ELISA Scholars Training Session
Applications have closed. 2024 dates to be announced.

  • The 3-day business experience brings together a cohort of high potential founders of Africa focused startups and entrepreneurs or leaders with bold business ideas.

  • Each scholar is assigned a business leader as their coach for the one-year ELISA Scholars program. With their coaches, scholars attend an immersive training session led by business experts and industry leaders to advance their ideas, refine their business strategy, and create jobs.

  • ELISA Scholars are trained to manage business financials, develop an investor presentation and elevator pitch. After the training session, ELISA Scholars continue to meet with their coaches once a month for a year to ensure continued refinement and implementation of a business plan. They stay connected using the online ELISA portal.

Who may apply
We welcome applicants of any age, sector or gender from anywhere in the world. Your business, project or idea must have a focus on Africa or operate in Africa.

How are ELISA Scholars selected?
Scholar selection for each cohort is carried out by a committee of representatives designated by the ELISA Advisory Council.

Applicants are scored using a rubric based on predetermined criteria. The final scores are used to determine Scholar selection. An interview is arranged with each of the top scoring candidates before scholarships are awarded.

Successful applicants receive:

  • 2-day training session and conference materials
  • One year of mentoring from a business coach
  • Conference accommodations and meals
  • Up to US $700 in travel reimbursements
  • Lifetime Insider membership to the global ELISA network and virtual events
  • Unlimited access to entrepreneurial content

When will I know my application status?
Applicants are notified within 45 days after the application deadline.

Be part of something bigger
ELISA is an initiative of ICPD, the International Center for Professional Development, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in the United States. The aim of the ELISA Scholars program is to embolden Africa focused entrepreneurs and leaders to advance their ideas and create jobs on the continent.

have a question?
For more information email us: scholars@icpdprograms.org