BongoHive started off the year with the Discover Pre-accelerator Programme on 20th January 2020. We received the highest number of applications and also had the highest number of female participants in a cohort to date (9 out of 11).  The programme is designed for entrepreneurs with a newly launched business or in the idea phase.

During the 2-week programme, the participants attend daily training sessions at BongoHive.The sessions, which are usually held between 9:00hrs – 13:00hrs, involve the building of business models, product and market validation and also learning how to create sound financial projections. Our partners Musa Dudhia & Co and EY Zambia also delivered training sessions on legal and tax advisory respectively. The programme culminates in a Pitch Day where the startups present their business pitches to judges and guests in attendance.

The judges during this Pitch Day were Elizabeth Hartford, Investment Expert; Lombe Lumbwe, Investment Manager at AgDevCo and Ruth Mooto, Founder & CEO of My Perfect Stitch. The best pitch was awarded to Kwelani, represented by Natalie Simpamba who are looking to introduce a tap-and-go system for public transport.

The runners up were Naturalistics represented by Namoye Namukonda and Vanessa Madawaki which is an organic hair and skincare line. The third position went to Aalysha’s Style by Alicia Nalumba, a custom-made clothing line from the tourist capital, Livingstone.

Other programme participants were Mudenda Munsanje (Denda’s Collection), Petronella Shiaka (Distinction Property Experts), Loveness Hangoma (Hangoma Youth Foundation), Benjamin Chilufya (Life 24/7), Mutale Grace Sitali (Likota), Musa Kalaluka (Lumana Errands), Nomvuyo Chisuta & Sinikiwe Chijoka (Nonika Catering) and Simon Mbewe (OrderBetta).

The next cohort of Discover will be held in May 2020. We will be opening up applications for the programme in April. If you would like to learn more about the programme, you’re welcome to reach out to us via email, give us a call, or come through to the BongoHive Office.