[bordered_image]http://www.ldiafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2009-usa-flag-graphics-2-e1396892470381.jpg[/bordered_image]
[spacer_20]

[h4]A business incubator program for African entrepreneurs in the United States[/h4]

[spacer_10]
[line]
[spacer_10]
About Program
The LDI Africa-US Fellowship is a business management program for the next generation of African business leaders. Our mission at LDI Africa is to promote service, empower leaders and strengthen institutions by connecting African professionals, entrepreneurs and organizations to the global marketplace. The LDI Africa-US Fellowship provides the infrastructure, community, and resources that spur emerging entrepreneurs in Africa to take their ventures to the global marketplace through a 3-6 month fellowship in the United States. As an LDI Africa Fellow, you not only have the unique opportunity to learn how to scale your business or social enterprise in Africa, but also receive funding, mentorship and a platform to export your products and services to the United States following the fellowship.

[spacer_10]
[line]
[spacer_10]

How it works
Through a highly competitive process we select entrepreneurs based in Africa whose ventures demonstrate the greatest potential for international expansion. Each Fellow is paired with a US based mentor and entrepreneur to gain practical experience on the best practices of business management from a US standpoint. Fellows also receive customized training to help their ventures acquire the tools and resources to overcome the obstacles of running a business in Africa, and successfully doing business with the rest or the world. Finally, Fellows are connected to funding and partnership opportunities with key industry leaders in the US, to lay the groundwork for an ongoing trade relationship beyond the end of the program.

[spacer_10]
[line]
[spacer_10]

Benefits

• Access to startup/growth capital: Obtain funding of up to $100,000, which includes crowd, angel, and venture capital funding as well as grants.
• Business hub: Receive a workspace and permanent business address in Washington, DC to operate from and serve the US market, and offers the opportunity to collaborate with US entrepreneurs and mentors to understand how business is done in the United States.
• Business expansion opportunities: Receive tools and resources for exporting products and services to the US market, which includes setting up a US Business Corporation to legally do business in the US and developing partnerships with trade experts.
• Hands on mentorship from global entrepreneurs and investors: Work alongside mentors from a wide range of sectors with years of experience in US-Africa trade relations who may also be available to join your venture advisory board.
• Training and business incubation: Enroll in the Emerging Markets Entrepreneurship Series, which is a training program that supplements practical experience with global business management practices.
• Global Network: Participate in networking opportunities with the world’s leading entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders in your industry.

[spacer_10]
[line]
[spacer_10]

Eligibility

• An entrepreneur who is 40 years old or younger.
• Owner of an early stage business or social enterprise based in/or focused on Africa.
• The business is already generating revenue or has proven its business model.
• Business has the potential/capacity to export or expand to an international market, which could be in the form of products or services.
• Commitment to returning to Africa after the fellowship. US citizens and permanent residents are not eligible for this fellowship; we recommend they consider our Africa fellowship instead.

[spacer_10]
[line]
[spacer_10]

How to Apply
Candidates seeking to apply for this fellowship should send a letter of interest and an executive summary (maximum of two pages) of their business to [color color=”red”]usfellowship@ldiafrica.org[/color].