1. Registered organisation: Formally incorporated in Rwanda and registered with RDB. 2. Basic financial records: Some bookkeeping exists, even if basic or disorganised. 3. ICT / digital-enabled business: Demonstrated innovation contributing to Rwanda's digital economy strategy, within the ICT Chamber's ecosystem. 4. Early to growth stage: At least 6 months operational, with some revenue or active user traction. 5. Investment intent (0-2 years): Active intention to raise early-stage investment within the next 2 years. 6. Sustainable development alignment: A business model that contributes to the SDGs or Rwanda's Vision 2050 priorities.
1. Free professional services: The program is fully funded by the $200K envelope (about $4,000 of support per startup), so participants receive hands-on professional services at no cost, rather than only training. 2. Investor-grade financials: Participants get a comprehensive financial cleanup, IFRS-aligned recording systems, and a full set of financial statements (balance sheet, P&L and cash flow), so their books can withstand investor due diligence. 3. Tax and regulatory compliance resolution: Advisors handle RRA registration and filing catch-up, VAT, withholding tax and payroll compliance, data protection policies, and statutory filings, closing the gaps that disqualify startups from institutional investors and DFIs. 4. Fractional CFO support: Founders get monthly strategic financial reviews, budgets, rolling cash flow forecasts, a KPI dashboard and board packs. 5. Financial modelling and valuation: Participants build a 3-5 year investor-grade model, scenario and sensitivity analysis, a cap table with dilution modelling, and valuation frameworks. 6. Governance and legal foundations: Startups get board structure design, shareholder agreement support, a risk management framework and a compliance policy manual. 7. Investor readiness: The program covers pitch deck refinement, mock due diligence, a virtual data room, an investor Q&A playbook and a fundraising narrative. 8. Access to capital networks: Participants take part in a Demo Day, VC and angel matchmaking, term sheet negotiation support, and introductions to DFIs and investors. 9. Baseline and progress tracking: Each startup gets an investment readiness score at the start and again at graduation, so founders can see how far they've moved. 10. Ecosystem visibility and support: The ICT Chamber provides events, promotion, sector linkages, policy advocacy and post-program support for graduates. 11. Cohort network: Participants join a group of 50 peer founders and get one-on-one coaching alongside group workshops.