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GE and Silicon Valley-based Santa Clara University’s Miller Centre for Social Entrepreneurship have announced a partnership to host a training programme for social entrepreneurs working on maternal and child health innovations in sub-Saharan Africa.

The “healthymagination” mother and child programme aims to help social enterprises addressing maternal and/or child health strengthen their business models, refine business plans, reinforce organisational development, manage talent, and learn how to scale sustainably.

The programme includes six months of online training during which participants will be matched with a Silicon Valley leader who will mentor them on how to develop a scalable enterprise.

The programme begins in July with an in-person event in Nairobi; and ends with an investor showcase in February 2017, also in Nairobi.

Between 15 and 20 entrepreneurs will be selected to join the programme, with applications open to entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Senegal.

“This programme supports GE’s long track record in developing innovations for emerging markets while increasing positive health outcomes,” said Sue Siegel, chief executive officer (CEO) of GE Ventures and healthymagination.

“We are excited to join Miller Centre to accelerate the growth of social enterprises and commercialize innovative ideas while serving as a resource for entrepreneurs working to improve access, affordability and quality of maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa.”

“We share GE’s healthymagination vision for innovating new ways to address global health challenges. The partnership between GE and Miller Centre highlights the potential for social entrepreneurship to improve maternal and child health in a region of the world that has limited access to skilled health care providers,” said Dr Thane Kreiner, executive director of the Miller Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.

Applications are open here, until May 18.

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