Training

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Nairobi, Kenya | 13 February 2017 - 14 February 2017

The AFIF programme included the training for entrepreneurs “Scaling your Entrepreneurial Venture” (13-14 February) at the Strathmore Business School. The entrepreneurs learned how to present a business plan, how to pitch and communicate their project and how to access funding in Africa. The training also included a special session about the Japanese Kaizen method, delivered by experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Objectives:

During the AFIF training session, entrepreneurs will be asked to "begin with why" i.e. going back to the basic question of Why their businesses exist. The trainer will then provide practical guidance that will allow entrepreneurs to unleash the potential of their ventures and realize their business ambitions.

Programme:

1. Success and Significance: Building profitable and impactful businesses

Developing an ambitious vision: Beginning with why?
Escaping the survival trap: Understanding the vicious cycle that keep ventures from succeeding
Seven Opportunities: Practical tools for entrepreneurs, business executives and leaders to unleash their firms and realize their business aspirations.

2. Pitching 101: Presenting a compelling business plan

Understanding the key elements of a strong business plan
Pitching the business idea: Getting to the core of the sell
Practical tips to present a business plan (what works and what to avoid)

3. The right financing partner: Understanding financing alternatives

Overview of different funding options: Internal funding / Debt / Equity / Grants, donations, aids
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each source
Showcasing the different sources of funding: their priorities/ preferences/ portfolio

Training will include special presentations by the European Investment Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and GROFIN.

More about The trainers

Eric Kacou

Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Expert

Born and raised in Cote d’Ivoire, Eric Kacou is co-founder and CEO of Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESPartners), an advisory and investment group. ESPartners provides Intelligent Capital the right mix of insights and financing to entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa and the Caribbean.

Prior to starting ESPartners, Eric served as Managing Director of OTF Group, a competitiveness consultancy focused on emerging markets. An expert in post-conflict economic reconstruction, he led the Rwanda National Innovation and Competitiveness (RNIC) Program, an initiative sponsored by President Paul Kagame. The RNIC is credited with helping revitalize Rwanda’s economy and fuelling the growth of entrepreneurship and exports.

Eric also co-founded the Academy of Leadership in Competitiveness and Prosperity (ALCP), a Rwanda-based program for young leaders with more than two hundred and fifty graduates. Eric has also served leaders of over a dozen low-income nations including Haiti, Uganda, and Southern Sudan as well as development partners such as World Bank, IFC and USAID. Eric started his career as a strategy consultant with Monitor Company advising Fortune 500 executives. Prior to being a Mason Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School, Eric earned his MBA at the Wharton School, and serves on the Wharton Executive Board for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Eric’s first book, Entrepreneurial Solutions for Prosperity for BOP markets, was published by Wharton School Publishing and has already received coverage from international media such as FT, CNBC and SABC. Eric was honored by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader and is also an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow.

Yvette Ingabire

Session experts and Manager

Yvette Ingabire joined ESPartners as an Associate and brings to ESPartners a rich experience working on competitiveness and private sector development in Rwanda. Yvette is passionate about the socio – economic development of the poor in our society and in programs and policies that bridge the gap between the rich and poor. Prior to joining ESPartners, Yvette worked with Ntare Insights and OTF Group all strategy and competitiveness consulting firms focused on emerging markets. Yvette successfully worked with tourism industry leaders and stakeholders to drive the competitiveness of Rwanda’s tourism industry.

Yvette was also instrumental in the facilitation of the Academy of Leadership in Competitiveness and Prosperity (ALCP) initiative, a Rwanda-based program for young leaders with more than two hundred and fifty graduates. Yvette has also been engaged in different market research projects including one aimed at articulating a strategy and action plan for Rwandan exporters wishing to penetrate the Southern Sudan market. Yvette also volunteers with the Rwanda National Youth Council in different youth empowerment initiatives. Yvette earned a Masters in Public Policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) in the National University of Singapore. At LKYSPP, Yvette concentrated on Public Management and Governance. She also earned a Bsc in International Business Administration from the United States International University – Africa.

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Connect businesses horizontally and vertically
Create an exchange of know-how
Engage the relevant Public-Private dialogue

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