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Terms & Conditions

1- Definitions

The following definitions shall apply unless the context otherwise requires:

“African(s)” means African citizens or nationals who may or may not be resident in Africa; This includes legal residents of an African country with the rights to work and do business in that country.

“Applicant” means an African individual that registers on TEFConnect.net and submits an Application for participation in the Programme;

“Application” means the online entry form completed and submitted by an individual for the Programme on TEFConnect.net;

“Application Window” means the period commencing from 1Jaunary to 1 March when Applications can be submitted for the Programme;

“Business Idea” means a proposed business that is attributable to the Applicant and which the Applicant is applying to further develop to a viable business with the assistance of the Programme;

“Business Partner” means any individual or entity with which an Applicant is doing business whether in the form of an unincorporated joint venture, incorporated joint venture, business agreement, partnership or such other form of agreement to carry on a business together and share in the profits or proceeds arising therefrom;

“Entity” means a company or other legal entity incorporated or registered and resident in Africa with an African or Africans together owning directly/indirectly more than 50% of the voting rights in the entity;

“Financial Support” means the Seed Capital Investment as well as subsequent access to on-going third-party investment (as applicable) directly/indirectly from The Tony Elumelu Foundation;

“Mentor” means an individual selected for their expertise, passion and alignment to the Programme’s vision and engaged to support and guide the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs on the Programme;

“Programme” or “TEF Entrepreneurship Programme” means The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme;

“Promoter” or “the Foundation” means The Tony Elumelu Foundation;

“Seed Capital” means funding made available to each TEF Entrepreneur from the Tony Elumelu Foundation. The first stage is a non-returnable investment of the equivalent of $5,000 (based on the Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate as at the date of Selection), which is paid into the Business bank accounts of Entrepreneurs upon completion of the 12-week training programme, provision of required documentation, certification submitted business plan among other requirements; the second stage is a returnable investment, which entrepreneurs will apply for and be considered for based on the viability of their business.

 “Startup Enterprise Toolkit” means the mandatory 12-week interactive online training programme designed to equip TEF Entrepreneurs with the basic skills required to launch, run and scale their business idea;

“Successful Applicants” or “TEF Entrepreneurs” means Applicants who are selected to participate in the relevant Programme cycle;

“TEF Alumni” are ‘Graduates of the Programme’, i.e. TEF Entrepreneurs who have completed all the Programme learning, submitted a validated business plan and met the first seed capital disbursement requirements;

“TEF Alumni Network” is the online community of TEF Alumni based on  TEFConnect.net for continuous engagement and opportunities;

“TEF Entrepreneurship Forum” means the annual entrepreneurship event in Nigeria or any location as specified by the Promoter, featuring live skills training, key note speeches and networking with investors, influencers, experts and entrepreneurs;

“TEFConnect.net” is the all-encompassing online platform that serves the Tony Elumelu Foundation and its programmes. It hosts the application platform, mentoring and learning platform as well as the TEF Alumni Network platform.

2- Terms and Conditions

• – These Terms and Conditions as well as the Eligibility Criteria, Application Process and Selection Process are collectively referred to as the Rules of the Programme (“Rules”).
• – Successful Applicants shall be subject to these Rules, the Participation Agreement and other rules and guidelines published by the Foundation from time to time for the running of the Programme.
• – The Promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend all or any part of the Rules without notice. Any changes to the Rules will be posted on the Programme’s website. It is the responsibility of Successful Applicants and TEF Alumni to keep themselves informed as to any changes to the Rules. The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss suffered by a Successful Applicant or TEF Alumni due to any changes to the Rules, including failure to complete some or all tasks under the Programme due to such change.
• – If for any reason the Programme is not capable of running as planned for reasons including but not limited to tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures, force majeure events or any other causes beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Programme, the Promoter reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Programme and disqualify any Successful Applicant or TEF Alumni. The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss arising from modification, suspension or cancellation of the Programme.

3 – Application

• – Applicants are not required to make any purchase or payment in order to access the website, submit an Application or become eligible for the Programme.
• –  Applicants must certify that they have all the applicable rights, licenses, authorisations and consents necessary to submit their proposed Business Ideas or entity. Presenting a Business Idea that the Applicant has no applicable rights, licenses, authorizations and consents to shall be a ground for disqualification.
• – Only one Application and Business Idea or Entity is permitted per Applicant. An Applicant shall not make multiple entries under different names, email identifications, different Business Ideas or Entities. Multiple entries by an Applicant or multiple entries for the same Entity shall be a ground for disqualification.
• – TEF Alumni or their Business Partners shall not reapply for the Programme in any subsequent year, even for a different Business Idea or name – this constitutes multiple application and is grounds for disqualification, and termination of Alumni status.
• – All submissions must be made directly by the Applicant behind the Businesses Idea or Entity entering the Programme. Entries made online using methods such as a macro, script, using automated devices or processors are not allowed and shall be disqualified.
• – The Promoter accepts no responsibility for late, lost, misdirected damaged or delayed Applications as a result of any network, computer hardware or software failure of any kind.
• – Bulk and third party entries shall not be permitted.
• – The Promoter reserves the right to verify the validity of entries and to disqualify any Applicant for tampering with the entry process or failing to make entries as specified by the Rules.
• – No corruption of, defect in, failure or delay in the delivery of any email communication from the Promoter will entitle an Applicant to an extension of any deadline, or otherwise entitle an Applicant to make any form of claim.
• – By applying for this Programme, each Applicant attests that their Application:
• – Is true and correct in all material respects;
• – Is their own original work;
• – Does not infringe or violate the rights of any third party, including but not limited to, ownership, copyrights, trademarks, patents, logos, licensing rights, rights of publicity or privacy or any other intellectual property rights.
• – Is not contrary to any applicable laws.
• – The Promoter shall reject applications which, in the reasonable opinion of the Promoter:
• – Are deemed to be franchises, import/export business or government contractors;
• – Contain any content that is likely to be considered offensive by the Promoter or could reflect negatively the name, reputation, or goodwill of the Promoter or Entities associated with the Promoter and other parties acting on its behalf;
• – Include trademarks, logos, or copyrighted material not owned by the Applicant or used without the right holder’s prior written permission (including famous names, company names, etc.);
• – Defames, misrepresents, or insults any third parties;
• – Poses adverse risks to the environment, human lives or property
• – Promotes or is sympathetic to any political agenda;

Are affiliated to terrorist or other illegal activity;

• – Such Application ought to be disqualified.
• – The Promoter reserves the right, in its absolute discretion to disqualify any Application, Successful Applicant or TEF Alumni at any point during the Programme, without granting any opportunity for challenge, if it has reasonable grounds to believe that the application:
• – Has been made fraudulently, or contains any false or misleading statement;
• – Has breached any of the Eligibility Criteria or other Rules;
• – Has infringed on any intellectual property of any other person;
• – Was made in breach of any applicable law; or
• – It is in the interest of the Programme to disqualify such Application.
• – Communication with Successful Applicants shall be by email to the address provided on the Application form, and via TEFConnect.net. The Promoter shall not be responsible for the reliability or otherwise, delayed receipt or non-receipt of any email communication.
• – Where an Applicant is unsuccessful at the point of selection to the Programme, the Applicant shall receive an email within 28 working days of the decision notifying the Applicant.
• – Successful Applicants are responsible for, and must comply with any health advice/regulations/inoculations required by respective African Countries. Any associated costs for this are the responsibility of the Applicants.
• – By applying, Applicants acknowledge that other Applicants may have created ideas and concepts that may be similar to their entry, and that Applicants will not be entitled to any compensation or right to negotiate with the Promoter over such matters.
• – The Successful Applicants are responsible for ensuring they are able to accept the place on the Programme as set out in these Terms and Conditions. They must also (if applicable) provide proof of consent from partners, directors and shareholders (as applicable) for their participation as representatives of an Entity.
• – All entry instructions form part of these Terms and Conditions. By entering this Programme, all Applicants will be deemed to have accepted and shall be bound by the Terms and Conditions.
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4- Eligibility

• – Due Diligence shall be carried out on the Successful Applicants to verify eligibility prior to any potential offer of a placement in the Programme. Applications that do not meet all or some of the eligibility criteria will not be accepted or will be dropped during the Programme.
• The Programme is open to all Africans operating businesses in Africa who are aged 18 years and above, and who must not be considered a minor in their country of residence.
• – Applicants must have the legal right to work in the African country where their business is located.
• – Applicants must create an account and complete an online entry form through TEFConnect.net to apply for the Programme.
• – The proposed business must operate in Africa and Applicants must be legal residents of any one of the 54 African countries.
• – All businesses must be Business Ideas or an early stage registered entity, in the range of 0 to 3 years from date operations commenced.
• – Business Ideas must be for profit, focused on one business only and must be the original work of those making the submission.

5- Ineligibility/Disclosure of Conflict of Interest

• – Employees from either the Tony Elumelu Foundation, companies within the HH Group, affiliates of HH and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply for the Programme, either individually or as part of a team or Entity.
• – Research institutions, faith-based organisations, government agencies and businesses not located in Africa or are over three years old will not be eligible to apply for the Programme.
• – The Promoter’s agents involved in the creation and administration of this Programme are excluded from participation.

6- The Business/Business Idea

• – Applicants must demonstrate that their business is set up, or in the case of a Business Idea will be set up, and based in Africa.
• – Applicants are solely responsible for the structure of the business and the team members within it. If selected, the Mentor assigned to the Selected Applicant can provide guidance regarding team relations and individual roles within the business, but are not liable for dispute resolution. The Promoter will not be responsible for, or get involved in any team dispute resolution and shall communicate with the person authorized to represent a team or Entity until it receives an instruction from authorized representatives nominating a different person.

7- Application Process and Selection Criteria

• – All Applications must be submitted online through TEFConnect.net, which will open from 1 January and close on 1 March, annually (the “Application Window”).
• – The Applicants must complete an application form by answering a series of mandatory questions, upload required documents and identification materials. Personal information supplied in the application form such as names, addresses and date of birth must tally with identification documents provided.
• – The Applicant must provide current correspondence address, email and telephone numbers and keep the Promoter informed of any changes.
• – Upon submission of the application form, an email confirming receipt will be sent to the Applicant within 1 business day. Once submitted, applications cannot be altered or amended.
• – Review of applications will commence immediately and shortlisting of Applicants will take place following the close of the Application Window on 1 March.
• – The selection will be carried out by the Promoter and an independent application review consultant appointed by the Promoter using specified selection criteria to select the best-qualified entrepreneurs from the pool of applications. These criteria are:
• – Feasibility: content of the Business Idea. A good business model that has clear and compelling mission to grow a sustainable, commercially viable business and is effectively communicated;
• Market Opportunity: knowledge and understanding of the market, customers and competitors for their idea/business;
• – Financial Understanding: understanding of the basic financial requirements of running a business, costs and revenues;
• – Scalability: Demonstrates potential for replication and growth of their product or service to create jobs and wealth;
• – Leadership Potential and Entrepreneurial Skills: Applicant has demonstrated leadership potential, capable of attracting people, customers and resources. Applicant also exhibits strong passion and commitment for the business.
• – Applicants who meet the selection criteria would be announced on the website and contacted via the contact method indicated in their application.
• – If Applicants are offered a place in the Programme, they will be expected to execute a legal agreement with the Promoter, by signing a Participation Agreement.
• – Applicants must accept the offer and return the signed Agreement within 5 working days, otherwise the offer lapses.
• – There will be a waiting list made up of Applicants who have points closest to the shortlisted applicants. Slots, which become available due to a lapsed or rejected offer shall be filled from the waiting list (buffer). Applicants who are on the waiting list will not be informed that they are on a waiting list until they receive an offer due to a slot becoming available.
• – Communications with the Applicants will primarily be by email, from the Promoter’s designated email address to the email address provided by the Applicant on the submission form. Applicants are therefore advised to store the Promoters contact details in their email address books to avoid the email from being delivered to their spam folder.

8- The Programme

• – The Promoter will select 1000 applicants annually to join the Programme. Only one representative from each business will have access to TEFConnect.net and participate physically. However, it will be possible to share the training points with business partners to institutionalise our training to support the success of the business.
• – A Programme cycle equates to completing the Startup Enterprise Toolkit, participation in the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum in Nigeria and development of a comprehensive business plan with clear milestones.
• – All Successful Applicants must be available to commit to the annual Programme cycle once accepted. Any Applicant who is not committed to the time frame to be advised by the Promoter will not be accepted or will be dropped from the Programme.
• – If the TEF Entrepreneur fails to complete the tasks assigned in the Programme within the stipulated timelines or to put in the minimum required number of contact hours with their assigned Mentors, or fail to submit the business plan within the review timeline, then the Promoter reserves the right to terminate placement in the Programme.
• – Any Successful Applicant who does not fulfil all the commitment requirements will not be awarded the Seed Capital or other on-going support as applicable. Access to programme materials and Mentors will also be denied to a Successful Applicant who drops off at any stage before the completion of the Programme without obtaining the consent of the Promoter.
• – Request for any proposed long-term absence from the Programme must be agreed to by the Promoter in writing prior to the Applicant taking the time out of the Programme and shall only be allowed in extraordinary circumstances. Requests shall however be assessed by the Promoter on a case-by-case basis.
• – The disbursement of the first stage Seed Capital funding will be by payment into the TEF Entrepreneur’s business bank account. The Promoter is unable to pay the funding into a personal bank account. To receive the seed capital, all TEF Entrepreneurs must comply with all stipulated requirements, including provision of certain documents and opening of bank accounts in specified banks.
• – The first stage seed capital will be paid based on the Naira equivalent value of $5,000 converted at the official Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate as at the date of selection for the Programme. Banking charges and recipient country exchange rates will also apply. The actual amount received may therefore be less than US$5,000.
• – The TEF Entrepreneurs that have progressed their business plans sufficiently may also apply for the second stage capital investment. The specific terms of qualification and application shall be made available at the relevant time.
• – If the Promoter deems that any TEF Entrepreneur has brought the Programme and the Promoter into disrepute, their funding will be withheld and placement in the Programme will be immediately terminated.
• – By entering, Applicants agree to participate in any reasonable publicity arranged by the Promoter e.g. photo shoots, videos and interviews and waive their rights to any images of themselves taken as a result of applying or being selected under the Programme. The Promoter shall be entitled to use all such photographs, films, audio or other recording in any medium including digital, electronic, print, television, film, radio or other media in furtherance of promotion of the Programme or the Promoter or its affiliates. Where necessary, the Promoter may require a signed image rights waiver form from the Entrepreneur in furtherance of this waiver. The Promoter may invite TEF Entrepreneurs to take part in promotional activities at the Promoter’s expense.
• – TEF Entrepreneurs are not permitted to speak or write publicly about the internal workings of the process or to purport to be knowledgeable of the reasons why the Promoter has selected and supported them.
• – TEF Alumni are expected to proactively engage with the Promoter (while not imposing on work commitments) in terms of marketing communications activity to amplify their experience throughout the year.
• – The Promoter and any person acting on its behalf will not be responsible for any damage, loss, injury suffered by any entrant entering the Programme or as a result of accepting any prize. Nothing shall exclude the Promoter’s liability for death or personal injury as a result of its negligence.
• – If for any reason the Programme is not capable of running as planned due to reasons beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter, the Promoter shall not be liable for failures to comply with these Terms & Conditions and shall endeavour to communicate with all affected parties at the earliest possible opportunity.
• – The decision of the Promoter shall be final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into on the same.
• – The Promoter assumes no responsibility for damages, losses or injuries that result from participation in this Programme or acceptance to be part of the Programme.

9- Travel and Visa expenses

Successful Applicants may wish to travel to attend the yearly Entrepreneurs Forum. All costs relating to travel and where applicable, obtaining a visa to attend the Forum shall be borne by the Entrepreneurs.

• – TEF Entrepreneurs from Non-ECOWAS countries (with few exceptions) will be required to obtain a Nigerian Visa to be able them attend the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum. The Promoter shall provide an invitation letter and will liaise with Successful Applicants to ensure they have all documentation and information required to enable the process of obtaining a visa. Applicants shall however have sole responsibility for applying for and securing their Nigerian Visas. Successful Applicants are therefore advised to commence the visa application process immediately they become aware of the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum date or at least 4-6 weeks prior to the date.
• – For the avoidance of doubt, the Programme does not include any costs of a personal nature not explicitly set out in these terms and conditions.
• – The Promoter will not be liable for any injury, loss or damage to property or life arising from attending the Entrepreneurship Forum provided that such injury, loss or damage did not arise from the negligence of the Foundation. Each Entrepreneur is responsible for ensuring their safety during the Entrepreneurship Forum. The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss arising from Entrepreneurs leaving the Entrepreneurship Forum venue or for engaging in any activity outside the activities designated by the Promoter.

10- Privacy Policy

• – By applying to the Programme, Applicants consent to have details of their Application – other than commercially sensitive information – featured in any media or promotional activity for the Programme being carried out by the Promoter. The Promoter will contact Applicants in advance of any media request for interviews. Successful Applicants shall not grant interviews independently of the Promoter and are required to inform the Promoter of any media request for interviews they receive directly. Failure to notify the Promoter may result in disqualification from the Programme.
• – The Promoter will only use the personal details supplied for the administration of this Programme, and for no other purpose except with the Applicant’s consent.
• – The Mentors are required to sign a non- disclosure agreement as it relates to personal information which may come into their possession during the Programme and are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards.
• – The name, country and profile of each Successful Applicant will be made available for public relations purposes globally. Each individual will be asked to provide a profile and photo once they join the Programme and this will be held on the closed group Programme website, as well as the Promoter’s public website.

11- General

• – Internet access and adequate English language skills are required for the Application process. Candidates with no English reading or speaking skills need to translate the application content at own cost.
• –  All Successful Applicants are required to respond promptly to requests for information from the Promoter.
• – This Programme is governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Applicants submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Nigerian Courts.