SHE-Spark August Changemaker is calling for applications from passionate female entrepreneurs in South Africans who at the early stages of building social businesses and organisations that exist to make a difference for women and girls living in poverty.
The program is an intensive five day live-in workshop in Johannesburg where you join a small group of Spark* Changemakers and access world class social entrepreneurship training designed to help you focus your non-profit or business and accelerate the growth of your venture.
Ongoing training and support from Spark* International and connection you to experts and professionals who can help you as you launch and grow your non-profit or social business is also part of the package.
“Specifically we provide you with three years of access to graphic designers, website creators, business coaches, mentors, research assistants, lawyers and accountants (all super helpful for you as a social entrepreneur working to grow your venture). You also have the opportunity to continually apply for small grants (approximately 2000 – 2500 rand) to help you overcome barriers and test ideas to grow the impact or sustainability of your venture,” read part of the invite.
“Spark* is an official pipeline partner with a number of powerful organisations that can help you scale a proven social enterprise including Ashoka, Echoing Green and the Unreasonable Institute as well as impact investors to help you raise capital if you are a social enterprise. We can prepare you for these opportunities and make connections for you,” read another part.
To be eligible you should be a female South African who has already launched a social enterprise that is already making a difference in the lives of tens of women and/or girls living in poverty in South Africa and wants to scale their social enterprise to impact many more women and girls living in poverty.
You will also have to contribute 1000 Rand to the cost of the program to cater for 5 days of accommodation, food, transport and world class training as well as three years of ongoing support and connections.
“The cost to Spark* is much higher but we request that you make this contribution to help us cover a small portion of the expenses we will incur. If you are not able to make 1000 Rand contribution, we encourage you to seek sponsorship from friends, family, or your community.We are confident that, as an entrepreneur, you will have no trouble finding a creative way to raise 1000 Rand!,” read the inivite.