Programme Information
The FATE Transformer Program offers a holistic support system to high-growth businesses, integrating access to talent, mentorship, capital, and market opportunities. Tailored to each business’s unique scaling needs, the program delivers a comprehensive framework to nurture, guide and enable businesses to thrive and expand. Participants benefit from cutting-edge tools, expert guidance, financial resources, leadership training and collaborative networks to accelerate their leadership in the industry
The FATE Transformer Program is an initiative under the FATE Foundation’s 2024-2029 strategic plan designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential Nigerian businesses in critical sectors of the economy. It aims to create 10,000 jobs by 2030 by supporting businesses poised for rapid scaling and long-term economic impact. Recognizing that high-growth businesses are drivers of employment and economic transformation, the program exists to identify and support such businesses that have the potential to scale rapidly and create sustainable jobs.
Leveraging over 24 years of expertise, this program provides advanced business strategies and guidance to unlock new frontiers, empowering entrepreneurs to expand locally and globally while navigating an ever-evolving business environment and positioning them for global relevance.
- Workshops and Training – addressing the collective needs of the cohort
- Bi-weekly Sprints – Conduct bi-weekly assessments of each team’s progress based on their set goals.
- Resource Partnerships – Partnerships with relevant firms to provide free or discounted resources.
- Founders Meet-ups – workshops with experts and peers to provide support, exchange ideas, and foster networking opportunities.
- Funders Series – quarterly meetings with investors to help entrepreneurs understand the capital landscape and secure funding
- Holistic Support System: Participants receive a blend of tailored and baseline support across four critical pillars—talent, capital, mentorship, and market access.
- Expert-Led Mentorship: Businesses are matched with seasoned entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts who provide strategic advice on scaling, leadership, and international expansion.
- Funding and Investment Opportunities: The program facilitates access to potential investors and financial institutions, helping businesses close funding gaps and accelerate growth.
- Peer Networking and Collaboration: Participants have the opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, forming a robust peer network that encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
- Long-Term Strategy Development: A focus on sustainable growth and market expansion strategies that position businesses for success locally and globally.
Our Support Pillars
The FATE Transformer Program provides four critical support pillars essential for business growth
Programme Structure
Over a three-year period, the FATE Transformers Programme delivers a structured but flexible approach, customized to align with the specific growth trajectories of participating businesses
Application and Selection Process
The FATE Transformers Program ensures that only businesses with the highest growth potential and at a key scaling inflection point are selected through a rigorous 3-step process. This process is designed to identify businesses with the potential to create sustainable jobs and transform the economy.
The application process incorporates three distinct methods to attract a wide array of applicants:
- Call for Applications (CFA): Qualified businesses are invited to apply.
- Referrals: Our network of partners, alumni, and the general public are encouraged to refer potential candidates within their network.
- Targeted Selection: FATE proactively identifies businesses with high potential for growth and impact, and personally reaches out to them for program participation.
Each of these methods will work simultaneously to:
- Profile the Entrepreneur: Ensures the business is entrepreneur-led and led by individuals committed to growth and learning.
- Profile the Business: Evaluate the business’s potential to generate large-scale wealth and jobs (must demonstrate ₦500 million annual revenue and have 50+ employees).
- Timing: Focuses on businesses at a crucial inflection point where strategic support could rapidly scale their operations.
The program’s selection process is structured in three comprehensive steps:
Step 1: Preliminary Screening and Due Diligence
- Application Submission: Entrepreneurs submit their application via an online form that captures essential information, such as business model, financials, market traction, and growth ambitions.
- Initial Screening and Eligibility Check: Applications are assessed against pre-defined criteria, including sector focus, revenue, and business longevity. Businesses must meet baseline eligibility criteria, including operating for at least five years, demonstrating consistent revenue growth, and potential for scaling.
- Step 2: Document Verification, Profiling, and Interviews
- Document Verification and Profiling: Successful applications undergo thorough due diligence, including a review of the business plan, market analysis, financial health, legal standing, and compliance. These businesses are evaluated to understand their key strengths, weaknesses, growth potential, and alignment with the program’s objectives.
- Expert Interviews: Shortlisted businesses undergo in-depth interviews with industry experts and the program team to assess their vision, strategic direction, entrepreneurial mindset, leadership capabilities, and commitment to scaling.
Step 3: Final Selection by Expert Committee
- Final Selection: A panel comprising industry experts, mentors, board members, and impact investors conducts interviews with the leadership teams of shortlisted businesses to evaluate their potential economic impact before making final selections. After thorough deliberation, the committee selects the cohort of businesses that will be admitted to the program, ensuring they align with the scaling objectives and strategic goals of the Transformer Program.
- Admission and Induction: Selected businesses are formally notified, onboarded, and inducted into the program to begin their transformation journey.
Businesses that demonstrate potential but are not selected for the final cohort may be invited to join the pooling system. These businesses will receive guidance and support to work towards qualifying for the next intake of the program, helping them enhance their readiness for future scaling opportunities.
Join our Network
Leverage the power of a peer-to-peer learning, network with seasoned entrepreneurs, industry expert and our Entrepreneurs in Residence.
Join our network
Leverage the power of a peer-to-peer learning, network with seasoned entrepreneurs, industry expert and our Entrepreneurs in Residence.
FAQ
The FATE Transformer Programme is an initiative designed to support high-growth businesses in Nigeria, aiming to accelerate their growth and create sustainable jobs by providing tailored interventions.
To qualify for the program, businesses must have been in operation for at least five years and generate annual revenues exceeding ₦500 million. Additionally, they should demonstrate substantial growth traction, possess the potential for scaling, and show a commitment to making a positive economic impact. Founders should have aspirations for expansion and a willingness to learn and develop their business capabilities.
The program provides access to capital, talent acquisition, mentorship, and market opportunities, including workshops, networking events, and financial resources.
Participants are selected through a multi-tiered process, including eligibility checks, business profiling, expert interviews, and final selection by a panel of industry leaders.
Interested businesses can apply through our online portal during the application period. Detailed guidelines and application forms will be provided on the program's webpage.
The FATE Transformers Programme offers a highly subsidized participation fee, made possible through the generous support of our institutional partners. Participants contribute ₦7,500,000, representing less than 35% of the total programme cost, payable in three instalments.
You can subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates on the program, application deadlines, and success stories.
For further details, please visit our official website.
The Transformers Programme spans three years, delivered in carefully structured phases. Throughout the three years, each business receives personalized guidance, faculty-led sessions, and strategic advisory support tailored to its growth trajectory.
Location
16, Town planning way, Ilupeju, Lagos
transformers@fatefoundation.org
Calls/WhatsApp
08131931861