The employment situation in Sierra Leone is immensely challenging, especially for young people, with an estimated 70% of youth being underemployed. At the same time, one of the smallest sectors in Sierra Leone, where only a few job opportunities exist, is the private business sector. This sector is also where the growth potential is probably the largest and the possibilities for start-ups are infinite. But the challenges to any start-up are enormous, no matter where they are in the world. Especially in a country where a lack of training opportunities and resources are quite substantial, the environment for young entrepreneurs is vastly challenging.
Therefore, Aurora Impact has launched a Pre-Accelerator program. This four-month long program aims to empower and mentor entrepreneurs-to-be to start their business. To do so, Aurora facilitates these entrepreneurs with a working space, interactive teaching sessions, a creative environment, mentorship, a place to network, and other things that will help them grow and work towards their business ideas and goals. The program has no cost for the entrepreneurs, and Aurora does not take fees or equity in the start-ups. All we ask from the entrepreneurs is a dedication to their business idea and the program. Furthermore, established entrepreneurs, both Sierra Leonean as well as international, will be involved in the programme to talk about their entrepreneurial journey and share their life lessons.
Cohort 1
7 Start-ups
February 2020 – October 2020
Cohort 2
8 Start-ups
November 2020 – March 2021
Aurora looks for people who want to:
- Learn with and from others
- Develop entrepreneurial behaviours, skills and attributes
- Learn through action-based tools, complemented by theory
What does Aurora offer?
- Co-working space on weekdays including internet and computer
- Professional training sessions on entrepreneurship and other relevant topics
- A mentor
- A network consisting of different professionals
