Orbit Innovation Hub Invites Women Entrepreneurs to Apply for SEED Program Cohort 5

Orbit Innovation Hub has opened applications for its Cohort 5 startup incubation program, tailored for women-led and women-focused startups in Adama, Hawassa, Sheger City, and Bahirdar.

The Sustainable Employment through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED) Program, a five-year initiative co-created with the Mastercard Foundation, and a consortium of organizations led by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) aims to empower 1 million young people and women in Ethiopia by fostering dignified and fulfilling job opportunities.

Program Benefits

• Comprehensive Training & Guidance: Access expert-led training on crucial areas like Design Thinking, Business Modeling, Financial Planning, and Management.
• Funding Opportunities: Explore potential avenues for accessing financial resources to fuel your business growth.
• Market Access: Connect with potential customers, suppliers, and partners to expand your market reach.
• Networking & Knowledge Sharing: Engage with a vibrant community of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicant Type 
  • Individual: Female founder, a business with at least one female co-founder, or a venture focused on women's empowerment.
  • Team: At least one female founder with a maximum team size of three members.
• Business Stage: Early-stage ventures (operating for less than two years) or businesses with a well-defined business concept.
• Residence: Must be a resident of Ethiopia.
• Education: Minimum 10th-grade education (proof required upon selection).
• Age: Between 22 and 35 years old.
• Impact Focus: Strong preference for businesses with a positive social and environmental impact. 

Exclusion Criteria 

Applicants with business ideas or ventures that do not align with social, environmental, and governance standards will not be considered. This includes businesses involved in alcohol, tobacco, and drugs; weapons manufacturing; gambling; and the production of explicit sexual content. State-owned enterprises and those seeking funding for unlawful or political purposes are also ineligible. Applications from individuals or teams who have previously received funding from Orbit Innovation Hub or other Mastercard Foundation-supported programs, those with more than three owners, and those solely owned by men will not be accepted.