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ONE Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation focused on entrepreneurial development for MSMEs in Africa. We help entrepreneurs grow their businesses by providing required education, mentoring and advisory opportunities, community, collaboration, and more.

Africa Funding Readiness Fellowship is an immersive and intensive training which aims to help nano, micro, small and medium enterprises achieve financial readiness to secure funding. The fellowship will prepare business owners for investment through workshops and mentorship and will provide direct access to a network of over 50 investors.

African Funding Readiness Fellowship is an expanded version of Countdown to Capital a 4-day intensive training held in 2022 for 20 entrepreneurs.

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Who is it for?

The African Funding Readiness Fellowship is a 6-month intensive training which offers nano, micro, small, medium and large-scale entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn the rudiments of building a legacy enterprise. The Fellowship will cover themes around:

  • Fundable Business Structures
    You will learn how to build business structures that attract funders to your enterprise, including financial management, understanding financial risks, and required legal structures.

  • Business Leadership
    Driving Vision, Strategy, and Growth; learn how to guide your business toward achieving its goals by setting a clear vision, making strategic decisions, and inspiring teams to perform at their best. Balancing innovation, adaptability, and collaboration to foster sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

  • Business Strategy, Operations and Technology Adoption
    Optimizing Success, Aligning Business Strategy, Streamlining Operations, and Leveraging Technology Adoption. This highlights the importance of integrating business strategy with efficient operations and the adoption of emerging technologies to drive growth, improve competitiveness, and ensure long-term sustainability in today's dynamic market environment.

Application Process and Timeline

  • Stage 1 Application (October 21 - December 16, 2024)
    First Stage Application: Applicants are to record a 120-second video pitch.

  • Second Stage Application (January 2025):
    Successful semifinalists from Stage 1 will be asked to answer some specific questions, related to the Fellowship goals, in writing. The Fellowship accommodates only 100 entrepreneurs 

Testimonial from Countdown to Capital 2022 participants

"The program was impactful. One major thing that stood out for me was the feedback I got during the business pitch day. One of the judges told me what I needed to do in my business to be investment ready. I took the advice and within the first year of implementation, I raised N1.5 million in funds from grants and family & friends."

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Comfort Badmos
Creative Director, Bams Creatives

"The program was enlightening and I couldn't have expected less. Thank you ONE Foundation for delivering excellently on your promise."

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Bodunrin Ottu
Ottush Delight

"The Countdown to Capital was pivotal in helping me solidify my knowledge of business fundamentals to prepare my business for the higher growth phase."

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Tolu Obatunde
GradePlus Africa

MEET THE FELLOWSHIP RESOURCE PERSONS
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Nejla Roustong

3-3

Mr. 'Bisi Oni

Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer
FundQuest Financial Services Limited
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Glen Gaddy

Managing Director

University of Delaware

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'Yinka Babalola

Project Officer
Odu'a Investment Foundation
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Oluwatoyin Ajilore Chukwuemeka

Founder & President,
Oak Nation Entrepreneurial Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mode of participation in the Fellowship?
The Fellowship is entirely virtual, allowing participants to join from any part of the world.
What is the duration of the Fellowship?
The Fellowship will run from February 2025 to August 2025, divided into three phases of two months each. Only participants who meet the criteria for each phase will advance to the next until the Fellowship concludes.
Is the Fellowship paid?
No, the Fellowship is completely free for participants. However, the value of participation is estimated at $500 (or its equivalent) per participant. The program is sponsored by well-meaning individuals and organizations, so a high level of commitment is expected from all successful applicants.
What are the criteria for selecting participants?

Participants will be selected based on merit and ability to showcase purposefulness in business and showcase innovative and impactful ventures with strong market potential. Applicants must:

  • Demonstrate their ability to show commitment throughout the Fellowship.
  • possess a reliable internet connection, be fully available to participate throughout the entirety of the program and be able to participate in English.
  • have a currently running business or aspiring business based in Africa.
  • be above 18 years as of January 2025.
What is the process for application?

The application process consists of two stages: a video assessment and a written assessment. Experienced reviewers will evaluate all submissions, so applicants are encouraged to put forward their strongest application.

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