olivia to take part in the Bootcamp

I was especially interested in product costing & pricing and Financial administration.

Learnings so far from the program and how Olivia has applied the lessons learnt

To immediately apply what you learn.  I came to class with a business idea that I now hope to launch before March 2021.  I am actively speaking to Entrepreneurs to source the best products for Bendera based on feedback I got from the Market research class on what customers actually want and are willing to pay for.

The Bendera we hope to see in 3 years

Bendera being the No. 1 website for buying quality African products in Europe. Working with reliable African businesses and ensuring the supply chain to the customers works efficiently.

Experience with the Bootcamp

The program offers the foundation of running a successful business through topics that will cost you money, time or your business when ignored or not properly managed. I highly recommend this program to other entrepreneurs.

Advice for entrepreneurs in the diaspora

Interact with other Diaspora entrepreneurs and build a network that works for you.

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Financial access for SME’s in Ghana: Meet New Africa Impact Fund

Kwabena Owusu-Agyeman is a Ghanaian living in the Netherlands. He is the Managing Director and founder of New Africa Impact Fund. Kwebena is part of the Zidicircle Diaspora Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2020

What the venture does:

New Africa Impact Fund (NAIF) is a diaspora led fund providing the diaspora with the opportunity to take ownership of the biggest problem facing SMEs in Ghana, which is affordable funding. In line with their values of trust, integrity and honesty, NAIF identify and manage the fund winners to ensure the investors get a return on their investment.

How the business idea and venture name came about:

Kwabena’s passion for ownership and business development was the genesis of the idea.

I believe there has to be a shift in our mindset from “what do you do” to “what do you own”.

In order to promote ownership through business development, the venture was set up to give people living in the diaspora the opportunity to be owners, investors, problem solvers and be part of the entrepreneurial success story of SMEs in Ghana.

3 key pieces of advice from Kwabena’s journey to fellow entrepreneurs:

  1. Right people + Right environment

Engage and build relations with positive people in an environment that challenges your ideas and dreams. It makes you a better entrepreneur.

2. Learn from your passion

We often hear, follow your passion, but I say learn from your passion. Sometimes your passion may not be commercially viable but take lessons from it and apply it to your business. 

3. What is the worst that can happen? Go for it!

Why Kwabena took part in the Bootcamp:

I was looking for direction. In addition, I wanted to challenge and test the feasibility of my idea to see if it was commercially viable. Lastly, I wanted a reputable facilitator to mentor my journey.

What he has learnt so far from the program, and how he has applied the lessons learnt:

Through the Bootcamp, I have developed a mindset of helping customers solve their problems rather than falling in love with an idea and imposing it on customers. My interactions and findings made me continuously review and update my business model canvas.

The New Africa Impact Fund we hope to see in 3 years:

In three years, the fund should have invested in at least five SMEs in Ghana.

Experience with the Bootcamp:

The Bootcamp was a rewarding experience for me. The sessions were of a high standard, the facilitators were experienced, and successful entrepreneurs in their own ventures. The participants were motivated and eager to learn. I will encourage entrepreneurs to join the next edition.

Advice for entrepreneurs in the diaspora:

COVID 19 taught us the importance of having entrepreneurship skills such as flexibility and adaptability to changes in the market. Do not give up, ask the right questions and support the community.

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The black don’t crack experts – Meet FaceFirst Cosmetics

PerfectFaces is a diaspora based venture inspired by real-life experiences. The venture name PerfectFaces came from the challenges People of Colour face.

The name PerfectFaces is an encouragement to that person of Colour who’s self-esteem is low or shaken because of society’s ideologies. The name is a visible stamp of who we are; a protruding forehead, high cheekbones, thick lips, a broad nose, every face shape – we’re perfect.

Stephen Duncan

PerfectFaces has created a range of cosmetic make-up that bridges the gap between suitable, affordable, and durable foundations and powders for Dark Skin. Europe has a very large Dark-Skinned migrant population (approx. 12 billion), and even though the Cosmetic Market is worth €79.8 billion, it still lacks suitability, choice, and affordability for People of Colour.

The skin needs of people of Colour (POCs) vary from that of Caucasians. The PerfectFaces’ range addresses these needs by supplying make-up that provides immaculate coverage without being heavyweight. With colour specific formulations to even skin ones, paraben-free & eco-friendly to protect health and the environment. Making available both matte (not dry) and dewy (not oily) formulations while ensuring availability and easy accessibility.

PerfectFaces founder, Stephan Duncan, is a trained professional make-up artist with a degree in International Business Management. His immense passion for Dark Skin fuels his drive to enhance the beauty of POCs. Having worked in the cosmetic make-up industry for big brand names and indie brands, he constantly had to offer ‘the next best thing’ to his clients, and that was a pain point. It pained him to see the same observations he had as a child growing up in the 80s in Trinidad and Tobago were still affecting POC in Europe in the 90s and now in the 2000s.

Stephen Duncan

“I got sick of saying, ‘yes this looks nice on you!’ Every time I tested a foundation or powder on a person of Colour to meet my sales targets, and I repeated this lie. My passion and love for POC would no longer allow me to do so. Determination to do something about it, listen and continuously improve for our POC is why we’re here today”.

Stephen Duncan

In 2013 he began working with a chemical engineer to formulate and create a brand by POC for POC.

With an aim to growth FaceFirst and reach more POCs who need the brand, Stephan Duncan, joined the Zidi Circle Entrepreneurship Diaspora Bootcamp 2020. A programme aimed at supporting business growth for diaspora led ventures through business coaching, mentorship and investment readiness.

I joined the Bootcamp wanting to learn how to improve PerfectFaces and get it from where it is to amazing. I’ve learnt a lot from the programme, but the main things that stuck are I must know every part of my business, even if getting help to understand it is needed. There is more to being investor ready than having a business plan and a product.

I’ve also learnt the importance of aligning the business strategy with what one wants to attract. I continue to apply these learnt lessons by readjusting and updating PerfectFaces’ Business Model and Strategies.

Of course!!! I would encourage other entrepreneurs to take part in this programme. Where else does one receive such a gift of knowledge, guidance and a boost to move their business from A to Z!!!? This is an opportunity that must be shared.

Stephen Duncan

Stephen Duncan’s 3 key pieces of advice from his journey to fellow entrepreneurs.

  1. Don’t sit on your idea(s). Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Just get up and do it! Try it.
  2. Entrepreneurship is a constant learning journey. Be open to fall down and get up, listen, take critique and feedback, learn and improve.
  3. Your belief in your vision must be known/seen/felt for others to believe in it too. That responsibility is yours.

His Advice to entrepreneurs in the diaspora

Their intention to hold us down comes from the fear that we’ll succeed. Our emancipation can ONLY be achieved by our unity. Hold each other’s hand, support each other, trust each other, build each other. Emancipate our community!

The team at PerfectFaces are working relentlessly in order to see their vision come true, to see PerfectFaces in every Afro Hair Supply Store on the European mainland. We are delighted to be part of this journey.

Find out more about the Entrepreneurship Diaspora Bootcamp.

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Zidi launches Covid-19 SME Technical Assistance Fund

Covid-19 is here with us. Who would have thought a single virus could ever affect every aspect of our lives? We are all asking these question, most of us may have found some solace and reorganized our lives to befit these times. What about entrepreneurs? Then they have to carry double the burden, one on their personal lives and the other of keeping their businesses running such as; keeping their employees, keeping their customers, paying their suppliers, paying their taxes, Repaying their loans, the list is endless! Here in the Netherlands there Has been a lot of support for entrepreneurs thanks to the many possibilities fronted by the Dutch government. For the entrepreneurs in Africa where we operate this is not the case, they still carry the burden with little or no support at all.

At Zidi we have tried our best to support our SME’s in Kenya, Ghana & Ethiopia mostly through advise, repayment holidays and restructuring where possible. We have given top priority to Healthcare businesses and businesses providing essential services because we believe they are in the forefront of fighting the pandemic , but our resources are limited and we have no extra buffer in place to give them the extra resources that they need. That’s is why we have created this kitty , “Covid-19 SME Technical Assistance Fund”.

The TA Fund

We envision it just as that, a facility that will help these businesses Survive at least during this pandemic. Together with our partners , we hope to support the most needy businesses. This is not a regular funding facility, we are only giving businesses a temporary reprieve to remain operational until the pandemic is over. The businesses will not pay interest, but they must start repaying at least 50% the funds once their business recovers, thus making this fund revolving to be able to always support businesses alongside normal funding. Each business will receive an amount of between €1000 to €5,000 depending on the need. We therefore intend to keep over 200 businesses operational. We are Primarily focusing on countries where our Businesses are already located namely ; Ghana, Kenya & Ethiopia. Then we shall expand this list where logistical and legal horizon permits.

Fund Management

Normally our SME fund is managed through Guideplus Sustainable Fonds BV licensed by the Dutch Central Bank and the Financial Markets Authority in the Netherlands. Our management company remains Zidi BV and we have offices in Accra-Ghana and Nairobi-Kenya. Because these funds are not repayable to donors no interest will be charged. We intend to manage the fund as if it were a regular fund and prioritize accountability and transparency. All donors will therefore be informed with proper reporting.

We hope we have informed you sufficiently, now please join us and let’s keep 200 businesses in Africa survive by donating here

Would you like to partner? Send us an email to info@zidicircle.com

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Diaspora Entrepreneurs Survey

Fill it here–https://forms.gle/4QeayPL5Qeov83B48

We are conducting this survey to further our understanding on the needs of diaspora entrepreneurs in Europe and support them better.

We define diaspora as emigrants living abroad with a great connection to their countries of origin.

We are targeting African diaspora entrepreneurs based in Europe, who are running their businesses in Europe and/or in Africa or have an international expansion plan to their country of Origin

This survey is purely intended for market survey purposes only and your identity or opinion will not be shared or used for any other purposes.

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