Call for applications: Value Creation Challenge in Zim

VCC was launched last year to support businesses and startups that provide innovative and sustainable solutions to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic and environmental challenges. The project is aimed at local creatives and entrepreneurs whose startups were formed not less than seven years ago. The call seeks to grow the successful participants’ innovative businesses with the possibility of partnering with Old Mutual Zimbabwe.

VCC will provide seed capital to at least four businesses or startups that make it to the accelerator programme, which is set to begin in July. In addition to the seed capital, the selected participants stand to gain free office space and mentorship in the form of marketing, human resources and capacitation workshops.

Interested local creatives and businesses should apply here before 14 June, after which shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.

The target for this challenge are participants that fall under the following pillars:

• Young and funky.
• Digital content creation.
• Data analytics.
• Emerging technology.
• Climate action.

“Recognising and acknowledging the role young people play in economic and social development is key hence this particular programme is much more streamlined with specific targets in areas or sectors which young people have passion and interest in developing their businesses,” British Council Zimbabwe country director Roland Davies said.

“We encourage female-led businesses to apply, as our cultural relations work aims to bring diverse people together to learn, create and fulfil ambitions. The British Council will continue to nurture creativity, innovation and flexibility by engaging a diversity of perspectives and spot new opportunities to work with partners like Old Mutual to achieve greater reach and impact.”

Old Mutual Zimbabwe group CEO Samuel Matsekete said: “The VCC is not only an opportunity to explore the role that financial services can play in helping young people make a successful transition into their most productive years. It is also an opportunity to link young people to real opportunities that exist both in the local and the regional markets. We at Old Mutual consider it vital to integrate the youth in the development of our economy.”

View the original call here.