Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) identifies, supports, and inspires the next generation of African entrepreneurs. It’s open to all African nations, businesses and sectors. Entrepreneurs with formal registration and at least 3 years of track record can apply.
Every year, ten finalists compete in the ABH grand finale pitch competition for a share of US $1.5 million in grant money.
Finalists receive extensive exposure through video narratives about their stories and journeys, and join an exclusive community of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors.
Benefits
Africa’s Business Heroes is more than a competition and has been designed to provide applicants and finalists with numerous benefits:
1. Grant funds of up to $300,000
Our Top 10 finalists share a prize pool of $1.5 million in grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. The winner takes home $300,000; The 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up take home $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. All other 7 finalists, take home $100,000. An additional $100,000 is allocated for global immersion training.
2. Global recognition and exposure
ABH spotlights talented African entrepreneurs as finalists progress in the competition via press releases, social media, and news articles at every stage of the competition. They also provide significant exposure opportunities to the Top 10 finalists via extensive PR exposure and media coverage.
3. Access to an exclusive & vibrant entrepreneurship community and network
Finalists join an exclusive community of some of the most impactful and successful entrepreneurs from across the continent. ABH organizes numerous online and offline networking opportunities where these entrepreneurs can connect and collaborate.
4. Mentorship from business icons
Finalists are given access to mentorship opportunities with global business icons, investors, and business professionals both throughout the competition and afterward.
5. Targeted and practical training programmes
Africa Business Heroes community members are given access to a range of bespoke training programs including financial management, marketing insights, understanding IP law, and more. Finalists are also given the opportunity to access additional programs and services such as investment readiness and management training via our network of partners and judges.
6. Insights into your business
Throughout the application process, they applicants strengthen their storytelling and pitching efforts via an introspective application process. Applicants are also given feedback at each stage of the competition, and they receive advice from numerous business professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs throughout the competition.
Eligibility
To apply for our competition, you should meet the following criteria:
- The applicant should be the Founder or a Co-Founder of the company.
- The applicant has African citizenship or is the child or grandchild of an African citizen.
- The company is registered and headquartered in an African country, and primarily operates in Africa.
- The company is in a post-idea stage and has at least 3 years of revenue.
How To Apply
To apply for the Africa Business Heroes Competition 2024, visit the Africa Business Heroes website and create your free account. Then answer questions related to yourself as a founder and your business. Also, provide a list of references that can be contacted if you progress. Finally, submit videos of yourself and of a customer.
Deadline
The deadline for application is May 19th, 2024.