Ecosystem Building Portfolio
At Innovation SL, we believe that a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem is the foundation for sustainable economic development. Our Ecosystem Building portfolio is designed to create an enabling environment for startups, SMEs, investors, and support organizations to connect, collaborate, and grow. Through strategic partnerships, impactful programs, and capacity-building initiatives, we are strengthening Sierra Leone’s innovation ecosystem and positioning it for global competitiveness.
What We Do
Innovation SL plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, advocacy, and capacity building within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our key focus areas include:
Policy Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging policymakers to advocate for business-friendly policies.
Facilitating public-private dialogue on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Contributing to national policy frameworks that support startups and SMEs.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Events
Organizing large-scale entrepreneurship events such as Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) and the National Tech Summit.
Hosting networking and knowledge-sharing sessions to strengthen ecosystem linkages.
Running sector-specific challenges and hackathons to drive innovation.
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)
A week-long event that highlights the importance of entrepreneurship, featuring workshops, panel discussions, pitch competitions, and networking sessions.
Freetown Pitch Night
A monthly event that provides a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas, receive feedback, and connect with potential investors and partners.
Freetown Innovation Week
A celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing together ecosystem players, policymakers, and investors to discuss and showcase innovative solutions.
Dare2Aspire
A unique event that inspires and empowers young entrepreneurs, especially women, to take bold steps in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Capacity Building & Training
- Providing ecosystem actors with training on investment readiness, policy development, and innovation strategies.
- Supporting business support organizations (BSOs) with resources to enhance their service delivery.
- Developing mentorship and coaching programs that connect experienced entrepreneurs with emerging startups.
Investment & Market Linkages
- Facilitating investment matchmaking between startups and potential investors.
- Building platforms that enhance access to finance, such as the Salone Crowdfunder.
- Strengthening local and international trade opportunities for businesses.
Digital & Infrastructure Development
- Supporting the digital transformation of SMEs and business support networks.
- Contributing to the development of digital platforms that foster ecosystem connectivity.
- Enhancing infrastructure for innovation hubs and co-working spaces.
What We Have Done
Through our Ecosystem Building portfolio, Innovation SL has made significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurship landscape:
Organized Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) for several years, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to discuss challenges and opportunities in the ecosystem.
Led the first-ever Sierra Leone National Tech Summit and Entrepreneurial Showcase, connecting over 1,000 innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Partnered with the Government of Sierra Leone to design and implement initiatives such as the Innovate Agriculture Challenge, which provided funding and exposure to top agritech startups
Supported ecosystem players through targeted capacity-building programs, including training for incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs.
Facilitated funding and investment opportunities for startups by engaging investors and financial institutions, leading to increased access to capital for growth.
Built strong partnerships with international networks, including GEN Global, ensuring local entrepreneurs gain access to global resources and opportunities.
Developed digital platforms that enhance ecosystem engagement and collaboration, strengthening business support services.
Hosted multiple successful editions of Freetown Pitch Night, Freetown Innovation Week, Global Entrepreneurship Week, and Dare2Aspire, creating vital opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with ecosystem stakeholders.
Implemented the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) as a service provider for six consecutive years, supporting innovative social enterprises and helping Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs gain international recognition.
What We Continue to Do
Innovation SL remains committed to building and strengthening Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our ongoing initiatives include:
Scaling Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), Freetown Pitch Night, Freetown Innovation Week, and Dare2Aspire to reach more stakeholders and provide greater value.
Expanding our policy advocacy efforts to ensure a more enabling environment for startups and SMEs.
Enhancing investment facilitation initiatives, creating more structured opportunities for startups to access funding.
Strengthening collaboration with government, private sector, and international organizations to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
Continuing to build digital solutions and platforms that support ecosystem actors and improve business support services.
Supporting ecosystem actors with capacity-building programs, ensuring continuous growth and sustainability.
Let build the Ecosystem Together
Through our Ecosystem Building portfolio, Innovation SL continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone. We are committed to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive ecosystem that drives economic transformation and global competitiveness.
