Welcome to the newsletter for Q1 2025! We started the year with a major goal to optimise BfE Global operations. In Q1, we strengthened operations at BfE Cambridge, held an event for social entrepreneurs in Nigeria, and welcomed 7 new startups to the Spring 2025 cohort. We look forward to Q2 with great expectations. BfE has thrived on the commitment of student volunteers and professional mentors who have dedicated their resources over the years. As we grow stronger, we seek your support in strengthening our startup recruitment pipeline, honing the quality of our outputs and discovering strategies for BfE’s sustainability. If you can think of any way to help, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Ore Eni-ibukun
Programme Manager, Bridges for Enterprise
BfE in Nigeria
Did you know that 80% of applicants for BfE’s Incubation Programme are social entrepreneurs from Sub-Saharan Africa? Therefore, as part of our strategy to strengthen BfE’s reach and credibility in emerging markets, we are forming strategic partnerships with leading organisations in the region. In February, we cultivated meaningful partnerships with Impact Hub Lagos, Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), and 54 Collective, a VC firm focused on early stage ventures in Africa.
L-R: Ore (BfE Programme Manager), Jordan (Global President), Ife (Program Officer, IIF), and Tochi (Deal Matchmaking Manager, IIF)
On 6 February 2025, in collaboration with 54 Collective, we hosted impact stakeholders - startups, Enterprise Support Organisations (ESOs) and impact investors - to a coffee chat in Lagos, Nigeria. The primary focus of the event was a panel session themed, “Impact Investing Readiness for Social Entrepreneurs”. Read the details of the panel session here.
Cross-section of the participants at the BfE event in Lagos, Nigeria.
The panelists L-R: Oluebube Anele (Impact Investing, WHO Foundation), Ahunna Ogunedo (Investment Manager, 54 Collective), Opeyemi Solaru (Impact Associate, 54 Collective), Jordan Wolken (Global President, BfE)
Who applied to join the Spring 2025 cohort?
For the spring 2025 cohort, we considered applications entered from 16 April 2024 to 15 October 2024. See a breakdown of the applications received during this time frame below.
Summary of applications for the Spring 2025 cohort
The application to BfE’s Incubation Programme is open on a rolling basis for all social enterprises (both non-profit and for-profit) in emerging markets. Social entrepreneurs have until 15th April to submit their applications for consideration in the Autumn 2025 cohort. Spread the word!
Introducing the Spring 2025 Cohort
As we double down on our mission to support social enterprises in transforming their local communities, we are excited to welcome 7 new startups into the Spring 2025 cohort: E-Telecare, Joby, Mojo Construction, Pic-A-Talk, Progreen, Slow Made India and Tilindi.
These startups are leveraging the power of innovation and technology to promote climate action, reduce inequalities, provide access to healthcare, quality education and decent work in local communities from Kenya to Gambia to Uganda to India and The Philippines. Learn more about the exciting work the entrepreneurs in this cohort are up to here.
Cambridge
BfE Cambridge is back! After a year of limited operations, we are back on course to supporting startups from the premier BfE Chapter at the University of Cambridge. For more enquiries to volunteer (students and mentors), please send an email to [email protected].
Chicago
We have whispers of a new BfE Chapter at the University of Chicago. Student and mentor recruitments are ongoing. If you know anyone at the University of Chicago who might be interested in contributing to the impactful work we do, please send an email to [email protected]
AI for Changemakers Program
AI for Changemakers is an accelerator program dedicated to amplifying the impact of nonprofits by partnering them with socially engaged tech companies specialising in AI. Together with support from AI specialists and mentors, non-profits develop pro-bono AI tools to tackle critical global issues like climate change, education, and disaster management, empowering nonprofits to drive meaningful change. The program offers:
Free access to AI bootcamp - 7 weeks of comprehensive educational sessions about AI.
Tailor-made AI strategy document created for your organisation with the support of tech leads.
AI solutions dedicated to your organisation and responding to your needs.
Access to +1700 tech companies ready to implement your proposed solutions within 2 years of the accelerator.
Free AWS credits.
Free tech and AI mentorship.
Free support in creating case studies and impact measurement.
Vast network of organisations working in the same areas.
If your social enterprise or non-profit is eligible for this opportunity, apply via https://www.techtotherescue.org/ai-for-changemakers/?
BfE Tech is hiring!
Support the transformative work at BfE by volunteering your tech skills. This is an opportunity to do great work and meet other people doing great work. Please follow BfE Global on LinkedIn to receive and share notifications of BfE Tech openings.
Help BfE attain excellence
As we continue our mission of supporting social entrepreneurs in emerging market, we are committed to excellence and high-quality outcomes for all our stakeholders - entrepreneurs, students and mentors. To help us achieve this, please provide feedback regarding your experience with BfE. Please select the relevant option below:
Startups
Students
Mentors
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