ScaleUp Agribusiness
The ScaleUp Agribusiness Accelerator Programme targets outstanding Nigerian agribusiness entrepreneurs (Founders, CEOs and Owner-managers) whose businesses are currently at growth stage and who are looking to scale their businesses, expand their market reach and attract potential investors and strategic partners.
The programme will run for a duration of 6 months and includes a one-week accelerator bootcamp, interactive workshops, consulting sessions, business support services, one-on-one and group mentoring sessions with a team of seasoned sector faculty members and advisors.
The Agribusiness Accelerator Programme is by the ScaleUp Lab, FATE Foundation.
Click the button below to sign up on SOAR and begin your application
Key focus areas:
- Product and process improvement
- Agribusiness value chains
- Cashflow management
- Accessing funding and financing opportunities
- Export opportunities
- Scaling your agribusiness
- Leveraging technology
- Growth Plan Development
Start of Programme: The Agribusiness Accelerator Programme will commence with induction and an intensive one-week accelerator boot camp. This will be followed by a detailed GAP Analysis to help each entrepreneur develop an individual growth plan and tailored roadmap that addresses the growth needs of the business to scale.
Programme Sessions: The sessions are designed for capacity building through workshop and coaching sessions, peer learning and feedback, one-to-one mentoring and individual growth support for each participating entrepreneur and business. Entrepreneurs will have opportunities to meet and interact with several entities including agribusiness experts, experienced entrepreneurs, senior-level professionals, advisors, mentors, partners and investors. Finally, a Demo Day will be held at the end of the accelerator programme which will provide a platform for the entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative agribusiness solutions and pitch to key funding partners.
End of Programme: The programme will close out with the official graduation and presentation of certificates at the FATE Annual Celebration in December 2024.
Click the button below to sign up on SOAR and begin your application
Application is open till 11:59 pm WAT on Friday, May 26, 2023
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicant must
- Be a Nigerian citizen (male or female).
- Be between the age of 25 and 50 as of October 9th 2023
- Be Founder, Owner manager or CEO of a growth-stage agribusiness venture. (Only one applicant per business will be accepted).
- Be operating a CAC registered agribusiness venture at the growth stage, currently in operation and generating income.
- Have minimum three (3) full-time highly skilled staff in a managerial capacity (excluding part-time staff and low/semi-skilled staff).
- Available to participate FULL-TIME in the one-week boot camp and ALL other activities required throughout the duration of the programme.
- Able to attend all classes and participate in all activities of the programme.
Programme Flow
- Call for Application
- Shortlisting & Enrolment of 10 Agribusiness Entrepreneurs
- Agribusiness Boot camp
- Gap Assessment:
- Product/Service Development & Sustainability
- Business & Operating Model
- Access to Market
- Financial Management
- Develop Growth Plan of Individual Participants
- Implementation of Accelerator Support in line with Growth Plan
- Demo Day & Business Pitch Competition
- Graduation of Fellows
Click the button below to sign up on SOAR and begin your application
When can I apply?
Application is open till 11:59 pm WAT on Friday, May 26th, 2023. Applications must be submitted before the deadline to be accepted.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Be a Nigerian citizen (male or female).
- Be Founder, Owner manager, or CEO of a growth-stage agribusiness venture. (Only one applicant per business will be accepted).
- Be operating a CAC registered agribusiness venture at the growth stage, currently in operation and generating income.
- Have a minimum annual turnover of Fifteen Million Naira (₦15,000,000) only.
- Have a minimum of three (3) full-time highly skilled staff in a managerial capacity (excluding part-time staff and low/semi-skilled staff)
- Available to participate FULL-TIME in the one-week boot camp and ALL other activities required throughout the duration of the programme.
- Able to attend all classes and participate in all activities of the programme physically and virtually.
Can I apply even if my business is not based in Lagos?
Yes, all eligible applications will be accepted and evaluated regardless of your location within Nigeria. Finalists will be selected based on merit.
Are Foundations, Non-profits or NGOs eligible?
The programme supports only for-profit and social-enterprise agribusinesses.
Is there a fee to participate?
There is no fee to apply or participate in the Agribusiness Accelerator Programme.
If I have two agribusinesses, can I apply with both?
Only one application will be accepted per person, so we advise that you present your stronger business.
Can I apply if my business is not within the agribusiness sector?
Only businesses in the Agribusiness value chain (Input supply, crop/animal production, processing, packaging, logistics & distribution, trading & retailing, etc.) are eligible to apply.
Can I apply even if my business is not registered?
Unfortunately, we will only consider registered businesses and we will request a copy of your CAC certificate if shortlisted.
If I become 51 years old in June 2023, am I eligible?
No, only applicants 50 years old or younger as of June 1st, 2023, are eligible to apply.
Is my company eligible if I founded it with someone else?
Yes, your company is eligible but only one participant per business will be accepted into the programme.
How do I know that my application has been received?
You will get a confirmation email upon successful application. Candidates who are shortlisted for the next stage will be contacted via email.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
What do I need for my application?
- Complete the online form
- Be prepared and available for your interview session (virtually)
- You will be required to present supporting documents if shortlisted.
Can I make changes in my application after I have submitted it or can I do a fresh application instead?
No, once you have submitted it is final and you will not be able to edit the application. Also, multiple entries will be disqualified. So we encourage you to verify your application carefully before submitting it.
How will I know if my application is accepted for participation in the programme?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email.
Will applicants receive personal feedback about their application?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide personalised feedback on your application.
Where should I send my questions?
If you have any questions that were not included in this section, please email [email protected]with the subject line “Agribusiness Accelerator Enquiry”, or call 0813-187-8271.
2022 Faculty
Usman Imanah, CEO, Friska Farms & Course Director, ScaleUp Agribusiness 2021
AfricanFarmer Mogaji, Owner, X-Ray Farms Consulting, Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, and Industry, LCCI (Agribusiness)
Edobong Akpabio, CEO & Chief Marketing Officer, Organic Green Animalia Farms
Ijeoma Adesanya, SCALE Lead, FATE Foundation
Oluwaseun Oshoniyi, Lead, Growth Support Services, FATE Foundation
Akinwunmi Akowonjo, Head, Learning & Influence, FATE Foundation
Prof. Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, Director, Glytabs Consulting
Bambo Adebowale, Director and DEAN, FATE Foundation
Lanre Olapoju, Associate Director, KPMG Nigeria
Sadiq Usman, Head, Corporate Business Development, Flour Mills of Nigeria
Olumide Lawson, Partner, Sahel Capital Agribusiness Managers Limited
Tolu Adesalu, Manager Sourcing (Cocoa, Chocolate & Nuts)- North, South, West Africa, Mondelēz International
Marian Olaiya, Principal, Marian’ Funmi Oguntona & Co”
Tinuola Ipadeola, Head, Corporate Services & Development, Main One
E’brahim Durosinmi, Growth Marketing Manager; Zazuu Financial Services
Ikenna Nwosu, Head Finance & Strategy: The New Synergy Specialist
Fehintola Adesoyin, Assistant Vice President; Kairos Capital
Modupe Marc-Dawodu, Managing Consultant; Marcforte Business Services
Wale Adisa, Managing Partner; Stategos Company
Dr. Charles Nwishienyi, Afrimash
Dr. Ope Agbato, Executive Director, Animal Care.
Ms. Mosunmola Umoru, Pretty Miss Farmer
Taiwo Oyaniran, KPMG
Mr. Anthony Alagbile
Bucky Oladapo, Associate Director, Deal Advisory, KPMG
Mr. Ifedayo Aina, Executive Consultant; DEMVROS Financial Resource Consult
Mr. Olalekan Paul, Founder, Institute of Export Operations and Management
Innocent Oseghe, Managing Partner, Human Capital Partners
Saudat Salami, CEO EASYSHOP EASYCOOK Services Limited
Babajide Ibironke, CFO, Mantrac Nigeria Ltd. & Chairman, ACCA Nigerian Advisory Committee
Deji Agboade, Principal, BPI Advisory
Saheed Onibudo, Managing Director; Busoni Farms
Mrs. Marian Olaiya, Principal, Marian’ Funmi Oguntona & Co
2023 Faculty
Our 2023 Faculty comprises experienced facilitators, advisors and mentors who are accomplished business owners and senior-level professionals and are passionate about positioning agribusinesses to scale. Details will be provided soon.
