1. Application

You, leader, become an applicant

Because one of our core values is local ownership, and because we aim to reach as many people as possible, we focus on individuals who are already successfully coaching or leading one or more groups within their community (hereinafter referred to as “community leaders”).

We believe it only takes a spark to ignite change. We are seeking leaders with an entrepreneurial spirit. There are no minimum education or knowledge requirements, but we look for individuals who show creativity, determination, and commitment to bringing their ideas to life.

Please note: applicants must be proficient in the English language as the training program will be dispensed in English.

Applicants will be asked to clearly describe their business idea. This does not need to be a full business plan with a budget, but it should be an inspiring pitch that explains the main components of how the business will work.

Entrepreneurs must submit a photo of themselves, their team, beneficiaries and location.

All applications will be carefully reviewed to ensure that every question is answered clearly, consistently, and concisely.

We look for leaders who demonstrate:

• Clear, effective, and consistent communication

• Honesty, integrity, and transparency

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

2. Selection (Pre-Training Requirements)

You, applicant, become a trainee

• TGE will select 24 top applicants per cycle.

• Before training begins, selected applicants will sign an agreement outlining all participation requirements.

• Each leader must attend the training with a colleague to support long-term success.

• A commitment fee of $20 per person is required before training begins. This fee will be set aside by TGE and reinvested directly into the trainee’s seed capital once they are certified.

3. Education (Training)

Training will be delivered either in person (over 2 days, hosted by a trainee), or virtually (over 3 weeks).

The modules include:

1. Mindset & Confidence

2. Opportunity Identification & Simple Market Research

3. Finding Capital & Starting Small

4. Bookkeeping Basics

5. Simple Business Planning

6. Money Management

7. Measurement & Evaluation 

4. Completion & Certification

After actively participating in all training modules, trainees will complete a simple evaluation to demonstrate their understanding. Those who pass will be invited to submit their detailed business plan to TGE for potential funding.

5. Activation (Project Submission & Launch)

You, trainee, become an entrepreneur

• Participants submit their business plan and budget, based on what they learned in training.

• Funding is capped at $5,000 and will only be provided to businesses that are demonstrably self-sustaining and profitable.

• Once approved, the project details and requirements will be drafted into an agreement and signed by the entrepreneur.

• Entrepreneurs must submit baseline data relevant to their project’s goals.

6. Evaluation

After their micro-business is launched, entrepreneurs will participate in monthly check-ins with the TGE team, including a call and a brief written update.

Reporting requirements:

• Monthly reporting during the first 6 months

• Quarterly reporting during the first year

• Bi-annual reporting during years 2 and 3

Reports must include:

1. Number and type of beneficiaries served

2. Net profit (using TGE templates, including revenue and costs)

3. How profits were used (qualitative social impact the business is aiming to achieve)

4. Stories, photos, and videos showing the business’s social impact.

A peer-to-peer learning forum will also be created so trainees can support and learn from each other.

7. Collaboration

You, entrepreneur, become a partner

After one year, the project will be evaluated for potential additional or new funding. The TGE team will assess whether the entrepreneur should become a long-term TGE Partner and may be eligible for support for a project expansion or a new business proposal.

8. Emancipation

Once all phases are completed, the TGE Partner will be ready to run their micro-enterprise independently, sustaining their business and expanding their positive social impact within the community.

Timeline

Cycle 1 : Applications open December 1st-January 31st. Training in February.

Cycle 2 : Applications open March 1st-April 30th. Training in May.

Cycle 3 : Applications open June 1st-July 31st. Training in August.