Where startup journeys truly begin
We transform ambitious ideas into thriving businesses through world-class education, expert mentorship, and a proven methodology that has helped launch over 800 successful startups.
Nossos pilares fundamentais
Nossa missao
To deliver world-class, practical primary startup education that equips aspiring and first-time founders with core knowledge, skills, and mentorship—while strategically partnering with organizations to build robust entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa and other emerging economies.
Nossa visao
To be the leading force in closing the primary startup education gap in Africa and other emerging economies.
Valor fundamental
Inovacao
Foco
Disciplina
Diligencia
Impact-Driven
We are relentlessly focused on achieving measurable outcomes and real-world success for both the founders we educate and the partners we collaborate with.
Contextual Relevance
Our solutions and programs are deeply rooted in, and responsive to, the unique realities, challenges, and opportunities present across Africa and other emerging economies.
Empowerment
We are dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations with the essential knowledge, practical tools, and unwavering confidence required to build, grow, and scale
Strategic Partnership
We operate as a trusted and reliable collaborator, consistently bringing specialized expertise and operational excellence to achieve shared goals and maximize collective impact.
Innovation & Adaptability
We are committed to continuous learning and evolution, constantly refining our methodologies and developing novel approaches to meet the dynamic needs of the ever-changing startup ecosystem.
SDC Innovation Drives
SDCs impact is channeled through a suite of strategically designed programs, each targeting a distinct stage of the entrepreneurial journey
SDC Startup School
A self-paced, online program dedicated to foundational startup education. It bridges the knowledge gap for aspiring and early-stage founders, offering essential training on core business concepts, idea validation, and initial market entry.
Ideal For:
SDC Launchpad
An intensive, cohort-based pre-incubator focused on accelerating early-stage startup teams. Launchpad guides founders through business model design, traction, and investor readiness.
Ideal For:
SDC Champions
Focused on universities, Champions offers dynamic bootcamps, hackathons, and competitions to nurture student startup founders. This program supports ventures from ideation through early execution, helping build a vibrant pipeline of future founders within academic communities.
Ideal For:
SDC Startup Stories
A flagship podcast and content platform sharing founder journeys, lessons, and insights. Startup Stories inspires and educates a broad audience, extending SDC’s reach beyond formal programs.
Ideal For:
Objetivo - Equipar fundadores africanos aspirantes e de primeira viagem com o conhecimento fundamental, habilidades práticas e suporte necessários para lançar e crescer startups de sucesso
Meta 1
Guiar fundadores através da validação de ideias, execução do modelo de negócio e storytelling de investimento
Meta 2
Fomentar uma abordagem prática para o desenvolvimento de startups, garantindo que fundadores possam construir empreendimentos viáveis do zero
Meta 3
Conectar fundadores com mentoria relevante, recursos e uma comunidade de apoio
A abordagem distinta da SDC é caracterizada pelas seguintes propostas-chave
Filosofia do Fundador em Primeiro Lugar
Colocando as necessidades do fundador no centro de todo o design e entrega de programas
Redefinindo a Educação em Estágio Inicial
Estamos redefinindo como a educação de fundadores em estágio inicial deve ser, enraizando cada experiência de aprendizagem em storytelling, aplicação prática e responsabilidade comunitária.
Educação Prática e Aplicada
Indo além da teoria para focar em habilidades aplicáveis e aplicação no mundo real.
Relevância Contextual
Compreender profundamente e integrar os desafios e oportunidades únicos do mercado africano em nosso currículo.
Domínio do Storytelling de Investimento
Equipar fundadores com a capacidade de articular sua visão e modelo de negócio de forma convincente para atrair investimento.
Foco na Execução do Modelo de Negócio
Guiar fundadores através dos passos práticos para construir e refinar seus modelos de negócio para sustentabilidade.
Operando na Base da Pirâmide de Suporte a Startups
Especializando-se nos estágios iniciais críticos onde fundadores precisam da maior orientação fundamental.
Parceiro de Implementação
Guiar fundadores através dos passos práticos para construir e refinar seus modelos de negócio.
Histórico Comprovado
A SDC treinou com sucesso centenas de fundadores nos estágios mais iniciais de sua jornada.
O pipeline da África para os futuros fundadores de startups.
A SDC é o ponto de partida essencial para a próxima geração de fundadores da África. Nossa abordagem centrada no fundador, metodologias comprovadas e rede sólida fazem de nós a plataforma de referência para quem deseja construir e expandir startups de impacto. Ao focar na educação primária em startups, estabelecemos as bases para a inovação sustentável e o sucesso a longo prazo, dando a cada fundador o excelente começo que merece.
Expansão de Programas
Desenvolvendo novas abordagens e modelos em educação primária de startups para atender às necessidades evolutivas dos fundadores e às tendências do mercado.
Alcance Geográfico
Aprofundando nossa presença e impacto em mais regiões da África e de outras economias emergentes.
Liderança de Pensamento
Fortalecendo nossa posição como uma voz líder em educação primária de startups e no desenvolvimento do ecossistema em todo o continente.
Parcerias Estratégicas
Forjando continuamente novas alianças com organizações que compartilham nossa visão de capacitar fundadores africanos.
Conheça a Equipe
Com mais de 35 anos de experiência combinada, nossa equipe apaixonada é dedicada a capacitar e orientar fundadores de primeira viagem e em estágio inicial, da ideia ao impacto. Prosperamos construindo startups e acreditamos em apoiar os fundadores em cada etapa do caminho — lado a lado, com propósito e dedicação.
Quer se juntar à nossa missão de transformar o ecossistema de startups da África?
Junte-se à Nossa EquipeNossos Valores
Os princípios que guiam tudo o que fazemos e moldam nosso compromisso de transformar o cenário empreendedor da África.
Inovação
Promovemos o pensamento criativo e soluções de ponta para transformar ideias em startups impactantes.
Comunidade
Construindo um ecossistema de apoio onde fundadores, parceiros e mentores colaboram para o sucesso mútuo.
Impacto
Criando mudança significativa no cenário empreendedor da África através da educação e mentoria.
Excelência
Mantendo os mais altos padrões em educação de startups e programas de desenvolvimento de fundadores.
Ready to be part of our mission?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who have transformed their ideas into thriving businesses with SDC Startup School.
Pronto para transformar sua ideia em impacto?
Se você está começando agora ou travado no meio do caminho, ajudamos você a encontrar clareza e agir com intenção. Todo fundador merece um lugar para começar e algo mais sólido para crescer.
Criando uma nova geração de fundadores inovadores e resilientes
A SDC é a plataforma líder da África para educação primária de startups, dedicada a fechar a lacuna de conhecimento fundamental para fundadores aspirantes e de primeira viagem em todo o continente. Nossa missão é capacitar a próxima geração de empreendedores africanos, fornecendo programas de treinamento acessíveis, contextualmente relevantes e de classe mundial.
Marcos e conquistas
Um olhar sobre os momentos-chave que moldaram nossa jornada de capacitacao de fundadores africanos.
STARTUP STORIES - ARTICLES
Launched our podcast series, Startup Stories, where we share inspiring stories from successful founders and industry experts.
STARTUP STORIES - PODCAST
Launched our podcast series, Startup Stories where we share industry experts.
SDC - FIRST COHORT
Launched our first cohort of the Startup Development Course, empowering 50+ founders with the skills and knowledge to launch their startups.
SDC STARTUP SCHOOL
Launched the Startup School, an online platform offering comprehensive courses, resources, and community support for aspiring and first time founders.
SDC LAUNCHPAD
Launched the SDC Launchpad, a 8-week accelerator program designed to help early-stage startups refine their business models, build MVPs, and prepare for funding.
STARTUP STORIES - ARTICLES
Launched our podcast series, Startup Stories, where we share inspiring stories from successful founders and industry experts.
Learn moreSTARTUP STORIES - PODCAST
Launched our podcast series, Startup Stories where we share inspiring stories from successful founders and industry experts.
Learn moreSDC - FIRST COHORT
Launched our first cohort of the Startup Development Course, empowering 50+ founders with the skills and knowledge to launch their startups.
Learn moreSDC STARTUP SCHOOL
Launched the Startup School, an online platform offering comprehensive courses, resources, and community support for aspiring and first time founders.
Learn moreSDC LAUNCHPAD
Launched the SDC Launchpad, a 8-week accelerator program designed to help early-stage startups refine their business models, build MVPs, and prepare for funding.
Learn more
O que Nossos Parceiros e Fundadores Estão Dizendo
Não conseguimos fazer isso sozinhos. Contamos com uma rede dedicada de parceiros apaixonados por apoiar o crescimento dos fundadores.
Not gonna lie, SDC Startup School has helped me change my approach regarding my startup since I joined. I now understand that a startup is not just about your idea, but about solving a problem that is actually a problem. SDC Startup School Thank you for the opportunity.
I remember a friend sharing details about the SDC Startup School with me. And honestly, it was one of those things I didn’t even know I needed. Founded by Cynthia E. Chisom and it’s honestly one of the most practical startup courses I’ve come across. It’s not just theory, it’s a step-by-step breakdown for anyone who has a business idea and doesn’t know where to start… or how to start smart.From understanding the real work of building an MVP to learning how to validate your idea, create structure, and even communicate your solution better, this course walks you through it all. And the best part? It’s 100% free. I’ve used what I learned from the course to help the startup founders I worked with, especially when we’re structuring marketing strategies or refining goals. If you’re a founder, an aspiring founder, or you’re just curious about how startups work, don’t sleep on this one.
Words can't even express my gratitude to the SDC team I must say this is really beyond what you are paid for it is actually an agenda ,a pursuit or a course. I am here to say a big thank you for every time you show up even when it is not convenient for every time you give a footprint, road map, or even vision .... In short thank you SDC for this wonderful program and watch out because I will be right there on your podcast sharing the victories with the upcoming founders
we listened and learnt a lot from our session with Mr Ishmail in the aspect of restructuring our focus and giving us a clear sense of what product we need to build first and fast
It was very impactful,there’s an understanding of what we are working, then a critique of it, opening our eyes to areas to be wary of, the importance of looking at other industry players. And an assignment. In all it was very impactful and helpful to I and my team. Thank you for the help and support.
The advisory sessions provided valuable insights. We gained a clearer understanding of our product, established criteria for failure, and pinpointed our target audience. She also assigned us tasks to identify critical issues and their resolutions, conduct extensive market research, and create a roadmap. We appreciate Cynthias guidance and eagerly anticipate our future sessions with her.
TThis has been a very helpful and insghtful learning material for me. I converse with other founders who didn't pass through this and I can clearly see a big gap from my approach and theirs. Thanks so much Chisom for all you do. You are indeed one of the true builders on the continent.
I have learned a lot, especially yesterday when Cynthia discussed the customer persona, value chain, and friction. It opened my mind to many things one has to know and prepare for before solving any problem.
It has been a great experience so far The class has been a ton of knowledge to my brain. I have been able to understand what it takes to build a startup You have to be ready!!
The podcasts (case studies) stand out for me. Being able to listen to experienced founders with the aim of incorporating those learnings to my activities will definitely be a gamechanger. Not to mention the industry jargon that I've learned over the past three days... I'll definitely sound smarter going forward.
Attending the SDC Start-Up School under the guidance of Cynthia has been an enlightening experience. Cynthias extensive industry knowledge has provided invaluable insights and unique perspectives on the intricacies of building and managing successful startups.
The use of relevant books from case studies of other founders has added a practical dimension to the learning process, enriching my understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape. This program has been an exceptional opportunity for gaining essential knowledge and practical wisdom in the realm of startups.
