For three months, twenty-one alumni entrepreneurs poured their energy into learning, refining, and reimagining their businesses. They came from sectors as diverse as microfinance, shoemaking, hair and beauty, education and health but during the Next Frontier Incubation and Small Grants Program, they shared one mission, ‘To grow their ideas into sustainable ventures.’
Lessons before the spotlight
Before the big pitch, the entrepreneurs gained more than just theory. “I learnt how to keep a business afloat, make profit, market effectively, and track progress with clear reports,” said Robert, Class of ‘23, who is now planning to patent his company, run workshops, and ramp up marketing. David, Class of ‘22, on the other hand, discovered the art of scaling and financial discipline. “I now know how to manage money well, reproduce it, and grow. The fear before pitching was real, but rehearsing helped,” he reflected.
Faith, Class of ‘20, whose business focuses on hair products, expected to meet established business leaders during the program, but instead found wisdom in her peers. “I learned marketing, branding, and packaging is a really big deal,” she said. “For someone with hair products, even the scent matters it has to appeal to everyone.”
Irene, Class of ‘24 biggest takeaway was clarity. “You need to know what you really want to do. Don’t just go in without a clear roadmap, and be ready to learn.”
Facing the judges
As pitch week began, the atmosphere shifted. Some felt the nerves creep in, while others braced for tough questioning. Alex owner of A&B Phone Accessories a wholesale business dedicated to providing genuine and high-quality mobile phones and accessories at affordable prices, admitted, “I thought the judges would be intimidating, but they were welcoming. Still, you must know your business inside out, defend your budget to the last cent, and keep an open mind to criticism.”
Irene, Co-founder of Dada Kazini, an initiative empowering women and youth, had imagined a grilling session, but walked away pleasantly surprised. “The judges have a second eye they see and understand what you do. It’s not always that intense. Just be yourself, don’t panic, and remember it’s just another day, not the end of the world.”
Robert, Co-founder of FastChop Innovation Limited, an innovation that solves the everyday challenges faced by cooks in large-scale food production, with a particular focus on vegetable preparation. Robert summed it up simply: “Be brief, be clear, have confidence, and be transparent.”
Four days, five judges, and countless lessons later, Cohort One left the pitch room not just as competitors, but as stronger, savvier entrepreneurs ready to take their ideas to market and beyond.
With grant winners soon to be announced, we can’t wait to see what comes next and we wish the second cohort all the best as they kick off their own journey of innovation and growth.
