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Taking startups to the next level

Taking startups to the next level

MEST Express is an acceleration program focused on providing investment-readiness support to early and growth-stage startups in Ghana. It is designed to deliver hands-on business interventions that are focused on rapid practical application and observable business outcomes. The program works with founders to ensure their businesses are poised for growth and increased impact. Participating startups have the opportunity to receive equity-free grant funding and get access to investment opportunities through the program.

Our next cohort is focused on empowering startups in Ghana that are providing solutions that use technology to drive transformational change to create a more sustainable future for all. We are looking for founders who are passionate about, and believe in, a world where everyone can thrive.

How We Support:

Capital

Top-performing startups receive equity-free grant funding for sustained growth

Know-how

Learn & apply strategies focused on rapid application & tangible outcomes

Mentorship

Get mentorship from industry professionals and sector experts

Network access

Get access to our community of experts, investors and founders

The MEST Express Startup Accelerator

Helping startups accelerate their growth, create more impact and become investor ready.

Businesses We Support

  • Early to growth stage Ghanaian startups
  • 1-3 years in operation
  • Technology or tech-enabled 
  • $100k or less in funding
  • Proven problem-solution fit
  • Generating revenue
  • Can demonstrate traction
  • Any business model 

Program Focus Areas

  • Funding & Investment readiness
  • Risk Management and Crisis Resilience 
  • Product Management & Positioning
  • Business and Revenue Modelling 
  • Sales & Customer Acquisition
  • Market Research & Competitive Analysis
  • Marketing & Brand awareness
  • Organizational Structuring
Apply now

A Startup’s Journey

  • Week 0 - Onboarding & Orientation

  • Week 1 - Needs Assessment

    Week 1 - Needs Assessment

  • Week 2 to 4 - Ongoing workshops

  • Week 5 - Mentor Matching

    Week 5 - Mentor Matching

  • Week 6 to 9 - Ongoing workshops

  • Week 10 - Midpoint debriefs

    Week 10 - Midpoint debriefs

  • Week 11 to 19 - Ongoing workshops

  • Week 20 - Retrospective & Final Exhibition

    Week 20 - Retrospective & Final Exhibition

Outcomes

$1000K/yr

Grant Funding

50+

Startups Accelerated

12

Industries covered

In partnership with

Frequently Asked Questions:

    • Fill out the application form on F6S (startups must create an account)
    • Startups shortlisted for the interview stage
    • Interviews are held with shortlisted startups
    • Offer letters sent to finalists

Check back for future updates

No, there are no application or participation fees.

The sessions will be held in person at the MEST campus as well as online. Participants are expected to attend all necessary sessions whether virtual or offline. COVID protocols will be strictly adhered to for the safety of all program participants.

Yes, every participating startup will be matched with a dedicated mentor for the duration of the program.

Ideally, yes. However, not all founders will have to participate in all sessions. Only the relevant parties are expected for each corresponding session. For instance, the marketing lead will be expected to participate in all sales and marketing-related sessions.

For the Accra and Kumasi cohorts, grant funding will be awarded to the top three performing startups. Exact amounts will vary. For the sustainability focused cohort, grant funding will be awarded to all participating startups that meet the necessary requirements. 

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Success Stories

 

“Our involvement in MEST Express exposed us to best practices in the tech industry. We had access to world-class experts in all areas of company building. At the end of the program, we had a clearer vision and a solid plan to get there.”

Paul Eshun, CEO of Bosea Microcredit Enterprise

“We applied for the program because we wanted to kickstart our journey towards taking our business to market. We saw the opportunity to fine-tune and implement various aspects of business development. We found a competent space to expand our knowledge and receive expert advice on business growth. The team valued the learning and networking which the MEST Express program provided.”

Esinam Yevu, Co-Founder & Communications Lead of Paybox

“Our experience during the MEST Express accelerator was very educational. Before the program, we had been bootstrapping on our own for three years. We applied to the program to gain funding, become part of a community of entrepreneurs as well as acquire knowledge and experience on how to build a startup, and we gained all three.”

Kwaku Tabiri, co-founder of Swoove

“Joined the MEST Express program to benefit from the mentoring , training and network to grow our product adoption, scale our business regionally and to get investment readiness support.
The program gave us the platform and guidance to review our business model and positioning in the market versus our competitive advantage.”

George Abban, CEO of Digistore

“It was an eye-opener, an amazing experience and a great opportunity to gain more knowledge and skills.We were motivated to apply because we wanted to be part of the MEST community and network since they have produced some of the top and well funded startups in Ghana and Africa. We were able to mitigate our risk and increase our revenue.”

Mohammed Iddi, CEO & Co-founder of YomYom

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