Applications have opened to join the Venture Incubation Programme (VIP) Winter School at the MTN Solution Space in Cape Town, a 12-week programme to help startups move their businesses forward.
The programme – for which startups can apply here until June 30 – will run from August 1 until October 31, offering entrepreneurs workspace, workshops and access to mentors, expert advisors and peer-support.
Piloted early this year, VIP will run on a bi-annual basis, with a group of up to 10 startups per cohort at the “launch and learn” stage. The organisers are looking for “big ideas, backed with a business case, and most importantly dedication to building a business”.
Selected startups will gain access to a shared co-working space at the MTN Solution Space at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business (GSB), plus private workshops, industry-specific roundtables, investor pitch preparation, founder lunches with visiting entrepreneurs, and exclusive office hours with local and international guest experts.
The programme is looking for startups with at least one of the co-founders able to take part full-time.
“We look for demonstrated dedication to the venture’s growth and implementation. Teams must have time to commit to the full three-month program and engage with mentors and other participants,” MTN Solution Space said.
“At this stage of development, feedback and the ability to listen and reflect is crucial. We look for coachable founders and participants who are willing to rigorously test their assumptions.”
Based on progress demonstrated during the programme and key milestones met, ventures may be eligible for further support.
