The Circular Economy Future Females Business School, sponsored by the Embassy of Finland Pretoria is an esteemed 16-month programme to support 50 Circular Economy-focused female entrepreneurs in South Africa to solidify their businesses and get ready for fundraising.
APPLICATIONS FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY FF BUSINESS SCHOOL ARE NOW OPEN!
Who
IS THE EMBASSY OF FINLAND PRETORIA?
The Embassy of Finland in Pretoria promotes Finland's national interests and supervises the interests and rights of the Finnish citizens in South Africa. The Embassy maintains contact between South African and Finnish officials and makes its strengths and values known in South Africa and accredited countries: Botswana, Lesotho and Mauritius. Finland is one of the most functional countries in the world leading the charge in smart sustainable tech-innovations.
Finland has had longstanding diplomatic relations with South Africa and took an active role in the fall of apartheid. Finland's support of the anti-apartheid movement evolved into development cooperation in 1995 with the objective of backing South Africa's efforts in building a socially and economically more inclusive and equal society. Currently, a wide range of development cooperation instruments are used: regional cooperation, local cooperation, as well as partnerships between Finnish and South African institutions and businesses.
About the Circular Economy Future Females Business School programme
SPONSORED BY THE EMBASSY OF FINLAND PRETORIA
The esteem Future Females Business School programme has been extended to 16 months, ensuring a comprehensive and transformative experience for participants. The carefully curated content spans three phases: acceleration, integration, and scaling, designed to provide company-specific support.
The first phase of the programme will support 50 aspiring female entrepreneurs, equipping them with essential business principles and sector-specific training in the Circular Economy. This phase will also include group coaching and access to a valuable network in South Africa.
Building upon the foundation laid in Phase 1, Phase 2 will cater to 25 graduates from the initial phase. These participants will receive in-depth and tailored 1:1 expert mentor sessions covering key areas such as Finances, Product & Coding, Marketing Strategies, and HR. This personalized guidance will empower you to navigate complex challenges, optimize your business operations and leave you with specific strategies to implement.
Finally, in Phase 3, we will support 15 participants in scaling their businesses and preparing for fundraising opportunities. With our guidance and expertise, you will be equipped to take your circular economy business to new heights.
Wrapping up the programme, there will be a Demo Day where you can showcase your product to potential investors and the broader ecosystem!
How
DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS WORK?
The Embassy of Finland in Pretoria provides fully funded spots for successful applicants to join the Circular Economy Future Females Business School programme. Please make sure you meet all of the below requirements before applying. The application is a text-based survey submission. If
part 1 of your application is successful, you will be contacted by our team for part 2 of the applications which is an interview with one of our team members.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be South African citizens
The business must focus on the Circular Economy sector
Validated product (not just an idea)
PHASE 2: INTEGRATE
What
IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME
PHASE 1: ACCELERATE
- Identify your high-value client
- Build an irresistible & unique brand
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Become more productive
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Maximise your tools & systems
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Design a profitable Business Plan
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Weekly Group Coaching
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Circular Economy specific content and Expert access
PHASE 2: INTEGRATE
- Top 25 participants from Phase 1
- Period: 4 months
- Monthly group coaching sessions
- 1:1 Expert Mentor Session (HR, Finance, Marketing&Branding, Product&Coding) leaving you with Brand Book, Comms Plan and Strategies going forward
PHASE 3: SCALE AND FUNDING
- Top 15 from Phase 2
- 1:1 Weekly Mentor sessions with Funding Expert
- Get your Due Diligence Documentation in order
- Design Pitch Deck
- Prepare for Investor Meetings
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Show casing day!
FAQs
How does the application process work?
The application is a text-based survey submission (through the link above). If part 1 of your application is successful, you will be contacted by our team for part 2 of the application - which is an interview with one of our team members.
What is the timeline?
The programme covers 3 phases, but not all participants go through all 3 phases.
Phase 1: 50 Participants; September - November 2023
Phase 2: Top 25 Participants from Phase 1; January - April 2024
Phase 3: Top 15 Participants from Phase 2; May 2024 - August 2024
Is there a fee involved?
Final selected applicants are eligible for a fully funded spot offered by the Embassy of Finland Pretoria however, each participant is responsible to pay a R250.00 commitment fee to secure her spot.
What are the application requirements?
Applicants have to be South African female entrepreneurs with a business in the Circular Economy sector. The business must be generating revenue and have the potential and intention to raise funding and scale her business in the next 16 months.
This is a wonderful opportunity, and we want to be working with women who are committed to work hard and get the best of this funded programme!
This is a wonderful opportunity, and we want to be working with women who are committed to work hard and get the best of this funded programme!
What is the time commitment during the programme?
The most successful participants will spend 3 to 4 hours a week progressing through the Business School content, and engaging with their coaches and peers. Like anything in life, what you put in is what you get out! Members will be required to complete 80% of the programme in order to graduate.
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