- Cases
- Kenya
Design sprint with 100 young entrepreneurs to get them from problem to solution in just 6 weeks.
01 Situation
Founders Factory Africa Academy aimed to catalyse youth entrepreneurship in Kenya by supporting early-stage entrepreneurs to shape viable business concepts grounded in local realities. The challenge was to move beyond traditional classroom models and build both mindset and method in a way that resonates with the participants’ lived experiences.
02 Assignment
Proportion Global was invited to design and facilitate a six-week hybrid entrepreneurship training in four Kenyan cities, using human-centered design (HCD) to deepen problem-solving, empathy, and product-market fit. The goal: to enable participants to pitch fully-formed ideas for potential $5,000 grants.
03 Approach
The curriculum blended theory and practice, introducing tools like empathy mapping, journey mapping, and the business model canvas. 134 participants engaged in immersive sessions supported by local coaches. Peer learning, field research, rapid iteration, and pitch rehearsals were integrated weekly. Digital tools supported evaluation and feedback, while a clear selection process focused on mindset, articulation, and relevance.
04 Result
Over 100 aspiring entrepreneurs completed the programme. Participants reported improved confidence, sharper value propositions, and deeper customer insight. Several brought working prototypes to class, validating the learning-to-execution transition. Coaches noted strong mindset shifts and collaborative dynamics. Final pitching sessions showed marked improvements in clarity, uniqueness, and impact potential.
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