The students within the room were waiting for pitching moment
Rwanda’s business group, Top 1% Club members from Abavip presents visited the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus for pitching activity of business ideas looking for mentorship and funding.
The pitching was held yesterday, Friday, 22nd July 2022 in a grand room of the building of KOICA.
Coach Gael, Eddy Robert, Kenny Mugarura, and Tony Inganji shared experience, with the students in the room, since their first step into the business sector.
Coach Gael explained that they came to the campus to help students because they believe the young generation (especially university students) has profitable business ideas that can grow into wider entrepreneurships.
“We came to listen to your ideas, create community and network, bring you mentorship and provide funds to the most profitable pitches,” Gael explained.
Gael added, “We thought of what we can do from Rwanda after we have started ours which are based both in America and Rwanda.”
Investor Coach Gael invests in various areas and believes in teamwork spirit. One of their sectors of investment is Entertainment where they have a music house called, ‘155 a.m. Entertainment,’ which helps musicians including Rwandan renowned artist within and outside Rwanda, Bruce Melody (his previous song, Akinyuma was produced by this label).
Coach Gael, the owner of 155 am Entertainment
From left: Eddy Robert, Tony Inganji, Coach Gael and Kenny Mugarura
Bonheur Mwizerwa, a year one medical student is one of the students who made it to the final. His pitch is called “Innovation Hub Bakery,” which increases the value of the production of potatoes by producing eatable products.
He said he knew information through UR-Huye Career Guidance and took the initiative of pitching. Bonheur also mentioned the “Wavumbuzi Entrepreneur Challenge,” in which he and his group members competed and won at the national level.
“I expect mentorship and funding from this hard work because I will attend their boot camp. Having an entrepreneurial mindset helps a lot because it can take you to an extended standard of living and entrepreneurship.”
“I advise fellow students to feel free and open their minds to uncover their potential. They will exploit available opportunities only if they associate with positive mindsets. I did not believe I can think and pitch an idea to be funded but I did it,” Bonheur advises students
Successful pitches with their incentive (seated) and Top 1% Club members (behind)
Out of all 80 applied students for pitching, more than 20 students were selected for mentorship. Thereafter, six students were selected for the next step of mentorship, funding and networking.
The students with the first six pitches were given an incentive which is to help them as the facility in their coming activities. They are also expected to gather after one week while the other eight pitches will get mentorship for more knowledge to grow their ideas.
Four main members with other team members
A pitching tour is expected to be done in three months countrywide. After UR-Huye Campus, the other four UR campuses, Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) University and other universities will come next. From all campuses around the country, 30 pitches will be taken both to Europe and America.
By Pheneas Sebeza