BIC Africa Acceleration Programme 2025 – Applications Now Open

Deadline: March 20, 2025

The BIC Africa Acceleration Programme 2025 is accepting applications for its fifth edition, designed to support 30 women entrepreneurs. This includes 20 participants from Angola, Comoros, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Somalia, along with 10 others from various Sub-Saharan African countries. The programme aims to help women-led businesses scale while contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Running from April to July 2025, the initiative targets women entrepreneurs who have established, revenue-generating businesses with registered operations and functional teams. Participants will benefit from a mix of online training, group coaching, individual exercises, and networking sessions with experienced women professionals from Africa and Europe. A limited number of participants will also receive one-on-one mentorship.

Programme Highlights

Participants will gain access to:

• Six online interactive training modules (1.5 hours each), covering key topics such as mission development, unique value proposition, product development, business models, team building, partnerships, finance, and marketing.
• Four online group coaching sessions (1.5 hours each) focusing on leadership, financial management, storytelling, pitch training, and time management.
• Two networking sessions, one at the beginning and one at the end of the programme.
• Support materials, including session recordings and relevant documents.
• Integration into the BIC Africa Community, providing visibility on the BIC Africa website, access to a LinkedIn group, and opportunities for networking and market connections.

Programme Benefits

The programme aims to help participants:

• Explore growth opportunities and scaling strategies for their businesses.
• Assess team capabilities and adapt business models for expansion.
• Define their social value proposition and demonstrate their contribution to SDGs.
• Access sector-specific, local, and international experts.
• Connect with a network of women entrepreneurs for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
• Engage with BIC Africa and the European Business Innovation Centre Network (EBN) to enhance their impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a woman aged 18 or older and the founder or owner of an established business with an operational team and strong growth potential.
• Be available from April to July 2025, dedicating up to two hours per week for online sessions, along with additional time for individual work.
• Own a registered business that has been operational for at least one year and is looking to scale.
• Show commitment to actively participating in all programme activities and future initiatives.
• Have reliable internet access.
• Be proficient in English.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must:

1. Complete the application form, providing details about themselves and their business.
2. Prepare and upload a pitch deck.
3. Submit a CV.
4. Apply online by the deadline.

For more details, visit the BIC Africa Acceleration Programme website.