ATLAS Ventures
ATLAS Ventures is a for profit, social enterprise focused on propelling the development of new and established businesses in Zimbabwe through training, increased visibility and capacitation. Our priority is to increase the growth and success of entrepreneurs working to bring about positive social and environmental change in local communities.
- Bright Mpala
- info@zimatlas.com
Our Vision
is to reignite Zimbabwe's industrial capacity by unlocking the potential of entrepreneurs to create profitable, positive impact enterprises
Our Mission
is to propel ventures that can unlock progress in Zimbabwe
Background
Zimbabwe was once a booming country with a thriving economy anchored on wide ranging industrial activities, but along the way the country plunged into an economic crisis resulting in the collapse of many key industrial sectors, company closures, widespread unemployment, currency depreciation, and the impoverishment of many lives, along with a significant labour exodus.
Although the country’s mining and agriculture sector remain the relevant sectors to Zimbabwe’s economic prosperity, their job creation and impact on communities has remained limited. The full potential of these sectors is increasingly unrealised. Similarly, other sectors have stayed dormant due to lack of entrepreneurial spirit, hindering the pursuit of innovative ideas and untapped wealth opportunities in our country.
Against this backdrop, ATLAS Ventures has been formed, seeking to bring back what has been lost by bolstering big ideas and creating an environment where entrepreneurial potential can be unlocked and sustainable ventures scaled.
To address the diverse needs and challenges facing our nation, we recognise that progress will require multifaceted, targeted efforts across various impact areas. As such, we will focus our activities on addressing challenges within these key sectors:
Agriculture - We aim to transform Zimbabwe's agricultural sector by modernising and making it commercially viable. Our focus includes enhancing the appeal and profitability of agriculture, supporting small-scale farmers, and promoting local production of essential inputs and technologies.
Energy - ATLAS addresses Zimbabwe's energy challenges by investing in green energy, reducing environmental impact, creating jobs, cutting foreign exchange costs, and driving economic diversification.
Environment - ATLAS marries economic success with environmental stewardship by supporting and accelerating the growth of eco-enterprises. We promote waste-to wealth solutions and the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of Zimbabweans.
Health - Health entrepreneurs can innovate with tech-based solutions like apps and devices to improve healthcare access and administration. Opportunities include collaborating with providers, using data for personalised medicine and investing in drug development. ATLAS supports local breakthroughs and monetises indigenous knowledge through culture and technology.
ATLAS VENTURE SERIES (AVS)
Reigniting Zimbabwe's industrial capacity by unlocking the potential of entrepreneurs to create profitable, positive impact enterprises
Designed with a special focus on women and young people, the ATLAS Venture Series helps founders overcome the obstacles that are holding them back from business success. Entrepreneurs undergo personal and professional leadership development, acquiring the skills needed to establish or expand their business or idea. Applications are submitted online. A selection Committee reviews all applications and eligible candidates are shortlisted. You will be notified by phone and/or email if you are selected for an award.
Western Region Venture Competition
19-21 Apr 2024
held in Bulawayo for participants from Byo, Mat North, Mat South, Masvingo & Midlands.
Eastern Region Venture Competition
27-29 Sept 2024
to be held in Harare for participants from up to 50 participants from Harare, Manicaland, Mash Central, Mash East & Mash West
application deadline has been extended
National Finals
9-11 Nov 2024
in Hwange for the top 2 participants from each province
participants notified: 10 Oct 2024
Launched in 2022, the ATLAS Venture Series aims to discover and showcase exceptional entrepreneurs from Zimbabwe who are leading the way in tranforming their communities and creating jobs for others around them. Each year, 100 awards are given to young people between the ages of 18 and 35, who are building businesses in the agricultural, energy, environment or health sectors. As part of the award, selected candidates take part in workshops and receive year-round of virtual business leadership training and mentorship support
Benefits
- Brainstorm with others and learn how to start or grow your business
- Develop yourself as a professional in business
- Receive personalised business training & mentorship
- Network with peer entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Access online alumni resources
- Gain increased visibility and exposure for your idea, product or business
- Compete to win captial investment which will be awarded to the winners of the National Finals round of the ATLAS Venture Series
- Receive ongoing technical support and assistance
Guidelines
- You should be an entrepreneur with a viable product, service or idea
- Your business should have growth potential, it should be scalable and must be sustainable
- Your business or idea should align with one of our four priority industry sectors; namely, agriculture, energy, environment or health
- You must be able to attend the entire Series event, including workshops, mentoring sessions, networking events and other program activities
- Applicants must agree to abide by the rules, regulations, and guidelines set forth by the program, including any ethical standards or codes of conduct
- You must be between 18 and 35 years old to qualify for the program
Through local outreach, we engage entrepreneurs who have ideas for practical and achievable ventures. This culminates in Western and Eastern Regional events and a National Finals competition. Participants undergo personal and professional leadership development, acquiring the skills needed to establish or expand businesses, fostering innovation, and driving change within their companies and communities.