Introduction
The LOOPLab Incubation Programme aimed to support start-ups in Nigeria (focus Lagos) who offer Circular Economy oriented products and services that can be delivered to corporate clients.
LOOPLab, an offshoot of the Circular Lagos Challenge is a pioneering project of Circular Lagos supported by the German Development Cooperation(GIZ).
The LOOPLab Incubation programme worked with large and small companies to develop partnerships between larger companies who need solutions with the start ups that can provide them.
The Challenge/Need:
The LOOPLab Incubation Programme aimed to support start-ups in Nigeria (focus Lagos) who offer Circular Economy oriented products and services that can be delivered to corporate clients.
LOOPLab, an offshoot of the Circular Lagos Challenge is a pioneering project of Circular Lagos supported by the German Development Cooperation(GIZ).
The LOOPLab Incubation programme worked with large and small companies to develop partnerships between larger companies who need solutions with the start ups that can provide them.
Solution
CEIP, along with her implementing partners designed the LOOPLab Incubation Programme. The programmed offers 4 components over the course of six months:
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Peer Networking & Mentorship:
The programme provided participants with routine check-in sessions, opportunity scanning workshops and coaching support to help develop a constructive working relationship and development opportunities between startups and their partners. -
Business Advisory Services:
Workshops and 1-1 sessions were organised to set expectations on business management procedures, across Legal, Accounting, and Business planning. Governance, Corporate Culture and Teams building workshops also help improve attitudes and working practices towards organisational learning. -
Taught Programming:
A carefully curated curriculum was delivered using a blending learning approach by local and international faculty to ensure that participants had access to knowledge that fit their type of business. -
Prototype Development and Pitch Days:
Investor and Client meetings were organised alongside events to grow start-up networks and to apply skills developed in the programme, leading to bespoke partnership agreements being facilitated.
Results
The LOOPLab Incubation Programme yielded significant outcomes including:
Increased knowledge on critical thinking and analysing innovations for participants.
Partnership formation Exposure to new and emerging markets within and outside Nigeria
Supported businesses with the market survey and market entry processes
Exposure to applied and industrial processes
Conclusion
In partnership with her implementing partners, the LOOPLab incubation programme supported 9 small circular economy businesses through carefully selected components of the programme by exposing them to new and emerging markets within and outside Nigeria, networking with relevant stakeholders, exposing to applied and industrial processes and taught sessions.