Events - Foreign Africa

EDWS Session 2 Funding Your Startup – Grants, Debt, Equity & Beyond

Hosted by Foreign Africa | Enterprise Development Workshop Series

Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM GMT
Venue: Microsoft Teams (Free Virtual Workshop).

About the Session

This session helps participants navigate the funding landscape for startups and early-stage business. Participants will explore four core funding pillars: Grants, Debt, Equity, and Beyond (created and often overlooked resources/pathways that do not neatly fit into traditional categories. The session will combine theory, with real-word insight to offer participants insight from line of business building, organizational development, and investment decision-making.

Session Lead

Audrey is a Zimbabwean innovation ecosystem builder with 10+ years helping founders, SMEs, and innovation programs across Africa move from pitch deck → funded → scale. Mandela Washington Fellow. Africa 40 Under 40. Advisor to entrepreneurs from Harare to Accra.

Audrey Simbiso Chidawanyika

FACILITATOR

Abdul-Razak Musah is a development and policy professional with interests in governance, economic development, and social impact. He is a Programmes Associate at Foreign Africa where he supports research, policy analysis, and programme implementation focused on advancing inclusive development and job creation across Africa.

Abdul-Razak Musah

What You'll Learn

By the end of this 90-minute session, you will:

Distinguish funding types and know when grants, debt, or equity is most appropriate for your stage.
Assess your startup’s readiness using a simple self-assessment framework.
Understand funder expectations — what investors and donors actually look for.
Avoid costly mistakes early-stage companies make when raising capital.

You'll Leave With

A clear understanding of startup funding options
A One-Page Funding Roadmap tailored to your business
The ability to match your funding needs to the right vehicle based on stage, risk, and growth goals
A self-assessment tool to evaluate funding readiness

Session Format

Expert presentation + interactive discussion
Practical exercise: Fund Your Future — guided scenario-based budgeting
Live Q&A with the speaker
Session recording shared post-event

Who Should Attend

Founders, early-stage entrepreneurs, SME owners, and ecosystem enablers across Africa looking to demystify startup finance and build fundable businesses.