Applications have opened for the government-funded Start-Up Chile programme, offering startups from around the world the chance to apply for the chance of receiving US$30,000 in equity-free funding.
Startups can submit their applications for the Start-Up Chile Seed programme until September 5. More than 1,400 founding teams having passed through the programme’s doors in the last six years, including Nigerian startups Curacel Health and Beavly.
Selected entrepreneurs will become a part of the community and the immersive acceleration programme for seven months, receiving US$30,000 as well as an intense weekly schedule to accelerate their ideas.
The schedule includes courses, mentoring, and pitch training, among other activities. In addition, foreigners will receive a Working Visa valid for a year to come to Chile. The startups that demonstrate real and consistent progress will have the chance to get an extra grant of US$15,000 to continue in the programme.
“In 2016, Start-Up Chile was selected among the Top 4 Accelerators in the world. In order to maintain this positioning, the program continues to look for talented entrepreneurs who can positively impact the local entrepreneurship ecosystem and generate economical impact in Chile,” Start-Up Chile said.
“Start-Up Chile seeks for startups with a global mindset, who want to grow in Latin America and choose Chile as a platform to expand. Acceptance to this programme will be based on the experience of the founding team, market potential, competitiveness and the advantages of development in Chile.”