Bertha Centre/SAB Foundation Student Seed Fund for Students in South Africa 2019

The  Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the SAB Foundation (SABF)  have partnered to offer the Student Seed Fund to social innovators and entrepreneurs as part of their joint missions to catalyse and invest in change makers. 

Application Deadline: 30th April 2019

To Be Taken At (Country): South Africa

About the Award: The Student Seed Fund (SSF) provides all UCT, UCT GSB and RAA students, with innovative ideas for tackling social or environmental problems in low-income communities, with access to seed capital at the business model discovery (or pre- startup) phase and the startup phase.

Type: Entrepreneurship

Eligibility: 

Test Funding: The test funding supports current students who have developed and researched an innovative idea and require cash funding for further development and pilot to refine their business model. The test funding is up to R10 000.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants currently enrolled as a University of Cape Town, UCT Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) student including RAA students.
2. Student has developed and researched a social innovative idea.
3. Requires cash funding for further development and pilot to refine business model.

Startup Funding: The seed capital supports current and recent students who have made significant steps towards product development and require cash funding for market validation and enterprise sustainability. The seed funding is up to R50 000.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants are either recent graduates (two years) of UCT or current students who intend to graduate the following year from their UCT programmes, again including RAA.
2. Student has made significant steps towards product development, and can demonstrate progress made since initial seed funding (if applicable).
3. Requires cash funding for market validation and enterprise sustainability.

Selection Criteria: The evaluation criteria for test and start-up funding will relate to the impact potential, overall sustainability of the business model, as well as team capabilities (or “delivery potential”).

• Potential for Impact
  • The idea or enterprise addresses a particular social need in an innovative manner (preference will be given to high-impact models).
  • Evidence that the targeted community/end-users will engage with the idea or enterprise.
• Sustainability
  • The idea or enterprise has a viable and potentially financially sustainable business model.
  • Budget estimations are realistic.
• Team Capabilities
  • The individual or team has the relevant experience and expertise.
  • The individual or team has demonstrated commitment and passion for the enterprise.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: The Student Seed Fund will support innovative ideas with test funding of up to R20 000 and social enterprise startups with seed funding of up to R100 000.

How to Apply: Apply Here

Visit the Programme Webpage for Details

Award Providers: The  Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, SAB Foundation (SABF)