Grooming Endowment Trust was set up as a nonprofit in August 2020 to promote sustainable social initiatives in education, health, enterprise, and community development. Endowed with initial seed funding from Grooming Centre, the Trust provides grants and investments to social enterprises creating impact in their communities.
Grooming Endowment Trust have supported 27 innovators, with a vision to impact over 10 million people by 2030. Through their mentorship and grant programs, they have provided valuable assistance to 10 startups, helping them thrive and grow. Additionally, they have successfully scaled up 13 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), propelling their progress and expansion. With NGN100 million in grant awards and NGN200 million dedicated to debt and equity financing for program-related investments, They are committed to fueling sustainable initiatives. Their efforts have been recognized, as they have received a remarkable NGN1 billion commitment to support startups and SMEs over the next decade. Together, They are driving positive change and creating opportunities for the entrepreneurs and businesses of tomorrow.
Who is Eligible
Early-stage Startups
GET Accelerated grants are designed to support and nurture early-stage companies that are dedicated to creating social impact. They seek out innovative startups with bold ideas that align with our mission and focus areas. Whether you’re developing a groundbreaking educational platform, a sustainable healthcare solution, or an enterprise with a strong community development focus, This grant can provide the financial boost and guidance needed to turn your vision into a reality.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT/BENEFITS
GET ACCELERATED COHORT 2 The GET Accelerated program is a three-month hybrid startup acceleration program designed to support early-stage young entrepreneurs to develop the skills needed to transform their solutions, gain traction and reach customers. During the acceleration program, three focal areas will be explored: Business models, Strategic partnerships, and Investment readiness.
Eligibility
In financial services, healthcare, education, agriculture, digital (economy) infrastructure, social impact, media, mobility/Logistics, and commerce (e-commerce or social commerce)
Located in Nigeria; Building for or from Nigeria
Registered and incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission
MVP, with some traction or paying users
Years of operations; 6 months – 2 years
Unique Business model; directly or indirectly serving underserved/marginalized populations
At least two founders
Angel, pre-seed or seed stage
If you are an early-stage startup in the identified sectors, we invite you to apply to the GET Accelerated Program 2023. Once accepted, you will get access to industry experts, partners, and resources provided to help you build and scale your product.
You will also have access to several activities in the program, including;
In-person Bootcamp
Masterclasses and Webinars
Mentorship and Office Hours
Networking Opportunities
Pitching and Investor Showcase
Grants
During the program, you will access extensive business support that will help you rethink your product, attain product market fit and ultimately grow your business. You will also receive equity-free grant funding of up to ten million Naira, only (N10,000,000).
How They Select
Application and Selection Process
Stage 1: Online Application Form: Prospective program participants are to apply via an online application form.
Stage 2: Interviews: Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed to verify their suitability for the program, and ten (10) startups will be selected at this stage.
Stage 3: Bootcamp: Startups selected to participate in the program will be invited for a 3-day boot camp where they will connect with other entrepreneurs, business mentors, advisors, and experts in business model design, strategic partnerships/Growth, and investment. They (all 10 startups) will also receive an initial grant funding of NGN 1 million each and will design clear metrics on how they will track the performance of the funding.
After the Bootcamp, all ten (10) selected founders will be accepted into a 12- 14 week virtual accelerator program designed to support the growth of their enterprise. During this period, they will also be exposed to world-class mentors and industry advisors. At the end of the program, each entrepreneur will pitch their businesses and growth plans live to a curated investment committee bidding for seed and/or pre-seed investment of NGN 9 million. Five 5 startups will have access to this funding.
Application timeline
Application opens on 23rd June 2023.
Application closes on 5th August 2023.
About GETThe Grooming Endowment Trust is focused on supporting startup founders to build and scale solutions that leverage innovation and technology in solving urgent problems in Nigeria. Core focus areas for this cohort include financial services, healthcare, education, agriculture, digital (economy) infrastructure, social impact, media, mobility/Logistics, and commerce (e-commerce or social commerce)
About Kickoff Africa
Kickoff Africa is an early-stage investment vehicle for African entrepreneurs aimed at providing capital, custom support, and the right network to help startups grow.
