Women in Digital Business (WiDB) at AM-Steve House Program – Africa

The program is designed to empower African women entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy by providing the tools, training, and support needed for sustainable business growth and formalization.

Program Details

• Foundations Program on Digital Skills:
  • Participants will develop foundational skills essential for digital entrepreneurship, including:
    • Why Digitalize: Understand the importance of digital transformation for business success.
    • Building an Online Presence: Learn strategies for establishing an online presence via social media, websites, or messaging platforms.
    • Selling Online: Discover how to leverage e-commerce platforms effectively.
    • Adapting Business Processes: Learn how to integrate digital tools for order management, payment processing, and delivery systems.
  • By the end of this phase, participants will create a personalized Digitalization Action Plan tailored to their business needs.
• Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Training:
  • The globally recognized SIYB Program by the ILO complements the WiDB initiative, offering three modules:
    • Generate Your Business Idea (GYB): A course helping aspiring entrepreneurs identify and evaluate potential business ideas.
    • Start Your Business (SYB): A course including intensive workshops for developing a business plan and testing entrepreneurial skills.
    • Improve Your Business (IYB): A training program focusing on marketing, record-keeping, planning, and productivity to enhance business performance.
• Formalization Course:
  • In the final phase, participants receive tailored support to transition into formal, fully compliant businesses.
    • Business Registration Support:
      • Funding for business registration fees (e.g., incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria for unregistered businesses).
      • Assistance with opening bank accounts, tax registration, and other relevant formalities.
    • Regulatory Compliance:
      • Advisory services for sector-specific compliance (e.g., NAFDAC registration, SCUML for Nigerian entrepreneurs).
    • Branding and Marketing Support:
      • Development of websites, company profiles, and product brochures.
      • Guidance on customer relationship management, sales strategies, and service delivery.
    • Follow-On Support for Outstanding Participants: Investment readiness training and fundraising support. Access to capital calls and tailored growth strategies based on business needs.

Eligibility Criteria

• To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
  • Be a woman aged 18–60.
  • Reside in one of the 55 African countries.
  • Be an aspiring or existing entrepreneur with a business idea or operational enterprise.
  • Preference will be given to women leading non-tech MSMEs.

For more information, visit AM-Steve House.