Nigeria’s Civic Innovation Lab (CIL) invites applicants from different Startup enterprises across Nigeria for its upcoming 3-month Civic Accelerator Programme (CAP).
Civic Innovation Lab is a space that exist to engage the ingenuity of citizens to develop urban solutions through the use of open data and a facilitated design process.
The Civic Accelerator Program (CAP) is a program that will support early stage enterprises or entrepreneurs launch innovatives or ventures with solutions to solve critical civic, social and environmental issues in Nigeria. The program will also provide development, growth and value through trainings, consultancy, and productivity management strategies that will enable the startups scale and attain sustainability.
The team is looking for creative minds with innovative technology solutions that addresses common problems in the society so all applicants should possess the first quality, and one or more of the others:
- Entrepreneurs/ventures whose business model is built around providing solutions to social, cultural or environmental problems.
- Innovative and scalable businesses whose solution utilises a digital or technological element.
- A business with a sustainable model. We believe that in order to make a true long-term impact, a viable plan for revenue streams must be created.
- A team with relevant experience and complementary skills as well as a high degree of commitment. We believe that the capacity and commitment of the team is most essential to achieve the vision.
Civic Accelerator Program plans to Offer:
- Training: The program’s curriculum is led by experienced individuals who have demonstrated significant entrepreneurial success, remarkable leadership, and business acumen. The individuals are committed to accelerating the impact and financial sustainability of social enterprises.
- Access to Networks: Startup ventures will receive access to a robust network of professionals ready to assist with projects. Tailored support will be offered within the areas of marketing, law, accounting, bookkeeping, financial modeling, pitching and more.
- Networking Opportunities: Startup ventures in the accelerator program will be able to expand their networks at their weekly networking mixers, where they will meet with influencers, executives, investors, donors, public officials, policymakers, and business leaders.
- Office Space: Startup ventures will become members of the Civic Innovation Lab throughout the 3-month accelerator program. Startup ventures will get provisional membership perks and benefits which include use of the co-working desks, WiFi, printing, mailing correspondence, conference room, meeting space etc.
- Peer Learning: An important component of the program is building a trusted network of like-minded entrepreneurs. Startup ventures will get the opportunity to learn from one another, find solutions, and share challenges, resources, and successes.
- CIL Team: The Civic Innovation Lab team will be providing assistance to the startup ventures, for the duration of the program, by helping to make timely connections with potential clients, policymakers, government officials and mentors.
- Workshops : The startup ventures will have free access to some of the Civic Innovation Lab‘s regular workshops on topics relevant to entrepreneurs and small businesses. These workshops will allow startup ventures in the accelerator program to gain more insight into the process of building a scalable business.
- Access to Investors: After our 3-month program, and a successful pitching session at the Demo Day, finalists will have access to the Civic Innovation Lab’s networks, connecting them to potential investors, partners and mentors.
Application Details
- Application to the Civic Accelerator Program closes on the 4th of September, 2017.
- Selected ventures will be notified by September 15, 2017.
Apply for the Civic Accelerator Program here