Dear Valued Subscribers,

Another month, another opportunity to make waves! How's August treating you so far? We hope this month has been filled with productivity and positive vibes.

We've been up and doing at Spurt! as usual and we're excited to share some exciting news!

We recently announced a new partnership with Women Work Network. Together, we're launching capacity-building programmes and introducing tech tools designed to supercharge women-owned businesses. A recent study highlighted the significant impact of technology on women-owned businesses, and we're excited to be at the forefront of driving this change.

But wait, there's more! We've also joined forces with Cloudoor to accelerate the growth of African startups. By combining their cloud expertise with our startup support, we're creating a powerful synergy that empowers entrepreneurs to build faster and achieve greater heights. Cloudoor's innovative solutions, combined with our proven track record, make for an unbeatable partnership.

We're excited about the positive impact these collaborations will have on the entrepreneurial landscape

Speaking of growth, we're thrilled to announce the start of our 8th STEP cohort! We're also gearing up for the second ASAP cohort, and we can't wait to see the impact these programmes will have on the next generation of entrepreneurs.

How has your August been so far? We'd love to hear how things are going on your end. Share your wins, challenges, or just your thoughts on the world. We're all ears!

Email us at growth@spurt.group . We are here to help you thrive!

This August at Spurt! We are all about Data!

Have you ever wondered why some businesses soar while others crash and burn? It's not always about the brilliant idea; often, it's about making smart decisions based on cold, hard facts.

For startups, data is like oxygen. It fuels growth, helps you spot opportunities faster than your competitors, and saves you from costly mistakes. Imagine steering your business with a GPS instead of a compass. That's the power of data-driven decision making

Here are a few tips to get you started on your data-driven journey:

· Define your goals: What do you want to achieve with your data? Increased revenue? Better customer retention? Improved efficiency?

· Collect the right data: Gather relevant information about your customers, market, and operations.

· Analyse your data: Use tools and techniques to uncover patterns and trends.

· Turn insights into action: Implement changes based on your data findings.

· Continuously learn and improve: Data is always changing, so keep monitoring and refining your approach.

Let's say you run a clothing store. By analysing customer purchase data, you can identify which styles and sizes are most popular. This allows you to optimise your inventory, reduce costs on unpopular items, and offer targeted promotions to drive sales.

Do you have any feedback or need help making data-driven decisions, send us an email at growth@spurt.group. we are always here for you!

Cool Tool Alert!

As business owners, the constant hustle for innovative tools is real. We know you're always on the lookout for ways to streamline operations and gain that competitive edge. That's why we're excited to introduce you to Product Hunt!

Product Hunt is a community-driven platform where users can discover, discuss, and share the latest tech products. From productivity tools to design software, you will find a wide range of options to enhance your workflow.

This allows you discover emerging trends and technologies before they become mainstream and stay informed about industry trends.

We encourage you to create a Product Hunt account and start exploring the platform. Who knows, you might even discover a game-changing tool for your business! You can get started here.

We're excited to announce that we'll soon be launching our own innovative suite of tools, SpurtX! Tools, on Product Hunt. Stay tuned for more details!

Business News This Week

Nigeria- Naira Reverses Recent Gains as CBN InterveneThe naira depreciated this week after four consecutive days of appreciation, marking a setback in its recent upward trend. The CBN's intervention in the FX market, selling dollars to banks, contributed to the currency's decline. Read More Here.

Kenya - Moody's downgraded Kenya's credit rating due to the government's decision to forgo revenue-raising measures and raise the fiscal deficit. This move is seen as weakening Kenya's creditworthiness and potentially limiting its access to external funding. Read More Here.

Ghana- Ghana's cedi, after a sharp decline, is expected to stabilize with modest depreciation before year-end. IMF and World Bank support, along with increased reserves, are bolstering the currency. However, election-related spending and persistent demand for dollars could pose challenges. Read More Here.

South Africa - South Africa's business confidence shows slight improvement, with the new unity government seen as a potential catalyst for economic growth. Chamber of Commerce reports a modest increase in sentiment index. Read More Here.

Grant and Opportunities

Mastercard AI StartUp Challenge 2024. The challenge invites seed and Series A startups to submit innovative AI-powered solutions in cybersecurity, generative AI in banking and finance, customer lifecycle management, productivity enhancement, emerging fintech, and ESG. Grant Amount: Up to $150K. Application Deadline: 25th August 2024. Apply Here. Ernst and Young (EY) Entrepreneurial Winning Women Programme 2024. The programme identifies high-potential women entrepreneurs whose businesses show real potential to scale and provides them with ongoing support to help accelerate their growth. Application Deadline: Ongoing. Apply Here. Orange Corners Business Acceleration Programme 2024 In Ghana. The Orange Corners Ghana initiative spans a 6-month acceleration programme comprising five 3-day workshops spaced four weeks apart. Open to startups in Ghana. Grant Amount: Up to €50,000. Application Deadline: 1st September, 2024. Apply Here.