b'GHANA -OUR FLAGSHIP INITIATIVEKIC Ghana started in 2016. Our programs focus on empowering young men and women to drive innovation in agriculture, the countrys largest employer, and training them to lead sustainable, successful businesses.AgriTech ChallengeThe AgriTech Challenge is an annual competition that identifies young people who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs and provides them with business and leadership training, mentorship, and a network of support. We encourage them through coaching and market research tours across Ghana to take a fresh look at the agriculture value chain to identify new areas of business opportunity.teams who go on to enter a The goal is to show them whatsdedicated incubator program. The possiblepersonally andAgriTech Challenge has identified, professionallyif theyre willing tonurtured, and funded some of put in the effort.the most promising youth-driven Business training and mentorshipagritech startups in Ghana today. KIC is now working to open its own is delivered at key stages in thededicated start-up hub in Accra in program and as part of a life-cycleKIC Start-Up Incubator the summer of 2019. of development and support.When our young entrepreneurs Individual competitors jointake the next step and formBusiness Boostertogether to establish teams whichpromising businesses, the KIC isIn 2017, the Business Booster then participate in a series of pitchthere to help them refine theirprogram was launched to and elimination events, duringideas, establish their companies,accelerate the growth of small which they present their ideas toand overcome barriers to growth.and medium enterprises (SMEs) a panel of judges. Seed funding isThis multi-year process involvesin the agriculture sector. After offered to the final high-potentialmore focused business training,a rigorous screening process, specialized coaching, and potentialagribusinesses are selected for two access to seed funding from KIC orweek-long Boot Camps which other entities willing to invest start- offer mentorship and coaching up or growth capital.to help participants refine their The Meltwater Entrepreneurialbusiness plans, mitigate financial School of Technology (MEST) hasand operational constraints, been our partner in delivering therapidly prototype new products incubator program. Operatingand services, and prepare to meet out of the MEST Incubatorpotential investors. facility in Accra, this full-timeThe Business Booster program program focuses on mentoringfacilitates links with local and and nurturing promising start-upinternational investors, fostering companies through training andrelationships between businesses, investment. like-minded entrepreneurs, and across industries.37'