Applications Open for Value Creation Challenge 2025 https://www.263chat.com/applications-open-for-value-creation-challenge-2025/ The Value Creation Challenge (VCC), one of Zimbabwe’s leading entrepreneurship incubation programs, has officially opened applications for its fifth edition. Spearheaded by the Eight2Five Innovation Hub in partnership with Old Mutual Zimbabwe, the program accelerates early-stage startups by offering business development support, mentorship, and access to funding and investment networks. Now in its fifth year, the VCC is backed by a coalition of partners, including the British Council, the British Embassy, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Development Trust (ZADT), SNV, Delta Corporation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the Embassy of Sweden. The initiative targets Zimbabwean entrepreneurs with innovative prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs), aiming to provide the resources and guidance needed to bring these ventures to market. In the lead-up to this year’s application deadline, the VCC team conducted a nationwide business clinic tour, reaching entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe's urban and rural areas. Locations included Kadoma, Murehwa, Mutare, Masvingo, Mwenezi, Zvishavane, Gweru, Gokwe, Harare, Chinhoyi, Marondera, Nyanga, Rusape, and several centres in Matabeleland such as Bulawayo, Esigodini, Matopos, and Lupane. The clinics focused on business model refinement and growth strategies, offering hands-on support to participants. Applications for VCC 5 opened on April 15 and will close on June 4, 2025. The program is structured around four thematic pillars: Innovative Technology, Creative Industries, Emerging Industries, and Sustainability. An informational webinar, with insights from program experts, is scheduled for Saturday to guide potential applicants through the process. Registration for the webinar is available at https://forms.gle/ySeCHrguKLqf95HS9. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be Zimbabwean citizens aged 18 or older who own and operate their own businesses. Companies must be under three years old, and applicants must be available for at least four days each month between June and September 2025. Submissions on behalf of third parties will not be accepted. Inclusivity remains a core priority for this year’s edition, focusing on supporting youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The program particularly encourages female entrepreneurs to apply, reflecting its commitment to gender equity and inclusive economic growth. With its continued emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and impact, the VCC 5 program aims to further develop Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and contribute to its economic transformation. For more information or to apply, visit: https://vcc.co.zw.