Who we are.
Africa Start-Up is an organization dedicated to providing resources and skills to people running small businesses in Africa. Started four years ago, we recognized
that without a strong formal workforce and high unemployment, many people living in Africa are forced into starting their own businesses in order to survive but lack the basic knowledge to make their business profitable and support their families. They usually
lack a strong support system and don’t have access to resources or guidance from others with more experience to succeed. We believe that access to information is a universal right and the knowledge of how to increase the chance of making a business succeed
should be shared with everyone.
Launched in Malawi and Ghana, we’ve trained over 275 business owners, partnered with three universities and had over 20 volunteers to help African business
owners improve profits. Of participants surveyed, 47% increased their incomes after 3 months of taking our training.
But a two-part class just scratches the surface and is not enough to affect long-term success......
While business owners get an introduction to business concepts from the classes, they need ongoing individualized guidance to apply what they have learned
to their unique, evolving business challenges. Education isn't a "one size fits all" model. Applying business best practices such as savings, budgeting, bookkeeping, often requires a complete paradaigm shift.
What we began to observe in all of the classes we held was that when the groups broke out into discussions about business challenges, the participants became
animated and engaged, and they helped each other to problem solve. This had an enormous impact on the participants, many of whom did not have anyone to talk to about their businesses. This is where the idea of building a community where business owners would
be able to come together and have a support system was born.
Our New Approach.
Africa Start-Up takes a holistic approach by focusing on building a community where these business owners can have access to resources and develop skills that support their business growth.
This includes basic business fundamentals, ongoing mentorship, training in specific areas of business, and networking with other business owners and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to not only help businesses survive, but thrive.
Why this campaign.
We are making long-term change to a very old and difficult problem. If these small businesses, which make up the majority of African employment, are successful, it has a significant
impact on the community and on families. Employment opportunities are created for the business owners as well as members of the community. Successful businesses improve the lives of families by generating income to pay for school fees and other basic necesseties,
sustaining them as they move forward.
Next steps.
Our next phase is to create a permanent space to provide access to resources and support. This hub will allow business owners to take additional training
courses, meet with mentors and consultants, and network. They will have access to workspace and technology. We will put on monthly workshops in specific topics given by experts in that area as well as networking events to connect business owners with additional
resources for growth.
In order to achieve our goal of fostering economic success, we need your help! Join our community and be a part of the support system that will grow businesses,
support families, and improve lives.
Our Team
Learn more about the folks dedicated to making this work at
http://www.africastartup.com
