BeChangeMaker Africa 2021: Social entrepreneurship development program

Applications are now open for the BeChangeMaker Africa 2021 program, which aims to inspire action to tackle global challenges through the development of social entrepreneurship and skills building.

BeChangeMaker provides access to high-quality HP LIFE learning content, startup acceleration tools and technologies, dedicated coaching, mentoring and personalized support, as well as the opportunity to tap into a diverse global network of potential supporters and investors. It also forms part of the implementation of the African Union's "One Million by 2021" initiative.

HP LIFE, a program of the HP Foundation, offers 32 FREE e-learning courses for entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners worldwide.

Thirty teams have been selected for BeChangeMaker Africa 2021 with projects tackling a range of economic and societal challenges. Between August and November, they will have access to high-quality learning content on HP LIFE, tools and technologies for startup acceleration, dedicated coaching, mentoring and personalized support, as well as the opportunity to access a diverse global network of supporters and potential investors. The top five teams will compete in the grand final to be the BeChangeMaker Africa winner.

• Technology for startup acceleration Access to powerful tools and workflows that enable you to better collaborate with your teams, apply your learning and create your work quickly and efficiently.
• Access to high-quality learning content on HP LIFE : Start your journey as a social entrepreneur by taking HP LIFE's online courses: Starting a Small Business, Design Thinking, Finance Basics, Social Media Marketing, Fundraising, and many more!
• Connection to a diversified global network : Network with like-minded people who are fighting for a cause. Tap into and connect with WorldSkills and HP's network of experts, mentors, supporters and potential investors.
• Dedicated guidance and personalized support : Benefit from virtual coaching and support to accelerate your training progress, as well as regular feedback and mentoring to make sure you're on the right track.

Pricing information

The top five teams will each receive 1,000 euros in personalized coaching after the program. In addition, the top three teams in the final will each receive a cash prize of 2,000 euros.

Eligibility criteria

To take part in the BCM, participants must :

Be between the ages of 18 and 35

• Be in general or vocational education and training or have completed general or vocational education and training at the time of participation
• Register for the BCM alone or with a maximum of four other participants in a team (total team size is a maximum of five people).
• Be responsible for ensuring that their participation in the BCM complies with any policies of their companies, agencies, institutions, schools or colleges where they are employed or trained. WorldSkills International, the HP Foundation and the African Union are not responsible for any disputes that may arise between participants and their employers, schools or colleges.

Selection process

The top 30 teams will be selected to officially join the program. The announcement will be made on August 6.