Turning Ideas into Real Businesses

What is the eligibility criteria for the competition?

You must be between 18-30 years old, a Rwandan citizen or resident, have a business idea or early-stage business, and be committed to participating in the full program duration.

Do I need to pay the entry fee upfront?

Yes, the 5,000 RWF entry fee is required during registration to secure your spot in the competition and access to training materials.

What if I don't have a fully developed business idea?

That's perfectly fine! Our training program will help you refine and develop your idea. Many successful participants started with just a concept.

Is the training conducted in English or Kinyarwanda?

All training sessions are conducted in both Kinyarwanda and English to ensure accessibility for all participants.

Can I participate if I'm from urban areas?

While our focus is on rural youth, urban participants with ideas that serve rural communities are welcome to apply.

What happens if I don't win the main prize?

All participants receive valuable training, networking opportunities, and certificates. Many participants have secured funding and partnerships even without winning the main prize.

How is the winner selected?

Winners are selected based on business viability, innovation, potential impact on rural communities, and presentation quality by a panel of expert judges.

Do I retain ownership of my business idea?

Yes, you retain full ownership of your intellectual property. TYI does not claim any ownership rights to your business ideas or ventures.

Is there ongoing support after the competition?

Yes, winners receive 6 months of post-competition mentorship, and all participants can access our alumni network and additional resources.

Can I apply with a team?

Yes, teams of up to 3 members are allowed, but only one person needs to pay the entry fee and all team members must meet eligibility criteria.

What sponsorship packages are available?

We offer Platinum (1M+ RWF), Gold (500K RWF), Silver (200K RWF), and Bronze (100K RWF) packages, each with different benefits and visibility levels.

How will our brand be promoted during the competition?

Sponsors receive logo placement on marketing materials, social media mentions, website recognition, and speaking opportunities at events based on sponsorship level.

Can we provide mentors from our organization?

Absolutely! We welcome mentors from sponsor organizations. This provides additional value to participants and deeper engagement for sponsors.

What is the demographic of competition participants?

Participants are primarily 18-30 years old from rural areas across Rwanda, with diverse educational backgrounds and business interests spanning agriculture, technology, and services.

How do you measure the impact of sponsorship?

We provide detailed reports including participant numbers, social media reach, business outcomes, jobs created, and community impact metrics.

Can we sponsor specific categories or prizes?

Yes, sponsors can create category-specific prizes (e.g., 'Best Agribusiness Idea' or 'Most Innovative Tech Solution') with dedicated recognition.

What is the timeline for sponsorship activation?

Sponsorship activation begins immediately upon agreement, with maximum visibility during the 3-month competition period and ongoing recognition for annual sponsors.

Do you offer CSR partnership opportunities?

Yes, we develop customized CSR partnerships that align with your company's social impact goals and provide measurable community development outcomes.

Can international organizations sponsor?

Yes, we welcome international sponsors and can accommodate various payment methods and currencies to facilitate global partnerships.

What reporting do sponsors receive?

Sponsors receive monthly progress reports, final impact reports with detailed metrics, participant testimonials, and success stories of funded businesses.