In collaboration with FATE Foundation, the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (SBN) is holding its annual  Nutripitch competition in 2023. The competition is part of a larger program currently running in six African countries (Benin, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Mozambique.

The SBN Nigeria- fate Foundation partnership aims to find profitable and innovative business models that accelerate low-income consumers’ access to wholesome food; that is, an approach that can allow a business to capture value and turn a profit while still offering the food at a price that customers can afford.

Furthermore, the initiative will offer technical support to nutrition-focused entrepreneurs to enhance their capacity and create innovative business plans that will increase Nigerians’ access to nutrient-dense food.

Programme Thematic Areas

The challenge welcomes businesses innovating in any of the thematic areas outlined below; other applicants who function in closely related areas are also encouraged to apply.

Reaching lower-income consumers:

If you operate business models that show evidence of intention to assist and reach the low-income population to expand their access to wholesome food, then this is for you.

Innovative Disruptive Technology:

To make nutritious foods more accessible while maintaining the product’s affordability and business profitability at the same time, business models that encourage the use of distinctive, inventive, and efficient technologies in the manufacturing, processing, and accessibility of those foods are needed.

Creative Marketing Campaigns:

Business Plans that raise public knowledge and acceptance of wholesome meals by using creative marketing techniques.

SBN Nutripitch 2023 challenge – Programme Structure

Programme Launch

The project will kick off with an intensive one-week accelerator boot camp and an orientation will precede the start of the Agribusiness Accelerator Programme. This will be followed by a thorough GAP Analysis to assist each entrepreneur in creating a customised roadmap and growth strategy that meets the needs of the firm to expand and scale. A dry run, or mock pitch competition, concludes this boot camp.

Programme Sessions

Each participating entrepreneur and firm will receive personalised growth support, peer learning and feedback, workshops, coaching, and one-on-one mentorship as part of the capacity-building exercises. Entrepreneurs will have the chance to connect and engage with a variety of people, such as senior-level professionals, agribusiness specialists, seasoned business owners, consultants, mentors, partners, and investors.

Programme Closure

The programme will wrap up with a formal graduation and diploma presentation in December of 2024. This will take place during the FATE Annual Celebration.

Key Programme Features

Successful project participants will have their capacity strengthened in the following areas:

    • Business Model Development for targeting low-income consumers.
    • Development of an Effective 1–3-year Growth Plan
    • Creating innovative marketing for increased awareness of nutritious foods
    • Food Nutrition and Food Safety
    • Food systems
    • Investment Readiness
    • Business Pitch
    • Product Development (disruptive technological innovations)

Other highlights of the program include:

  • One-on-one mentoring for 6 months
  • Up to 10,000,000 Naira to be distributed among the winners of the pitch competition in line with stipulated terms and conditions.
  • Professional financial services for the winners of the close-out event.

Application Process

  • To apply, you are required to fill out the online application.
  • Make sure you are ready and available for your virtual interview.
  • If you make the shortlist, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation.

Once submitted, the application is final and cannot be edited. Additionally, multiple entries per applicant will be rejected. Therefore, before submitting your application, you are strongly advised to double-check it.

Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted will be contacted via email.

Application Deadline: 3 December, 2023

Programme Delivery Mode: Hybrid

Timeframe: 22nd Jan 2024 – 12th April 2024

 

To apply, click here. For further information, emails can be sent to scaleup@fatefoundation.org