MEST is an Africa-wide technology entrepreneur training program, internal seed fund, and network of hubs offering incubation for technology startups in Africa. Founded in Ghana in 2008, MEST provides critical skills training, funding, and support in software development, business, and communications to Africa’s tech entrepreneurs. Hubs are located in Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; Cape Town, South Africa; and Nairobi, Kenya. MEST is funded by the Meltwater Foundation, the non-profit arm of Meltwater, a global leader in media intelligence and Outside Insight.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
MEST Express is an acceleration program focused on providing investment-readiness support to early and growth-stage startups in Ghana. It is designed to deliver hands-on business interventions that are focused on rapid practical application and observable business outcomes. The program works with founders to ensure their businesses are poised for growth and increased impact.
After 20 weeks of hands-on expert-led workshops and mentorship, startups in each cohort have the opportunity to participate in a pitching session where top-performing ventures receive equity-free grant funding.
Businesses They Support
- Early to growth stage Ghanaian startups
- 1-3 years in operation
- Technology or tech-enabled
- $100k or less in funding
- Proven problem-solution fit
- Generating revenue
- Can demonstrate traction
- Any business model
Program Focus Areas
- Funding & Investment readiness
- Risk Management and Crisis Resilience
- Product Management & Positioning
- Business and Revenue Modelling
- Sales & Customer Acquisition
- Market Research & Competitive Analysis
- Marketing & Brand awareness
- Organizational Structuring
Important dates for 2022 alpha cohort
- Applications open – 8th November, 2021
- Applications close – 16th January, 2022
- Program begins – 21st February, 2022
- Program ends – 15th June, 2022
Benefits
- Grant funding will be awarded to the top participant(s) in the cohort at the end of the program. Exact amounts will vary ; with seed funding between $50k-$250k
- They also provide skills in Tech Entrepreneurship
- They support early-stage startups to take off
Eligibilities
- Ghanaian citizen
- Early to growth stage Ghanaian startups
- 1-3 years in operation
- Technology or tech-enabled
- $100k or less in funding
- Proven problem-solution fit
- Generating revenue
- Can demonstrate traction
- Any business model
Application Process
- Fill out the application form on F6S (startups must create an account)
- Startups shortlisted for the interview stage
- Interviews are held with shortlisted startups
- Offer letters sent to finalists
- There are no application or participation fees.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2022
Application ClosedOfficial link
