Program Description

Title: The Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Program

Application deadline: 1st March 2025

PREVIEW

The AGUKA IDEATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME is a partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNDP Rwanda, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youths and Arts to support 100 Rwandan entrepreneurs between 18 -30 with business ideas with a seed capital of $3000 each. This will mirror the Mali program but with online training. The program will run for four years.

THE APPLICATION FORM

The application form consists of 4 sections:

• Personal Information
• Business Information
• Application Questions

Declarations

To ensure a transparent application process, all applicants must upload a valid government-issued ID and indicate their name on the application form and on TEFConnect exactly as it appears on the ID card.

ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

• Complete all mandatory fields in the online application form on TEFConnect.
• Submit the form.
• Attach all the requested documents (valid identity card and photo headshot) and upload the required documents.
• Receive a notification on eligibility & next steps.

Please Note: TEFConnect can only be accessed by a single email account. It is important that all applicants register with an email to which they have regular access.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PROGRAMME?

The Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme identifies outstanding young Rwandan entrepreneurs who have business ideas with the potential to grow. The Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme will be delivered in different phases as listed below:

• Application Phase
• Physical Verification Phase
• Training Phase
• Business Plan/Survey Phase
• Pitching Phase
• Seed Capital Phase

THE APPLICATION PHASE

The Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme Application will launch on the 1st of January to the 1st of March at Midnight. All applicants should complete the application by providing valid and accurate responses to the questions.

INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

These applicants must improve their business skill sets to launch and run a business, which is essential. You have access to the TEF General Training on TEFConnect but won’t be eligible to be paired with a mentor and receive seed capital.

THE AGUKA IDEATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

After the application review phase, the successful applicants will have full access to participate in the Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme, which comprises training, mentorship, a Business survey, Physical verification, and the pitching competition.
All participants must attend the onboarding session to learn more about the program, its phases, timelines, and the resources available to succeed in the program.

PHYSICAL VERIFICATION

A physical verification exercise will be conducted for participants shortlisted after the application phase. This exercise aims to confirm the identity of all applicants and will serve as a major criterion for eligibility in the next phase of the program. Shortlisted participants will be required to present a valid government-issued ID card that clearly displays their date of birth and photo, along with a passport-sized photograph for the verification process.

THE TRAINING PHASE

All the selected participants will take part in the world-class business training and take multiple-choice questions to track performance.

THE BUSINESS SURVEY PHASE

Each entrepreneur will be required to use the knowledge and experience obtained during the Aguka Ideation Business management training program to provide accurate submissions to a business survey that seeks to validate business validity, scalability, etc.

SUBMISSION OF THE TEF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

All applicants selected post the application are expected to start the process of registering their business and open a business bank account after selection.

The participants must open an account with a reputable commercial bank in Rwanda. The documents required are listed below:
Upload an original government-approved ID card (it must be one of those listed below).
Business Registration Document/ Certificate (The name on your ID card must match the name on the document).
Tax Document (Must have your business name on it)
Bank reference letter (The name on your ID card must match the name on the letter)
Partner’s Consent form (If you run your business with a partner) is optional.
Bank Reference Letter/Bank Confirmation Letter: The name of the business in the reference letter must match your registration certificate and tax document.

Please read and note the following:

1. Ensure compliance with the terms and conditions issued by TEF to the entrepreneurs.
2. Read the TEF Participation thoroughly and ensure full compliance.
3. Submitting these documents does not guarantee automatic selection for seed capital. Instead, it is an opportunity to be selected, provided all required documents are submitted before the stipulated deadline and successfully validated.
4. We will meticulously review all submitted documents. Any flagged documents will result in automatic disqualification from the program. Please review and ensure all documents are correct before submission.

We will audit each participant’s details & document uploaded. We will disqualify any participant who does not comply and shares fake, invalid, and fraudulent details & documents will be disqualified.

THE PITCHING PHASE

This is an opportunity to demonstrate your business knowledge and convince the judges about the feasibility and potential of your business. At the pitching stage, entrepreneurs will physically pitch their ideas before an independent panel of judges.

THE SEED CAPITAL PHASE

All entrepreneurs who have successfully completed all the above steps will be required to open a business bank account with the same registered business name Once you have successfully completed it, you will receive seed capital in your business bank account and receive a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION AND ACHIEVEMENT from the Foundation.

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