NaijaTalkTalk: iDEA Has Began Accepting Applications To Its Accelerator Programme [APPLY]

iDEA, the government-backed, not-for-profit organisation that supports the development of indigenous skills and capabilities in software development, has began accepting applications to its accelerator programme until July 8th.

The 14-week programme, which consists of 3 modules (Design, Build, Pitch), equips entrepreneurs to launch, grow market share, and raise funding for their startups.
With 14 mentor-led sessions, one holding each week, entrepreneurs will benefit from experienced mentors who are looking to incorporate new thinking your execution plans and operational practice, impart knowledge, share experience, facilitate access and drive business performance.
Some of the benefits that startups would gain from the programme include:

• Mentors work with you to refine your value offering and your product, and help you overcome friction and inertia to get to your vision faster.
• The programme provides discipline and feedback to help you maintain focus and effectiveness as you execute your plan.
• iDEA’s network helps you fill the gaps in your knowledge, skills, resources, reach and access.
• iDEA works with you like a co-founder or early board member to provide support and validation.
• The programme gives you access to a network of Venture Capital partners, Angel investors, and other financiers for whom iDEA acts as a trusted finder.
• Startups receive a grant of $10,000 USD to help cover expenses, while in the programme.
• iDEA provides free dedicated space for four people, as well as a 45MBps Internet connection, training programmes, business support (including legal, accounting, tax, PR & marketing and HR), technical support (such as reviews, validation and feedback), facilitated access, as well as network of people and resources around its activities.

iDEA takes a 6% stake in startups accepted into the programme, in exchange for the awesome benefits of the programme.

After the programme, there will be a Demo Day, an event that provides startups with the opportunity to meet with select Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors interested in financing their businesses.

Last weekend, iDEA hosted its first Demo Day, which marked the graduation of its in-house businesses that had gone through the 4-month accelerator programme.
If you’re interested in the accelerator programme, you can apply here.