
Visualize a vibrant jungle. Lush, teeming with life, and full of unexpected opportunities. This is a startup ecosystem.
At the base are the towering trees – established corporations and investors. Their roots go deep, providing stability and resources. But the jungle’s true magic happens in the undergrowth.
Here, nimble creatures – the startups – scurry and climb, seeking sunlight. Some find it, growing rapidly into new, towering trees. Others face challenges, adapting or perishing.
Connecting them all are the vines and lianas – the support systems. Accelerators, incubators, and mentors are like strong vines, helping young startups climb higher. Co-working spaces and tech hubs are the lianas, connecting the ecosystem, and building collaboration.
The jungle is constantly changing. New species emerge, and old ones evolve. It’s a delicate balance of competition and cooperation, where innovation is the ultimate survival strategy. And at the core of it all? The dreamers, the risk-takers, the entrepreneurs. They are the seeds that start it all.
Africa is on the tip of a transformative entrepreneurial revolution, and at the heart of this movement are the ecosystem builders who tirelessly support startups. The SME Founders Association is hosting the Africa Startup and Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards – Kenya Edition to recognize and celebrate these unsung heroes.
Theme: Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Building Africa’s Startup Ecosystem on Diversity and Collaboration
This two-day summit, slated for the end of August, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore strategies for building a thriving and inclusive startup ecosystem.
Why Attend?
- Gain invaluable insights: Learn from renowned African entrepreneurs and thought leaders about building a diverse and collaborative startup ecosystem.
- Network with industry experts: Connect with potential partners, investors, and mentors to propel your startup forward.
- Access capacity-building programs: Participate in workshops and training sessions on financial literacy, market access, and regulatory compliance.
- Celebrate excellence: Witness the recognition of outstanding ecosystem builders at the awards ceremony.
Summit Highlights:
- Keynote addresses from influential figures in the African startup ecosystem.
- Panel discussions on critical topics such as nurturing public-private partnerships and leveraging ICT for growth.
- Interactive workshops to develop actionable plans for promoting diversity and collaboration.
- An awards ceremony honoring the exceptional contributions of ecosystem builders.
Leading up to the summit, the SME Founders Association has been running several impactful programs to empower entrepreneurs:
- SME Tax Empowerment Program (STEP): Equipping SMEs with tax knowledge and compliance skills.
- Prosperity Blueprint: Teaching professionals and entrepreneurs effective saving, borrowing, and investing strategies.
Are you an entrepreneur seeking opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area? Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Africa’s startup success story.
Register now to understand workers’ cooperatives; a pathway to inclusive entrepreneurship.
Let’s celebrate the champions of innovation and entrepreneurship while contributing to building a stronger, more inclusive Africa.
See you on Thursday 1st August from 11:30 am – 1 pm EAT Moderated by Ian Githu, Project Manager, Data Analyst, and Corporate trainer.