Business Accelerator Program

Apply to the largest business accelerator program in the off-grid solar energy business in Africa

Facilitating Solar Business Acceleration Activities for the ROGEAP Project

The proposed Customized Business Acceleration Support program aims to enhance the capacity, skills, and bankability of solar businesses operating in 13 eligible countries. The program will involve partnering with established national training providers, incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurial support organizations to deliver tailored training and mentoring programs.

These programs will cover a wide range of topics including business strategies, business models, technology development, and investment facilitation. The process will begin with a comprehensive training needs assessment, followed by the design and implementation of specialized training materials.

Selected businesses will receive follow-up coaching over a period of 9-12 months to support their growth and financial linkage, ultimately aiming to improve their access to finance and market opportunities.

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Objectives of the Business Acceleration Support

To accelerate the growth and sustainability of early-stage solar businesses in 13 eligible countries through customized business acceleration support, thereby improving energy access and fostering economic development.

Sub-Objectives/ thematic Approach to the acceleration support

1. Enhance Capacity and Skills

Provide tailored training and mentoring to early-stage solar businesses to improve their understanding of business models, technology, and financial management.

2. Improve Bankability and access to credit lines

Provide tailored training and mentoring to early-stage solar businesses to improve their understanding of business models, technology, and financial management.

3. Develop Standardized Training Materials

Create standardized training materials specifically designed for Customized Business Acceleration Support programs targeting early-stage and growth-stage solar companies.

4. Build Capacity of Training Providers

Create standardized training materials specifically designed for Customized Business Acceleration Support programs targeting early-stage and growth-stage solar companies.

5. Promote Gender Inclusivity

Ensure gender inclusivity by aiming for at least 30% female participation and addressing specific needs and barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing training and support programs.

Who can apply ?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs) in all ECOWAS countries and four Sahelian countries (namely Cameroon, Chad, Mauritania and Central African Republic)

SMEs operating in the off-grid solar energy sector
Companies offering innovative solutions for off-grid electrification
Entrepreneurs aiming to scale their solar businesses across the region
Growth and Matured stage companies seeking for funding and market expansion

Type of SMEs to be supported : Start up, Early stage, Growth stage, Maturity stage in the off-grid sector, Thus, each stage of the enterprise development life cycle requires different strategies, resources, and management approaches to ensure sustained success and growth.