Entrepreneurship and Business Facilitation Project (ENFA-OI) Launches Pitch Competition for Startups in the Indian Ocean Region

The Entrepreneurship and Business Facilitation project (ENFA-OI) is launching a call for applications for a pitch competition aimed at startups from the member states of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). This competition, named COPISTE 2024, aims to enhance the skills of entrepreneurs leading a startup or developing a business project in presenting their entrepreneurial venture. Mastering this skill is crucial for attracting potential investors and increasing visibility for their business offering.

The call for applications for COPISTE 2024 was launched on July 29. Entrepreneurs or project leaders in the cosmetic and medicinal plants, tourism, and seafood industries from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles have until September 6, 2024, to register via the IOC website at the following link: PITCH COMPETITION ENFA-OI COPISTE 2024 – Indian Ocean Commission (commissionoceanindien.org).

The COPISTE 2024 competition will take place from October 28 to 30, 2024, in Mauritius. Over these three days, the 20 best startup founders and project leaders selected through the call for applications will compete. They will all receive personalized coaching from industry professionals to help them refine their business ideas (bootcamp) and excel in the pitch competition.

At the end of the competition, six winners will be selected, with two winners per priority sector. The prizes include:

  • €2,000 in grant funding for the 1st prize in each category
  • €1,500 for the 2nd prize in each category
  • A business incubation and acceleration voucher worth an estimated €1,000 for each of the six winners

All details regarding the competition rules and eligibility criteria are available on the IOC website (see the link above).

It is important to note that the ENFA-OI project is implemented by the IOC with financial support from the European Union, amounting to €1.6 million. The project’s overall objective is to increase economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in the IOC region within a framework of sustainable development. It serves as a key tool in promoting green, blue, and circular economy solutions, primarily benefiting young entrepreneurs and women in the tourism, seafood, and cosmetic & medicinal plant industries.