Applications for the "ArtCultura Nexus: Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship for Artistic and Cultural Businesses" programme run until April 10 and are open to entrepreneurs or aspirants in the artistic and cultural sector who have been resident on the island of Santiago for at least six months. Innovative and sustainable projects, including those proposed by Cape Verdeans in the diaspora, as long as they are implemented in Cape Verde, are especially encouraged to participate.
Promoted by the Business Incubation Center (BIC) with co-financing from the Camões Institute through PROCERIS, the programme aims to boost entrepreneurship and sustainability in the artistic and cultural sector, while promoting the social and economic inclusion of vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities, ex-prisoners and recovered drug addicts.
During the programme, participants will have access to training, mentoring, technical advice, workshops and networking to develop entrepreneurial skills, prototypes, business plans and strategies to validate products or services on the market.
Phases of the competition
The competition will be held in seven stages:
- Registration: Initial selection of 80 participants.
- Bootcamp: Two months of acceleration, including three intensive days in Praia.
- Pre-selection: Evaluation to choose the 30 semi-finalists.
- Demoday: Pitch to investors and business fair.
- Awards: The 16 best projects were chosen and awarded one year of incubation and seed capital of up to 220,000 Cape Verdean escudos.
- Incubation: Intensive support for growth and development.
- Graduation: Final preparation for sustainable performance in the market.
Strict criteria and clear benefits
The judging panel will assess each stage using strict criteria, from cultural and artistic relevance to sustainability and technological innovation. Seed capital will be awarded to projects that demonstrate economic viability, technical coherence and the potential for social impact.
Inclusion in the spotlight
Sixty per cent of the places are reserved for women, people with disabilities and other specific groups, thus strengthening diversity and equal opportunities in the Cape Verdean cultural sector.
For more information and to submit an application, those interested can visit the programme's official website (www.artculturanexus.cv) or go to the local council offices or the BIC in Palmarejo, Praia.
