Startups to take 1GIANTleap from idea to concept in 12 weeks with new programme

Want to get help developing your new business idea? Startups have until this Monday (5 June) to apply to the 1GIANTleap programme which aims to help entrepreneurs to leap from idea to proven concept in just 12 weeks.

The 12-week programme, an initiative of business support organisation Edge Growth, takes place from 8 June in Johannesburg.

The programme, which was first run in 2014, begins with a selection process where entrepreneurs are tested on various qualities, business ideas, personal circumstances and their commitment to serving customers both online and offline.

“One of the risks you run as an entrepreneur is to create something that nobody wants,” said 1GIANTleap head Moniek van Erven, in a press release to Ventureburn.

‘Our answer includes bootcamps-on-steroids, mentorship by experienced tech entrepreneurs’

At the end of the programme, entrepreneurs will get to pitch their proven concept to a board of investors to see if they qualify for 1GIANTleap’s year-long initiative — the 12m programme, where successful applicants will be able to work on developing their product or service further.

“For sure you love your own idea, but how do you make sure that you convert your idea into a proven business concept in as little time as possible, with the least possible investment?” asked Erven.

“Our answer includes bootcamps-on-steroids and mentorship by experienced tech entrepreneurs; sales support by linking our entrepreneurs to corporate clients, other SMEs, or individual customers; and product development support through our tech partner VSpace,” she said.

So far 1GL has incubated 16 startups in tech and green innovation. Previous programme were conducted for SAB, Telkom, FNB and software company BSG. The various programmes have run for between six and 12 months.

Previous participants have been involved in developing a medicine delivery app, digital discount coupon solution, an SME stock exchange, solar geyser switch, solar-LED light in plastic bottle, an informal workers app and smart green solutions for residential complexes, among other ideas.

In the last cohort two entrepreneurs were able to complete the 12-month programme having been able to build a minimum viable product (MVP).

To apply to the 1GIANTleap programme click here.