The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Agri-Food Network (IAFN)are launching a pilot Accelerator Mentorship Programme to support women entrepreneurs in addressing key challenges and constraints they face in their businesses.
The objective of the jointly-led Accelerator Mentorship Programme is to foster a selected number of women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa with one-to-one mentorship with a panel of experts who are leading women entrepreneurs from around the globe, using a structure through which participants can interact and learn from the expert panel, as well as to provide them with access to knowledge and tools necessary to grow their enterprises and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace.
Who Can Apply?
✓ Female entrepreneurs leading and owning small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the agrifood sector in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
✓ Participants will be selected by a panel of experts from FAO and IAFN, and the programme mentors.
Benefits of the Program
Specifically, the programme aims to provide selected women entrepreneurs with:
✓ A one-to-one mentorship/ coaching opportunity;
✓ A series of tailor-made trainings to enhance hard skills from a selection of available options;
✓ Knowledge exchange, networking and peer-learning opportunities; and
✓ Access/links to tools developed by FAO, IAFN and other institutions.
✓ Workshops & Interaction with Global Leaders. Through joint workshop sessions with experts in the field, participants will have access to knowledge exchange sessions, peer learning and networking with each other as well as with invited experts allowing for interactive moments. IAFN will also provide guidance and dedicated workshops on how to access finance, such as on the development of business plans and/or bankable proposals.
