African Business Heroes (ABH) primary objective is to identify, support, and inspire the upcoming generation of African entrepreneurs who are actively making a difference in their local communities. These entrepreneurs are dedicated to addressing the most critical challenges and are committed to establishing a sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.
To ensure inclusivity, the African Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition initiative welcomes applications from entrepreneurs across all African countries, sectors, and age groups. The application process is available in both English and French. Eligible candidates must have a formal business registered and headquartered in an African country, with a proven track record of at least three years.
Each year, ten exceptional finalists will be chosen to participate in the highly anticipated ABH grand finale pitch competition. These finalists will also receive extensive exposure through professionally produced video narratives that showcase their stories and their ABH journeys. Throughout the entire process, we collaborate with local media and influential figures throughout the continent to conduct interviews that highlight their businesses and the impact they are making. Ultimately, the finalists will compete for a portion of the impressive US $1.5 million grant.
Furthermore, all finalists gain access to an exclusive community of like-minded entrepreneurs, business professionals, investors, and mentors. They will also have the opportunity to participate in training programs and networking events that provide additional support for their entrepreneurial endeavors.
ABH stands out from other competitions by offering a variety of benefits to both applicants and finalists tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs in Africa:
– Grant funds up to $300,000
– Top 10 finalists share a prize pool of $1.5 million in grants, with the winner receiving $300,000. The 1st and 2nd runners-up receive $250,000 and $150,000 respectively, while the remaining 7 finalists each receive $100,000. An additional $100,000 is set aside for global immersion training.
– Global recognition and exposure
– Access to an exclusive entrepreneurship community and network
– Mentorship from business icons
– Targeted training programs
– Business insights throughout the application process.