3 Reasons why you should apply to the African Women in Business Challenge

With the mission of increasing the number of female entrepreneurs in emerging markets, the Women in Business Challenge created a concrete path for women to gain feedback, coaching, finance, and exposure to investors. Since its creation in 2009, this business plan competition has supported 200 women heading business in emerging countries.

What are the benefits of the Women in Business Challenge? What is the impact on participants’ businesses and lives? Stories of past finalists echo the reasons why BiD Network is committed to renew this international competition for the third time.

To female entrepreneurs of Africa the deadline for your complete business plan is April 15, 2012. Apply here

Realizing the potential

In joining the Women in Business Challenge, participants receive feedback and support in writing their business plan based on the strategic use of BiD Network tools. The coaching program is designed to give them a better understanding of their companies. It also supports the participants in strengthening communications and negotiation skills and putting them into practice with our media and investors networks.

Marianne Olano, creator of jewelry company Baycrafts in the Philippines and Women in Business 2009 Winner, observes “Thanks to BiD Network, I had the most unforgettable experience of my personal and business life. The opportunity to join the Women in Business Challenge made me develop skills I didn't know I possessed. It has also widened my perspective - enabling me to see other worlds, other way of doing things, perhaps better way of doing things.”

 

A valuable network of peers and investors

One of the main goals of the Women in Business Challenge is to help participants make critical connections. It starts on the www.bidnetwork.org platform where Women in Business access an online network of 40,000 members committed to start and grow businesses in emerging markets. Then, participants liaise with coaches to consolidate their business plan. Finalists are invited to the Netherlands to pitch their business in front of investors and a live audience. They receive personalized coaching (see video of last year’s workshop below) and workshops from BiD Network professionals. Essential connections with potential providers, suppliers and investors are also made possible.

‘My business trip to the Netherlands and BiD Network’s efforts to connect me with future investors… I would not have been able to get them on my own’ notes Nathalie Arsonillo, owner of a mobile cassava plant in the Philippines  and Winner of Women in Business 2010.

 

Recognition and visibility

Through the Women in Business Challenge, we are able to shine a spotlight on inspiring women entrepreneurs and high potential businesses. Rusia Orikiriza, a young Ugandan entrepreneur that creates innovative environmentally friendly bags , won the attention of World of 30, and was appointed as an Ugandan ambassador last year.

The connections and the skills Sharon Againe developed during Women in Business 2010 spurred her into new competitions and support her in the growth of her internet marketing agency. Agasha Business Network was reported as one of the most inspiring IT projects in Africa by the media.

What are you waiting for?

Deadline to apply to the Women in Business Challenge is April 15, 2012.

For competition details and to apply, Click here

Finalists of the Women in Business Challenge 2010-2011

About BiD Network
BiD Network’s mission is to contribute to sustainable economic growth in emerging countries through entrepreneurship. We prepare emerging market entrepreneurs for investors.
BiD Network focuses on high growth businesses based in developing countries with a financing need of US$10,000 to US$5,000,000 over the next five years. We provide professional services to entrepreneurs, coaches, investors, business angels and SME service providers. An international network of partners makes this possible. With our partners we are active in 16 countries.

Register for free here: www.bidnetwork.org. Follow us on Twitter at @bidnet