You've got a great business idea in sanitation or water management, like ...

... implementing and scaling-up an innovative sanitation technology you invented?
... recycling nutrients from waste water and turn it into a great product?
... advocating and awareness raising on sustainable water management in rural communities?
... improving knowledge management in water and sanitation?
... offering innovative consulting services so water companies can become more sustainable?
... revolutionising the way how we manage natural resources?

WHAT YOU NEED IS

Support to develop a strong and sustainable business model?
Practical advice and guidance from experienced water and business experts?
Clear information on finance, marketing and how to get started?
Access to our large sector-specific network?

OUR OFFER AT A GLANCE

01

SECTOR RELEVANT LECTURES

Our course content gives you the knowledge you need to develop your idea, create a strong business model, perfect your pitch and launch and manage your business.

02

EXPERT ONE-TO-ONE COACHING

Our expert coaches are here to help you make your business happen! They can provide practical advice, facilitate networking and connect you to funding opportunities.

03

COMMUNITY

The cewas community connects you to a broad range of sector experts and like-minded water and sanitation entrepreneurs to collaborate, exchange and develop your business.



2018 CEWAS START-UP PROGRAMME

13. - 19. August 2018
(7 training days), Willisau (CH)

Objective:

Get inspired and develop your start-up idea

Description:

This module will introduce you to the programme and give you insights into the market and sector trends. Through interaction with coaches and fellow participants, you will nail down the business idea that most motivates you. This may be the idea you came with - or even a totally new one! In addition, we organize a field trip to Domodossola, where you will have the opportunity to socialize with your fellow participants from the partner programme. As this module draws to an end, you will have a clearly defined business idea that you want to develop in module 2!

20. - 24. August 2018
(5 training days), Willisau (CH)

Objective:

Define your winning water and sanitation business model

Description:

Module 2 will help you transform your idea into a concrete business model. Using the business model canvas, you will identify your value proposition and develop a Minimum Viable Product, ready to be tested and developed in module 3.

27. - 30. August 2018
(4 training days & coaching), Willisau (CH) and Stockholm (SE)

Objective:

Test your business idea with real customers.

Description:

You have a great idea and now it is the time to test it on real customers. At the Stockholm World Water Week (SWWW) , the sector’s most important event, you will pitch in front of a vast range of potential customers and future partners and get a feedback (and maybe a contract). On the last day of this module, we will host a public event enabling you to present your idea to an audience of sector experts.

Develop your business plan

5. - 14. September 2018
(8 training days), Willisau (CH)

Objective:

Prepare your launch: from marketing to finances, operations and documentation.

Description:

Building on the information gathered in module 3, this module provides a concise introduction to the key elements of a comprehensive and convincing business plan. The content of the training sessions will include market analysis, marketing, operations, finances and financing. Upon completion of the module, you will have both a draft business plan, ready to pitch to partners and investors, and the knowledge and skills needed to launch your start-up.

October 2018 to June 2019
(9 months of remote coaching), your home country

Objective

Launch your business

Description

During the 9-months coaching phase a dedicated coach will support you via skype meetings and email in launching your business. The coach will support you in staying on track, give you feedback and continue to link you up to potential partners and clients.

PRICES

Good things don’t come for free! Thanks to our partners, we can offer the cewas Start-up Programme at subsidised rates:

Fees for the entire programme (modules 1-4)
(including coaching)
CHF 4000
as an individual
CHF 5000
as a group
Fees for modules
(excluding coaching)
CHF 2500
Module 1-3 (as an individual)
CHF 3000
Module 1-3 (as a group)
CHF 2000
Module 4 (as an individual)
CHF 2500
Module 4 (as a group)

Costs include all course materials, field trips, coaching, access to the shared workspace, free coffee, WIFI and entry to cewas events. The price of the programme does not cover travel, visa, insurance, lodging, food or access to the SWWW in Stockholm.

Trouble financing the course?

Thanks to our partner Swiss Re Foundation, there are 4 fellowships on offer for the entire Start-up Programme (covering programme fees, board and lodging, travel costs). You will find more information on the Junior ReSource Fellowship here.

FAQs

Q: Who can take part?

A: Anyone with an idea, strong motivation and an entrepreneurial spirit to make it happen!

If you want to receive ECTS Credits, you need to have a Bachelor or Master Degree or extended relevant work experience. As the course is held in English, you should have a good working knowledge of English (oral and written).

Q: What is the cewas start-up programme?

A: The cewas start-up programme is an innovation lab and entrepreneurial community. It provides individuals and groups with the knowledge, skills and networks to transform their business idea into a working start-up.

Q: When does the next programme take place?

A: The training modules of the next programme in Switzerland will start August 13th 2018 and will run through September 14th 2018. One-to-one coaching is provided to all participants throughout the programme until June 2019. This can be carried out either in person during modules 1 to 4 or over skype and email in module 5.

Q: Where does the programme take place?

A: The programme’s training centre is located in Willisau, near Lucerne in Switzerland. Affordable accommodation nearby can be made available, if needed.
The training centre can be used as a shared working space by all participants throughout the programme and beyond. It provides an ideal place for collaboration and interaction with other community members and a venue for the programme’s pitching events. Linking urban and rural needs, the location echoes our approach towards creating a sustainable water and sanitation sector.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Applying for the programme is quick and easy. Just visit this page and follow the following three simple steps:

  1. Read our Terms and Conditions, Code of Conduct and the Privacy Policy to make sure you understand the way we work.
  2. Fill in the entire application form by April 30th, 2018.
  3. Decide to become an entrepreneur and click submit.

We will contact you by May 11th 2018 to give you feedback on your application. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Please note that visa applications take time and the earlier you apply the higher the chances of getting a visa in time. We look forward to meeting you!

Q: Are there any fees involved?

A: Good things don’t come for free! But thanks to our partners, we can offer the cewas Start-up Programme at subsidised rates:
The fees for the start-up programme (August 2018 – June 2019) are as follows:

CHF 4’000 as an individual.
CHF 5’000 as a group.

For the modules 1-3 only: CHF 2’500 as an individual and CHF 3’000 as a group. Module 4 can be paid separately: CHF 2’000 as an individual and CHF 2’500 as a group. If you decide to participate only in single modules only, subsequent coaching (module 5) is not included in the price.

Costs include all course materials, field trips, coaching, access to the shared workspace, free coffee, WIFI and entry to cewas events. The price of the programme does not cover travel, visa, insurance, lodging, food or access to the SWWW in Stockholm.

Trouble financing the course? Thanks to our partner Swiss Re Foundation, there are 4 fellowships on offer for the entire Start-up Programme (covering programme fees, board and lodging, travel costs). You will find more information on the Junior ReSource Fellowship here.

ECTS ACCREDITED

The cewas Start-up Programme is ECTS accredited by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU).

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