Having its inaugural cohort graduate and join the alumni community, Tourism Inc is excited to grow this vibrant community of youth and women business leaders in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. Supporting these innovators is particularly important as the tourism sector has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
'The Tourism Inc program has really supported me in turning my business ideas into actionable plans that can be easily implemented despite the current environment we are in. Working with a coach gives me the discipline to persevere and therefore perform better. Also, having a free co-working space is an added advantage, as I get an opportunity to not only focus on my company but also to collaborate with other entrepreneurs in the larger community of women in business,' said Divine Uwase, a participant in the program.
Access to business skills, financing, and mentors are key challenges that prevent youth from starting and growing a business in tourism and hospitality in Rwanda and beyond. In response, Tourism Inc will select 35 entrepreneurs who will receive the right mix of capacity building, financing, and mentorship to become leaders in the sector.
Beyond capacity building and access to finance, the top three entrepreneurs in this cohort will receive seed funding of up to $20,000 to further build their ventures. The program will nurture Rwanda's top tourism and hospitality innovators and inspire them to embrace entrepreneurship as a career path.
'The individuals and businesses that this round of recruitment is targeting have proven to be extremely resilient. They've held on to their innovations amid challenging times and they are inarguably deserving. Investing in them is both a validation of their tenacity and an act of hopeâ€"the hope that we will emerge on the other side of the pandemic stronger. And I have no doubt that the next cohort of Tourism Inc entrepreneurs will help to ensure that,' said Rica Rwigamba, Country Head, Rwanda at the Mastercard Foundation.
Applications are now open for the third cohort to enroll in this exciting program.
Applicants who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
● Must be a start-up (or have start-up idea) in the tourism and hospitality sector (or supplier to the sector
● Must be between 18 and 35 years of age
● Must be based and operating in Rwanda
● Must be committed to complete the course
Also, women entrepreneurs are highly encouraged to apply.
ESP will be hosting online information sessions to provide interested Tourism and Hospitality entrepreneurs with further details on the program and on how to apply.
For more information:
Visit the ESPartners website: espartners.coor contact ESPartners Rwanda by email:
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