Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) 2018 Entrepreneurship Programme for African Entrepreneurs

APPLICATION START: January 1, 2018

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1, 2018

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Africa’s largest philanthropy supporting entrepreneurship – The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is now accepting applications for business ideas that can transform Africa. 

To apply, complete the online application at application.tonyelumelufoundation.org.  The deadline is midnight (WAT) on 1 March 2018.

The Programme provides critical tools for business success, including:

• Training:12 weeks of intensive online training which guides creating and managing a business
• Mentoring:A world-class mentor to guide during the early transformation stages of the business
• Funding:$5,000* in seed capital to prove the concept, plus access to further funding
• Network:Access to the largest network of African start-ups and TEF’s own global contacts

The Programme, in its 4^th cycle, is TEF’s 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 African entrepreneurs by 2024.

TEF Founder, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony O. Elumelu, CON said:

“When we launched the TEF Programme and committed $100 million to empowering Africa’s entrepreneurs, I knew we would create impact, but I never imagined it would be impact of this magnitude. We have unleashed a movement of African entrepreneurs — a force so strong, so inspiring, that I am confident they will collectively transform Africa. We need Africa’s best and brightest entrepreneurs to come learn, grow their businesses and build our continent.”

1,000 entrepreneurs will be selected based on the viability of their idea, including: market opportunity; financial understanding; scalability; and leadership and entrepreneurial skills demonstrated in the application.

Eligibility:

1. The business must be based in Africa
2. The business must be for profit
3. The business must be 0-3 years old
4. Applicants must be at least 18 and a legal resident or citizen of an African country

APPLICATION PROCESS

  How do I apply for the programme?

All Applications must be submitted ONLINE through the APPLICATION PORTAL. You must complete an application form by answering a series of mandatory questions and uploading additional documents and identification materials. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email of receipt within 1 working day.

What if my company is a partnership?

Only one nominated person from the business or the partnership is able to join the programme.

Can I apply offline?

No. All Applications must be submitted online through the application portal.

How is the Programme selection Process?

1. How are selected applicants chosen to join the programme?

Selection of the applicants will take place from the close of the Application on March 1st, by the Tony Elumelu Foundation and an independent Selection Committee appointed by the Foundation, against the specified selection criteria.

2. By what criteria are the applicants to be judged?

All applications will be judged on 5 core criteria, which are:

1. Feasibility of the business idea.
2. Market Opportunity: knowledge and understanding of the market, customers and competitors for their idea/business.
3. Financial Understanding: understanding of the basic financial requirements of running a business, costs and revenues.
4. Scalability: Demonstrates potential for replication and growth of their product or service to create jobs and wealth.
5. Leadership Potential and Entrepreneurial Skills: Demonstrate leadership potential, capable of attracting people, customers and resources.

3. The Tony Elumelu Foundation itself is located in Nigeria, does this give preference to Nigerian entrepreneurs?

No. The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is a Pan-African programme and open to business ideas from all the 54 African countries from which we will select the best business ideas for the programme.

4. If my start-up is selected to join the programme, when and how will I be informed?

Successful applicants will be notified on the 22^nd of March, via the email address designated in the initial application.  The list of selected entrepreneurs will also be posted on the TEF Website.

5. What additional information must I supply once my business is selected?

If Applicants are offered a place in the Programme, Applicants will be expected to:

1. complete a self-declaration form,
2. provide proof of valid ID,
3. provide a personal bank statement from the past 6 months,
4. provide a statement of current personal debts,
5. provide a reference from an employer, bank and/or academic institutions;
6. Provide business bank account details (For UBA present countries, it must be a UBA account)

6. Why was my application unsuccessful?

Since inception we have received over 65,000 applications for the limited spaces on the programme, while we can only accept 1000 entrepreneurs each year. Here are a few possible reasons why your application was not successful:

• You did not complete the application
• Your business or idea is more than 3 years old
• Your business or idea is not based in Africa
• Your descriptions in one or more sections of the application was not clearly described
• Your application did not meet other eligibility criteria
• You scored low in one or more of the selection criteria.

7. How can I improve my chances next year?

Ensure that you review the selection criteria in the next programme cycle and be sure to describe your business plan or idea such that every aspect of the business or idea (i.e. description, market, customer acquisition, financials etc.) is fully covered.

8. Is there a waiting list for Applicants who could join the programme?

Yes there is a waiting list.  If any of the selected 1000 do not claim their places by the set deadline, the next best entrepreneur from the waiting list will be chosen before commencement of the programme cycle.

9. If not selected, can I reapply in another programme cycle?

Yes.  We will open the platform for applications on January 1 every year. Each applicant will be required to put in a fresh application. We believe the elapsed time should serve to refresh your interest in your entrepreneurial objectives, and there might be new developments to include in the application.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

 

What if English if not my first language?

The application portal will have functionality in English, French and Portuguese.

What information/identification do I need to provide in my application?

 You must answer all the mandatory questions in the application form.

What file types are supported in the application portal?

You can upload Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, JPEG and PNG doc.

How many applicants will be chosen to join the programme?

There are 1,000 places available annually for the applications that are selected by the Selection Committee for a placement in the programme.

Are there application/associated fees?

No. The Tony Elumelu Foundation does not charge any applicants a fee for applying to the programme.