What is the SASIE Idea to Venture Programme for women?
Available to African women, The SASIE (Sought After School ofInnovation & Entrepreneurship) Idea to Venture programme is aimed at those who have an idea for a technology based business and would like to develop it further. It includes 6 weeks of learning worth $4000 (totally free for you), that could lead to a coveted spot in our business incubator/accelerator for 6 weeks.
Listen to Olivia Okinyi talk about her Business - creating leather from pineapple waste
Although not an alumni of SASIE, Olivia's story is inspiring. At SASIE, we help you create success stories like this.
Who can apply?
You must be over 18, be a woman, and live in Africa.
Representation really matters to us and we are committed to this. We are really keen to support Female led Entrepreneurship through this initiative. If you think “Idea to Venture” probably isn’t for me”, then we definitely want to hear your idea!
Induction
We will discuss the upcoming program schedule, engagement, and what to expect. There will be time to meet the programme team and get to know each other through group activities and discussion. We will take a first look at your ideas and start thinking about how to communicate with different audiences.
We will cover the nature of entrepreneurship and build an understanding of self and values. We will help you to understand your connection with the problem you’re trying to solve and conduct a personal SWOT to uncover the opportunities and threats that could shape your founder journey.
This session looks at the difference between good ideas and strong business ideas. We take a first look at design thinking and customer centric approaches, including idea generation tools and frameworks. In this session we will help you to start building your value proposition
The Opportunity
The Idea
Building on the previous session, we will continue to build the value proposition canvas, looking at connecting the solution with customers. As well as looking at market opportunity and customer segments, we will look at how to put this into practise.
The Customer
The Plan
In the penultimate session, we will consolidate all the previous sessions with the completion of the Value Propositions Canvas. We explore the next steps with an introduction to frameworks such as the business model canvas and Simon Sinek’s “start with the why”. We will also look at how you plan for the next steps of the journey.
Bootstrapping and grant funding to equity investment, it can be a complex world to navigate. In this final session we will look at the funding landscape, financial forecasting, and lean approaches.
The Numbers
We will cover these key business fundamentals:
In addition to these core sessions you will have access to group coaching sessions, pitch training and the opportunity to pitch your business to our incubator for a fully funded spot for 6 weeks.
What’s the format?
Each cohort in the programme has a slightly different format. Each cohort will be held online with an in person meet-up at the end of. the program. Our goal is to make it as accessible as possible for those who would like to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether I can apply?
Idea to Venture is to help women who want to start a business by technology. We’d encourage anyone to get involved but we have a few criteria to our funding.
– You or your business must be based in Africa or you must be a citizen of an African country.
– You need to be at an early stage of your journey you may have an idea, have just started a business or just know you want to be a founder and looking to find the perfect concept. If you’re a more established business this isn’t for you.
– Our aim is to support women to establish businesses that can grow and utilise tech.
Will it cost me anything?
This particular cohort is completely free!
We received funding from our partners and contributions from local and international organisations to enable this programme to happen!
Subsequent cohorts will have to pay a fee.
Is there support if I have a caring responsibility?
If you have difficulty making sessions due to caring responsibilities, or the costs associated with attending (e.g. travel costs), please let us know and we will do our best to find ways to support you joining a cohort.
Do I have to participate in a set time period?
We’re running several cohorts each year so we’d encourage you to submit an expression of interest, if you’re not yet ready we can always put you on a future cohort. Once you start a cohort though you have to complete that one.
Is it in-person?
The course is going to be delivered mainly online, there will be access to some in-[erson elements and resources but we know that lots of the value will be from learning and engaging with your peers.
Can I participate if I'm already in an incubator or accelerator?
Yes there is nothing stopping you from being on Idea to Venture and other programmes as well. We’re happy to have a chat to ensure you’re getting value and not duplicating your effort!