Transformers Programme by The FATE School

Scaling Businesses, Transforming Economies

  • 00Days
  • 00Hours
  • 00Minutes
  • 00Seconds

Program Overview

The FATE Transformer Program is an initiative under the FATE Foundation’s 2024-2029 strategic plan designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential Nigerian businesses in critical sectors of the economy. It aims to create 10,000 jobs by 2030 by supporting businesses poised for rapid scaling and long-term economic impact. Recognizing that high-growth businesses are drivers of employment and economic transformation, the program exists to identify and support such businesses that have the potential to scale rapidly and create sustainable jobs.

Leveraging over 24 years of expertise, this program provides advanced business strategies and guidance to unlock new frontiers, empowering entrepreneurs to expand locally and globally while navigating an ever-evolving business environment and positioning them for global relevance.

Program Information

The FATE Transformer Program offers a holistic support system to high-growth businesses, integrating access to talent, mentorship, capital, and market opportunities. Tailored to each business’s unique scaling needs, the program delivers a comprehensive framework to nurture, guide and enable businesses to thrive and expand. Participants benefit from cutting-edge tools, expert guidance, financial resources, leadership training and collaborative networks to accelerate their leadership in the industry

Our Support Pillars

Access to Capital

We offer individualized financial assessments, customized funding solutions, investment readiness workshops, and access to a funding portal.

Access to Capital

We offer individualized financial assessments, customized funding solutions, investment readiness workshops, and access to a funding portal.

Access to Talent

Entrepreneurs gain from internship and fellowship programs, recruitment support, leadership and talent development workshops, as well as access to tools and templates for building effective teams

Access to Talent

Entrepreneurs gain from internship and fellowship programs, recruitment support, leadership and talent development workshops, as well as access to tools and templates for building effective teams

Access to Markets

We provide market analyses, tailored market entry strategies, and host workshops on penetrating new markets. Trade missions and expos allow businesses to showcase products, and market intelligence reports equip participants with valuable insights for growth.

Access to Markets

We provide market analyses, tailored market entry strategies, and host workshops on penetrating new markets. Trade missions and expos allow businesses to showcase products, and market intelligence reports equip participants with valuable insights for growth.

Access to Mentors

Participants are matched with experienced mentors through personalized mentorship plans. Advisory board sessions, group mentoring, and mentoring pools foster ongoing guidance and support.

Access to Mentors

Participants are matched with experienced mentors through personalized mentorship plans. Advisory board sessions, group mentoring, and mentoring pools foster ongoing guidance and support.

Key Benefits

  1. Holistic Support System: Participants receive a blend of tailored and baseline support across four critical pillars—talent, capital, mentorship, and market access.
  2. Expert-Led Mentorship: Businesses are matched with seasoned entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts who provide strategic advice on scaling, leadership, and international expansion.
  3. Funding and Investment Opportunities: The program facilitates access to potential investors and financial institutions, helping businesses close funding gaps and accelerate growth.
  4. Peer Networking and Collaboration: Participants have the opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, forming a robust peer network that encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
  5. Long-Term Strategy Development: A focus on sustainable growth and market expansion strategies that position businesses for success locally and globally.

Program Highlights

Workshops and Training

Addressing the collective needs of the cohort

Bi-weekly Sprints

Conduct bi-weekly assessments of each team’s progress based on their set goals.

Resource Partnerships

Partnerships with relevant firms to provide free or discounted resources.

Founders Meet-ups

workshops with experts and peers to provide support, exchange ideas, and foster networking opportunities.

Funders Series

Quarterly meetings with investors to help entrepreneurs understand the capital landscape and secure funding

Who Should Attend

Designed for founders with 5+ years of operation, annual revenue of ₦500 million+, a proven business model, and significant market traction. The program targets businesses operating in sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic development ((e.g., technology, renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.) and with demonstrated potential for scaling and job creation.

Ideal candidates include businesses with a clear growth trajectory, demonstrated leadership, and readiness to scale operations both locally and internationally.

Application Process

The application process incorporates three distinct methods to attract a wide array of applicants

The application process incorporates three distinct methods to attract a wide array of applicants:

  • Call for Applications (CFA): Qualified businesses are invited to apply.
  • Referrals: Our network of partners, alumni, and the general public are encouraged to refer potential candidates within their network.
  • Targeted Selection: FATE proactively identifies businesses with high potential for growth and impact, and personally reaches out to them for program participation.

Each of these methods will work simultaneously to:

  • Profile the Entrepreneur: Ensures the business is entrepreneur-led and led by individuals committed to growth and learning.
  • Profile the Business: Evaluate the business’s potential to generate large-scale wealth and jobs (must demonstrate ₦500 million annual revenue and have 50+ employees).
  • Timing: Focuses on businesses at a crucial inflection point where strategic support could rapidly scale their operations.

The program’s selection process is structured in three comprehensive steps:

Step 1: Preliminary Screening and Due Diligence

  • Application Submission: Entrepreneurs submit their application via an online form that captures essential information, such as business model, financials, market traction, and growth ambitions.
  • Initial Screening and Eligibility Check: Applications are assessed against pre-defined criteria, including sector focus, revenue, and business longevity. Businesses must meet baseline eligibility criteria, including operating for at least five years, demonstrating consistent revenue growth, and potential for scaling.
  • Step 2: Document Verification, Profiling, and Interviews
  • Document Verification and Profiling: Successful applications undergo thorough due diligence, including a review of the business plan, market analysis, financial health, legal standing, and compliance. These businesses are evaluated to understand their key strengths, weaknesses, growth potential, and alignment with the program’s objectives.
  • Expert Interviews: Shortlisted businesses undergo in-depth interviews with industry experts and the program team to assess their vision, strategic direction, entrepreneurial mindset, leadership capabilities, and commitment to scaling.
  • Final Selection: A panel comprising industry experts, mentors, board members, and impact investors conducts interviews with the leadership teams of shortlisted businesses to  evaluate their potential economic impact before making final selections. After thorough deliberation, the committee selects the cohort of businesses that will be admitted to the program, ensuring they align with the scaling objectives and strategic goals of the Transformer Program.
  • Admission and Induction: Selected businesses are formally notified, onboarded, and inducted into the program to begin their transformation journey.

Join our network

Join our network Leverage the power of a peer-to-peer learning network with seasoned entrepreneurs, industry expert and our Entrepreneurs in Residence. Apply Now If you are ready to take your high-growth business to the next level and become a driver of economic transformation, apply to join the FATE Transformer Program today! For more information and to submit your application, click here.

FAQs

What is the FATE Transformer Program?

The FATE Transformer Program is an initiative designed to support high-growth businesses in Nigeria, aiming to accelerate their growth and create sustainable jobs by providing tailored interventions.

Who is eligible to apply?

To qualify for the program, businesses must have been in operation for at least five years and generate annual revenues exceeding ₦500 million. Additionally, they should demonstrate substantial growth traction, possess the potential for scaling, and show a commitment to making a positive economic impact. Founders should have aspirations for expansion and a willingness to learn and develop their business capabilities.

What support does the program offer?

The program provides access to capital, talent acquisition, mentorship, and market opportunities, including workshops, networking events, and financial resources.

How long does the program last?

The program duration is between 6 to 24 months, depending on the specific needs of each business cohort.

How are participants selected?

Participants are selected through a multi-tiered process, including eligibility checks, business profiling, expert interviews, and final selection by a panel of industry leaders.

How can I apply?

Interested businesses can apply through our online portal during the application period. Detailed guidelines and application forms will be provided on the program’s webpage.

What is the application fee?

The application fee for the program is [insert fee amount]. This fee supports the administration of the program and its resources.

How can I stay updated on program developments?

You can subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates on the program, application deadlines, and success stories.