eWomen’s Events -

Innovative Events for Growth (Incubation and Acceleration)

Since 2019, eWomen has fostered a community dedicated to leveraging technology to transform Sierra Leone. Our experience has shown that many individuals and organizations are eager to apply technology to address local challenges. Our mission is to continue identifying and supporting these innovators, helping them bring their ideas and products to fruition.
Our incubation unit is one key way we achieve this. To date, we have supported over ninety (50) ideas and companies through our programs.

PIIP (Pitch Innovations Incubation Program)

Here is a list of event combinations that we offer as part of PIIP:
1. Pitch Night & Networking Mixer: Start with a pitch night where startups present their ideas to a panel of investors and mentors. Follow it up with a networking mixer where participants can mingle and build connections.
2. Masterclass Series & Mentorship Workshops: Offer a series of masterclasses on topics like business development, marketing strategies, and fundraising. Pair these with mentorship workshops where startups receive one-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs.
3. Hackathon & Product Development Bootcamp: Host a hackathon where participants work together to solve a specific challenge or develop a new product. Follow it up with a product development bootcamp where they can refine their ideas and learn best practices for bringing products to market.
4. Demo Day & Investor Summit: Organize a demo day where startups showcase their products or prototypes to a room full of potential investors. Pair it with an investor summit where participants can attend panels and workshops on securing funding and scaling their businesses.
5. Industry Panel & Corporate Innovation Day: Invite experts from various industries to participate in a panel discussion on trends and opportunities. Follow it up with a corporate innovation day where startups can pitch their solutions to established companies looking for innovative partnerships.
6. Startup Safari & Founder Fireside Chats: Arrange visits to local startup hubs, accelerators, and innovation centers as part of a startup safari. Pair it with founder fireside chats where successful entrepreneurs share their stories and insights with participants.
7. Market Research Workshop & Customer Discovery Tours: Offer a workshop on market research techniques and methodologies. Follow it up with customer discovery tours where startups can interact with potential customers to validate their ideas and gather feedback.
8. Legal Clinic & Intellectual Property Symposium: Host a legal clinic where startups can receive advice on business structures, contracts, and intellectual property issues. Pair it with an intellectual property symposium where experts discuss the latest trends and best practices in IP law.
9. Design Sprint & UX/UI Bootcamp: Facilitate a design sprint where startups can rapidly prototype and test their ideas. Follow it up with a UX/UI bootcamp where they can learn principles and techniques for creating user-friendly interfaces and experiences.
10. Social Impact Challenge & CSR Workshop: Organize a social impact challenge where startups develop solutions to pressing social or environmental issues. Pair it with a corporate social responsibility workshop where participants can learn how to integrate purpose-driven practices into their businesses.

These combinations offer a diverse range of experiences aimed at helping startups develop their ideas, build their networks, and accelerate their growth within the incubation program.

PIAP (Pitch Innovation Acceleration Program)

Here’s a list of event combinations that we offer as part of PIAP:
1. Networking Mixer + Pitch Workshop: Start with a networking mixer to allow participants to mingle and connect, followed by a workshop on perfecting elevator pitches where attendees can practice and receive feedback.
2. Founder Fireside Chat + Mentor Office Hours: Host a fireside chat with successful founders sharing their experiences and insights, followed by one-on-one mentor office hours where participants can seek personalized advice.
3. Industry Panel + Hackathon: Organize a panel discussion featuring industry experts sharing trends and opportunities, followed by a hackathon where teams work on real-world challenges with guidance from mentors.
4. Investor Speed Dating + Workshop Series: Conduct a speed dating-style event where startups rotate through short meetings with investors, followed by a series of workshops covering topics like fundraising strategy, term sheet negotiation, and investor pitching.
5. Demo Day + Investor Roundtable: Plan a demo day where startups showcase their products to a room full of investors and potential partners, followed by an investor roundtable where investors provide feedback and insights on pitches.
6. Product Development Bootcamp + User Testing Session: Offer a bootcamp focused on product development best practices and methodologies, followed by a user testing session where startups can gather feedback on their prototypes from real users.
7. Marketing Masterclass + Branding Workshop: Host a masterclass on marketing strategies and tactics led by industry experts, followed by a branding workshop where startups can refine their brand identity and messaging.
8. Legal Clinic + Intellectual Property Workshop: Provide a legal clinic where startups can receive advice on legal matters relevant to their businesses, followed by a workshop on intellectual property protection covering patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
9. Customer Acquisition Seminar + Growth Hacking Session: Conduct a seminar on customer acquisition strategies and channels, followed by a growth hacking session where startups can learn and apply tactics to rapidly grow their user base.
10. Leadership Roundtable + Team Building Activity: Facilitate a leadership roundtable discussion on topics like team management, communication, and culture, followed by a team building activity to strengthen bonds and foster collaboration among participants.

These combinations offer a diverse range of experiences that address key areas of startup development, from networking and pitching to product development and growth strategies.

HackaTIE (eWomen’s Hackathon Version)

HackaTIE is a unique platform designed specifically for young entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas while emphasizing the integration of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Unlike traditional hackathons that solely focus on technical solutions, HackaTIE encourages participants to not only develop innovative technologies but also to demonstrate the entrepreneurial potential and societal impact of their ventures.
The acronym “TIE” in HackaTIE represents the core pillars of the event: Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. Participants are expected to leverage these elements synergistically to create viable business ideas that address real-world challenges.
One of the key criteria for success in HackaTIE is the demonstration of impact. Participants are encouraged to showcase how their business ideas contribute to positive social change or address pressing issues in their communities. For example, a participant with a business called BikeLadies would be expected to highlight the social impact of their venture, such as promoting inclusive entrepreneurship by empowering women to engage in commercial motorbike riding—a practice often stigmatized in certain regions.
In addition to presenting their ideas, participants are also encouraged to bring tangible evidence of their ventures’ impact. For instance, BikeLadies might bring women who are already operating bikes commercially for the venture, demonstrating the real-world application and feasibility of their concept.
Overall, HackaTIE provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to not only innovate but also to showcase their potential as change-makers and leaders in technology-driven entrepreneurship. It fosters a supportive environment where participants can collaborate, learn, and ultimately make a meaningful impact through their ventures.

xSPINS (x Story Pitch Innovation Night Sensation)

🌟 Introducing xSPINS: Revolutionizing Pitch Events with eWomen’s Innovation! 🌟
Join us for an electrifying experience like never before! eWomen proudly presents xSPINS – a groundbreaking platform redefining the landscape of pitch events worldwide.
xSPINS, short for x Story Pitch Innovation Night Sensation, embodies the essence of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. It’s not just an event; it’s a movement towards fostering innovation and empowering dreamers to turn their ideas into reality.
Imagine a stage where the spotlight shines on YOU, where your story takes center stage and captivates the hearts and minds of a global audience. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned innovator, or a passionate changemaker, xSPINS is your platform to shine.
But what sets xSPINS apart? It’s not just about showcasing your ideas – it’s about inclusivity, accessibility, and impact. With our cutting-edge digital platform, we’re breaking down barriers and connecting visionaries from all corners of the globe. Say goodbye to geographical limitations and hello to unlimited possibilities.
And the best part? xSPINS is customizable to YOUR needs. Whether you’re a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or a government agency, simply replace the ‘x’ with your entity name, and voila – you have your very own branded pitch event! From undpSPINS to sierraleoneSPINS and beyond, the possibilities are endless.
Join us as we embark on this exhilarating journey of innovation and inspiration. Together, let’s create a world where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every dream becomes a reality. Welcome to xSPINS – where innovation meets opportunity.

Empowering Start-ups and SMEs in Sierra Leone: Introducing a Comprehensive Business Support App

In today’s dynamic business landscape, where innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of economic growth, Start-ups and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in fueling prosperity and driving job creation. However, navigating the complexities of starting and scaling a business can be daunting, especially in regions like Sierra Leone, where access to resources and information may be limited. Recognizing these challenges, a pioneering solution has emerged – a comprehensive business support app designed specifically to empower entrepreneurs and SME owners in Sierra Leone.

User Registration and Authentication: Bridging Access
The first step towards leveraging the app’s myriad of resources and functionalities is user registration and authentication. By creating an account, entrepreneurs gain access to a wealth of tools and information tailored to their needs. Authentication methods, including email and mobile phone verification, ensure security and trust, while integration with social media accounts offers convenience and seamless access.
Personalized Dashboard: Tailored Insights at Your Fingertips
Upon logging in, users are greeted with a personalized dashboard, a central hub for accessing relevant updates, notifications, and recommended resources. Through advanced algorithms, the app curates content based on the user’s profile and preferences, ensuring that each visit is both informative and engaging. Furthermore, customizable settings empower users to fine-tune their dashboard according to their evolving needs and interests.
Resource Library: A Treasure Trove of Knowledge. One of the app’s standout features is its comprehensive resource library, housing a diverse array of business development materials, training modules, templates, guides, and best practices. Resources are meticulously categorized for easy navigation, covering essential topics such as finance, marketing, and legal compliance. Users can effortlessly search for specific materials and bookmark their favorites for future reference, fostering continuous learning and growth.
Financing Options: Fueling Entrepreneurial Dreams
Access to finance is often cited as a significant barrier for Start-ups and SMEs. The app addresses this challenge by providing invaluable information on various financing options available in Sierra Leone, including loans, grants, venture capital, and crowdfunding. Detailed insights into eligibility criteria, application procedures, and contact details for relevant financial institutions empower entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and secure the funding needed to realize their ambitions.
Regulatory Information: Navigating Compliance with Ease. Staying abreast of regulatory requirements is essential for business success. The app offers up-to-date information on licensing, taxation, permits, and other compliance procedures relevant to SMEs in Sierra Leone. Summaries of regulations and key deadlines streamline the compliance process, while links to official government websites provide users with access to comprehensive details and application procedures, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.
Networking Opportunities: Connecting the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Networking and collaboration are fundamental pillars of entrepreneurial success. The app serves as a vibrant platform for SME owners, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential partners to connect and collaborate. From discussion forums and chat rooms to virtual events and business matchmaking services, users can forge meaningful connections, share insights, and explore new opportunities within an active and supportive community.
Helpdesk/Chatbot: Expert Assistance at Your Service
Navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship can be challenging, especially for those embarking on their journey for the first time. The app features a responsive helpdesk and chatbot, offering personalized assistance and guidance to Start-ups and SME owners. Whether answering FAQs, recommending resources, or providing basic troubleshooting support, the chatbot serves as a valuable resource, with the option to escalate queries to human support agents when needed.

In conclusion, the introduction of a comprehensive business support app tailored to the needs of Start-ups and SMEs in Sierra Leone marks a significant milestone in fostering entrepreneurship and economic development. By providing access to essential resources, financing options, regulatory information, networking opportunities, and expert assistance, the app equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. With innovation at its core, this transformative platform is poised to unleash the full potential of Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving sustainable growth and prosperity for years to come.

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