Are you a passionate and driven entrepreneur from Ethiopia, Kenya, or Rwanda, with a brilliant business idea? Do you dream of starting a company that makes a real difference in Africa? Then the Jasiri Talent Investor programme could be the perfect springboard opportunity you have been searching for. This fully-funded, 13-month program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs like you turn your ideas into successful businesses.

The Jasiri Talent Investor program is specifically designed for the East African region and takes a skills-based approach to help entrepreneurs develop their abilities. The program provides a framework with clear goals and targeted support to overcome challenges typically faced by new businesses. The programme also facilitates collaboration between participants, allowing them to form teams with like-minded co-founders. This collaboration fosters the development of innovative and market-changing ideas.

About Jasiri

Jasiri is a program run by Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies. They believe businesses can be a powerful force for good, creating jobs and driving positive change across Africa. Jasiri is their commitment to nurturing a new generation of exceptional and responsible entrepreneurs in East Africa.

Jasiri’s Vision

Jasiri envisions a future where African citizens are empowered, prosperous, and actively engaged in building ethical and thriving societies.

Jasiri’s Mission

Jasiri tackles poverty by investing in, supporting, and empowering responsible entrepreneurs and leaders who create high-impact businesses. These businesses not only generate jobs but also embody ethical leadership, paving the way for a brighter future.

Six Key Stages of the Jasiri Talent Investor Program

  1. Jasiri JumpStart: This initial stage equips you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to launch a successful business.
  2. Team Formation: Jasiri helps you find the perfect co-founder to complement your skills and vision.
  3. Customer Discovery: Candidates will learn how to identify their ideal customer and deeply understand customer needs.
  4. Problem Validation: Refine your solution based on customer feedback and market research.
  5. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Develop a basic version of your product or service to test your concept with real customers.
  6. Venture Creation: Transform your MVP into a fully-fledged business, ready to scale and grow.

What Jasiri Talent Investor Offers

Funding

Jasiri removes the financial barrier by covering your living expenses while you focus on building your business. The programme financially supports team formation, customer discovery & validation at the Residential in Kigali through the following;
• Flight and/or transportation from the selected entrepreneur’s current place of residence to the Residential Site in Kigali.
• A monthly stipend equivalent to RWF 317,145, KES39,463, or ETB 14,130.

It also supports venture creation, for which candidates can receive the following;

  • Flight and transportation from Kigali to Nairobi or Ethiopia.
  • A monthly stipend equivalent to RWF 1,268,580, KES 157,853, or ETB 56,521.

Support

You’ll be connected with a network of experienced mentors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to guide you every step of the way.

Training

Jasiri provides comprehensive training to equip you with the skills you need to launch and grow your company.

Who Jasiri Talent Investor is Looking For

  • Citizens of Ethiopia, Kenya, or Rwanda: Whether you live in your home country or abroad, Jasiri welcomes applications from talented individuals across East Africa.
  • Full-Time Commitment: This program is a full-time immersion experience. Jasiri is looking for individuals who are dedicated to making their business dreams a reality.
  • Expertise and Passion: You should be knowledgeable and passionate about your chosen field. Jasiri values people who can identify problems and create innovative solutions.
  • Innovation and Growth: Jasiri Talent Investor Programme seeks entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and a strong commitment to building a fast-growing and impactful business.
  • Teamwork: Collaboration is key. Jasiri encourages individuals who are eager to learn from others and work effectively as part of a team.

Women are highly encouraged to apply!

Jasiri recognizes the importance of women’s leadership in entrepreneurship and actively seeks applications from female entrepreneurs.

Jasiri Talent Investor Cohort 7 – Application Process

Jasiri uses a multi-stage selection process to identify the most promising candidates. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Entrepreneurial Intentions Assessment: This online questionnaire helps Jasiri understand your motivations and experience. You would be expected to share an example of how you’ve created value in the past.
  2. Innovation Scenario Assessment: Candidates are required to demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills with a written assessment and a short video pitch. Jasiri presents a business challenge outside your field to test your ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions. Candidates should note that this will not be the industry assigned to them if they are eventually selected for the programme. You also are not allowed to use any A.I tools when completing this assessment as this leads to an automatic disqualification.
  3. Psychometric Tests: These online tests assess your reasoning abilities in both written and numerical formats. They are timed and designed to evaluate your thinking skills under pressure.
  4. CPP Psychometric Test: This is a 3-hour online assessment that delves deeper into your approach to problem-solving. An online tutor will be available to guide you through the process from start to finish.
  5. Selection Conference: If you progress through the initial stages, you will be invited to a virtual conference. This is your chance to meet other shortlisted candidates and program staff. Attending both days of the conference is mandatory to be eligible for final programme consideration

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to bring your ideas to life! To get started, visit the programme website to apply.

Application Deadline: Applications for the 7th Cohort close on October 17, 2024.

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