Out of the need to get more businesses ready for investments, we developed the Zidicircle Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (ZEB) –  a business incubation programme targeting under-represented entrepreneurs in the diaspora and  underserved   entrepreneurs in Africa who want to grow investor ready, sustainable and scalable businesses. We leverage on diaspora knowledge and resources to support those in the programme. 

Why?

• Diaspora entrepreneurs experience certain challenges when it comes to setting up a business in their country of residence or even country of origin
• Within EU countries in particular diaspora entrepreneurs have problems such as language barrier, lack of business network, funding challenges as well as exclusion from main entrepreneurship support systems set up in the country of residence. Because of the long term absence from countries of origin they also lack the support of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. In both host and home countries they also lack a good financial track record mostly required by financiers to access credit. 

Zidicircle has collectively helped about 4,500 entrepreneurs both in the Diaspora and African countries through bootcamps, workshops and pitching sessions. Country specific programmes have covered the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany In the European Union, and African Countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Morocco and Senegal.

Do you see yourself in these circumstances? This might be a good chance to pitch;

Targeted Entrepreneurs

The programme is available for both idea stage entrepreneurs who want to focus on business model validation and go to market as well as growth startups with tested products  and customers who want to focus on traction and funding. Entrepreneurs start together and branch out to their respective tracks.

For Starting Diaspora Entrepreneurs;

An online programme for beginners keen to generate their ideas into a sustainable business model.

For Growth Diaspora Entrepreneurs;

Targets diaspora entrepreneurs with operational businesses and paying customers, often with a minimum of two years in existence with specific business pain points. 

Practical modalities;

• The programme will take 6 weeks from the 5th November to 16th December 2024  
• Online meetings on  Tuesdays –  18:00hrs – 20:00hrs CEST
• Learning materials/videos will be available on the Zidicircle School platform 
• Individual & group assignments
• Bi-weekily experts sessions and Q&A sessions with investor experts for a chance to meet other investors, ask questions and exchange with each other. 
• A time commitment of  least 2.5  hours per week is needed

Costs:

Our Diaspora Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is made possible by our generous impact partners  who cover most of the costs. However, participants are requested to make a commitment payment of 250 Euros before the start of the programme. One to Two founders per business are allowed to join. All the due diligence and investment support will be provided by Zidicircle.

Timeline 

How to Join

1. Fill out the Application form 
2. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with the next steps
3. Bootcamp Launch is scheduled on 5th November 2024

Apply to join by close of business on October  28th, 2024 at 17:00 CEST. Apply Here

For Questions about the Bootcamp, click on this link.

Would you like to collaborate? Send us an email with your profile to contact@zidicircle.com 

Impressions from our past programmes:

About Zidi

Zidi is a global hub for diaspora entrepreneurship and SME investments in host and home countries.

Zidi supports and trains high-potential entrepreneurs and investors through group and self-paced courses and investment raising.

It also catalyses and pools diaspora angel investments from Remittances savings  into entreprises  through the Zidicircle Coop investment Channel.

About Zidicircle Coop

To address limited access to traditional capital, Zidi initiated the Coop Investment Vehicle. This innovative platform enables diasporans to pool their resources, overcoming financial constraints and empowering even those with smaller denominations of investments to make a substantial impact. By leveraging the power of pooling, Zidi transforms the investment landscape, providing an accessible and inclusive platform for diasporans to invest in SMEs in their host and home countries.

The Zidicircle Coop was initiated by an organised group of diaspora individuals from previous angel investment programmes who were confronted with the lack of an investment structure after completing the training. The Coop enters into investment agreements with start-ups or small and medium-sized businesses  on behalf of its members who decided to invest in the selected businesses. The beneficial ownership from those investments lies with the members. 

The Coop is managed by a board of directors who are elected by the members. 

Learn more about the Coop here.