New programme for SA women-owned GreenTech startups launches 

The UK-South Africa Tech Hub in partnership with Future Females has launched a new programme aimed at supporting 30 South African female founders of GreenTech startups. 

 Applications close on 25 January 2021.

Titled Future Females Business School GreenTech programme, the initiative aims to highlight businesses tackling climate change and positively contributing to a low carbon economy. 

Nigel Casey, British High Commissioner to South Africa explains that the programme is pivotal to bringing about positive change and combating climate change. 

“A Just Transition is not just about Government policy and major infrastructure and energy projects. It is about inclusion and the creativity and drive of businesses to shape the economy and create the jobs of the future. I am therefore delighted that, through the UK-South Africa Tech Hub and the Future Females Business School, we are addressing both by supporting women entrepreneurs.”

The programme

Conducted virtually over three months, the programme is comprised of 10 modules that will equip participating entrepreneurs with the foundation to grow their GreenTech businesses’.  

Each participant will be supported by a ‘sustainability coach’ and learn a range of critical business building skills from how to create an effective business plan to how to use technology to build an online presence and scale-up their business. 

In addition, expert guest speakers including serial entrepreneurs, executives, and coaches will cover critical personal development topics such as how to overcome the fear of failure and more. Upon completion, each participant will be awarded a certificate at a virtually held graduation. 

 Shirley Gilbey, UK-South Africa Tech Hub Director provides insight into the new programme. 

“The Future Females Business School GreenTech Programme is a three-month virtual programme, equipping local female entrepreneurs with the entrepreneurial skills and best practices needed to start and grow successful tech businesses. These businesses not only generate wealth for the founders but also create a positive impact in communities and environments.”

Requirements

Qualifying applicants are must be founders of an early-stage business that focuses on protecting the environment and the conservation of natural resources using alternative technologies that are less harmful to the environment.  

Qualifying startups include: 

• Waste Management
• Generation of power
• Water management (harvesting, filtering/treatment, and metering)
• Farmer’s Market
• Organic produce & retail
• Green blogs
• Eco-friendly fashion
• Eco-friendly beauty or cleaning products
• Upcycling furniture
• Green app development
• Used bookstore
• Herbal remedy
• Food plant nursery and such other industries.

How to apply

Applications must be completed online and submitted by 25 January 2021. 

Once an online application is submitted, successful candidates will undergo a one-on-one consultation with a programme team member. The consultation aims to validate participants’ business ideas and direction. 

The programme is scheduled to start on 8 February 2021. 

Read more: Enygma Ventures extends funding application date 
Read more: New incubation programme launches for tech startups in Nigeria 

Featured image: Mert Guller via Unsplash