ELISA Business Scholars Program
About ELISA Business Scholars Program 📖
The ELISA Business Scholars Program is a 3-day business experience designed for high-potential entrepreneurs or founders of startups with bold business ideas across various industry sectors in Africa.
Each scholar is assigned a business leader as their coach for the one-year ELISA Business Scholars Program. Scholars attend immersive training sessions led by business experts and industry leaders to:
- Advance their ideas
- Refine their business strategy
- Create jobs
Scholars are trained to:
- Manage business financials
- Develop an investor presentation and elevator pitch
After the training session, scholars meet virtually with their coaches once a month for a year to ensure continued refinement and implementation of their business plans. They stay connected using the online ELISA portal.
ELISA is an initiative of ICPD, the International Center for Professional Development, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the United States. The program aims to empower Africa-focused entrepreneurs and leaders to advance their ideas and create jobs on the continent.
Opportunity Details 📅
- Date Published: August 01, 2025
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
- Category: Entrepreneurs, Fully Funded, Training
- Opportunity Location: Zimbabwe
- Eligible Locations: Africa
Benefits of ELISA Business Scholars Program 🎁
Successful applicants receive:
- 2-day training session and conference materials
- One year of mentoring from a business coach
- Conference accommodations and meals
- Flights booked or travel costs reimbursed
- Access to business leaders and the ELISA Business Summit
- Lifetime membership to the ELISA business network and virtual events
- Unlimited access to entrepreneurial content
Eligibility Criteria ✅
To qualify for the program, applicants must:
- Be founders of their ventures (open to any age, sector, or gender).
- Create a Profile and log in to the ELISA Portal to create a Project Page.
- Operate a business, project, or idea that primarily benefits an African economy.
- Live in an African country and have the ability to meet with their coach once per month using WhatsApp, Google Meet, or Zoom.
- Note: Alumni of the ELISA Scholars Program cannot reapply.
Application Process 📝
- Visit the application website to apply.
- Create a profile and project page on the ELISA Portal.
Application Deadline 📌
31 August, 2025
Contact Information 📧
For more details, visit the ELISA Business Scholars Program Portal.
To apply, visit the Application Page.
This program is sponsored by the Entrepreneurial & Leadership Initiative for a Sustainable Africa (ELISA).
- 2-day training session and conference materials
- One year of mentoring from a business coach
- Conference accommodations and meals
- Flights booked for you or travel costs reimbursed
- Access to business leaders & the ELISA Business Summit
- Lifetime membership to the ELISA business network and virtual events
- Unlimited access to entrepreneurial content










