Grace Ashiru
MEST Express is currently receiving applications from Ghanaian startups in the early stage of their business to participate in its accelerator program, which will assist them in expanding their operations.
Since the program’s launch in September 2020, over fifty early-stage businesses have been accelerated. As a direct result, twelve firms in Ghana have been granted over one hundred thousand dollars in equity-free funding.
The program just inaugurated its very first cohort in Kumasi in collaboration with APA space, following the success of its inaugural partner cohort with HOPING Academy in Tamale.
To equip startup businesses with the tools and resources needed to expedite their growth, the 20-week accelerator program offers free coaching training, resources, and assistance to the firms participating in the program.
Among the 3 programs MEST is doing in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation, one is MEST Express, and the other is MEST and PRE-MEST Scale.
Each of the participating firms will be awarded a grant for $5,000 that does not need equity investment. Before the program ends, the entrepreneurs in every cohort will be allowed to participate in the pitching session. They will give the most successful businesses a grant of up to $20,000, which does not require any equity in return.
Because of the need to address fundamental problems in Africa, the next accelerator program will be centred on developing sustainable businesses. This is because one of the most effective approaches to addressing fundamental issues in Africa is to consider how to develop lasting solutions that will positively affect our communities. Entrepreneurs in Africa are in a unique position to capitalize on this opportunity because sustainability addresses urgent problems in a way that is recognized and valued by many people.
Femi Adewumi, the director of the program, MEST Africa, says that the nature of the problems being solved shows that the markets are significant and that there is a chance of making a difference and becoming profitable.
For the subsequent cohort, which will have its home base in Accra, we are still accepting applications until the 10th of July.
Please visit the website if interested in applying or for more information.
