African Women in Business Challenge 2010-2011 is now open

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The sector competition organised by BiD Network opens in its second edition. Women entrepreneurs from all African countries are invited to submit their plan applications.

The Women in Business Challenge, a business plan competition to support women entrepreneurs in the development of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, is organized by BiD Network and made possible by its partners ING, ICCO, Plan Nederland and UnitedSuccess.

This competition starts today in its second edition. The first release, which was very successful, ran from October 2009 till January 2010, when five finalists were chosen from among over 200 business proposals.


Participants’ profile

Women, anywhere in Africa, who want to start or grow an existing small and medium sized enterprise (SME). They seek finance in the range of US$ 10,000 and US$ 1 million. They either already have a full business plan or need help in developing their business plan. They have the ambition to grow the business in sales and numbers of employees. Plans will be accepted only in English.

For more information about the criteria and how to submit a plan click here.

Prizes

This Challenge brings two prizes. For the five finalists a business trip to The Netherlands for trainings, B2B and investor meetings. For the absolute winner, tailor made advisory services worth €5,000 from UnitedSucces, the worldwide network for business women owners

All participants will receive feedback to improve their plan and may require for a coach to assist them in the writing of their business plan.

Whether or not a participant becomes a finalist, all high quality business plans are eligible for the BiD Network Investor Matchmaking Services.


Award Ceremony

The award ceremony will be hosted by Plan Nederland in the in the framework of the Because I am a Girl-campaign, in the summer of 2011.


Want to participate? Want more info?

Please go to:

www.bidnetwork.org/women