Starting an Entrepreneurial Venture in West Africa with the help of the University of Findlay (Findlay, Ohio, USA)

Trans-Saharan Professional Exchange Program Overview

This program is made possible by a grant awarded by the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The objectives of the grant are to seek out and develop skills for entrepreneurs in the countries of Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger through education and mentorship.

The first cohort of 15 participants (3 from each country) has been selected for the 2011 training, but there will be an additional cohort of 15 participants selected later in 2011 for training in 2012. Women are encouraged to apply for this program. The application deadline for 2012 training is October 17, 2011.

Participants will come to the University’s campus in Findlay, Ohio for approximately two weeks of entrepreneurial training, to be followed by a one-week apprenticeship in the kind of venture the participant would like to start. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, along with other cultural and historical sites. The entire visit to the United States will be a little more than 3 weeks long.

All expenses (transportation, lodging, food, training, etc.) of the participants will be paid for through a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US Department of State.  
 
No funds are available to the awarded candidates to invest in their ventures—those funds must be obtained through other sources.  

A delegation from The University of Findlay will be visiting five target West African countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Senegal) during late 2011 to interview candidates for the 2012 cohort. 

Where do I Begin?
To be eligible for this program, you should:

• Have an idea for a business or non-profit venture you intend to start
• Be able to read, understand, and speak English at least moderately well 
• Have a passport and three weeks time available for travel to the US in 2012.Be available for a personal interview while the interview delegation is in your country later this year (2011). The exact timetable for their visit will be determined soon.

To be selected for this program, you must complete the Online Application.

For more information, please feel free to contact:   
 
Dr. Paul Sears
Dean of the College of Business
The University of Findlay
1000 North Main Street Findlay, OH (USA) 45840
sears@findlay.edu