The Stellenbosch Network Entrepreneurial Mentorship Programme is an 8-month initiative designed to support entrepreneurs in the ideation and early startup phases by providing a matchmaking framework between mentors with extensive business experience and aspiring entrepreneurs. The program includes training for both mentors and mentees, as well as a structured matching and contracting process to establish effective mentoring relationships.

Mentoring is especially valuable for ideation-stage and startup entrepreneurs as it provides guidance to transform ideas into viable business concepts or grow early-stage businesses. Entrepreneurs benefit from actionable insights, enhanced decision-making, and practical support tailored to their specific stage of development. Mentorship offers a collaborative and time-efficient alternative to traditional training, helping entrepreneurs refine their ideas or operations while building confidence and resilience.

The outcomes of mentorship for ideation-stage and startup entrepreneurs can be grouped into four categories:

·       Skills Development: Building entrepreneurial skills such as market research, business planning, financial management, and communication.

·       Knowledge Transfer: Gaining insights into industry best practices, innovation, and growth strategies.

·       Entrepreneurial Resilience: Developing the ability to navigate uncertainties and challenges in both idea validation and business growth.

·       Business or Concept Validation: For ideation-stage entrepreneurs, refining business ideas into actionable plans; for startups, strengthening operations and scaling effectively.

Minimum Mentee/Entrepreneur Entry Requirements

Entrepreneurial Stage:

• • Be in the ideation phase, developing a business concept with potential for growth, innovation, or community impact, OR
  • Be in the startup phase, actively operating a business that is less than 2 years old and demonstrates early traction or potential for scalability.
  • You will be required to share a brief business concept or outline, and startup entrepreneurs may need to provide evidence of operations (e.g., customer feedback, early revenues, or partnerships).

• Commitment: Applicants must be willing to dedicate time to developing their entrepreneurial idea or strengthening their startup operations.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Aged 18 years or older, South African citizen.
  • Grade 12 school-leaving certificate (matric qualification) or other relevant education/experience. Exceptions may be considered based on passion and drive for entrepreneurship.
  • Proficiency in English.
  • Living, working or studying in Stellenbosch.
• Location: Applicants must live, work, or be able to attend sessions in Stellenbosch.
• Mentorship and Training:
  • Be willing and available to participate in at least 12 hours of mentorship support throughout the program.
  • Attend scheduled training sessions in Stellenbosch (travel costs are your responsibility).
• Engagement: Be ready to collaborate, receive feedback, and actively participate in the program to refine and validate your business idea or scale your startup effectively.

Please complete the online application form and submit this together with the relevant documentation.

Entries close 31 January 2025 and the programme will start during February 2025.

* Please note that final selection is at the discretion of the Stellenbosch Network Entrepreneurial Mentorship Programme Selection Committee.

Contact hanli@stellenboschnetwork.co.za for any questions about the process