The Groundswell Business Accelerator

Programme administrator:

Fetola

Type of programme:

Acceleration programme

Programme description:

Groundswell is a tailored business acceleration programme for entrepreneurs who are passionate about bringing critical solutions for today’s environmental challenges.

Location of programme:

Countrywide in South Africa

Programme duration:

18 months

Programme application windows:

Applications are currently closed. See www.fetola.co.za for updates and opportunities.

Programme breakdown:

Personal transformation and strategic planning workshop: This gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase their self-awareness and determine their path to creating a sustainable enterprise.
Evaluation and business scaling: This area focuses on activating growth drivers within participating businesses. The growth drivers are identified through diagnostics and feedback.
Skills development workshops: This training builds skills and capacities in relation to costing and pricing, and sales and marketing.

Ongoing mentorship, consulting and access to markets are also offered.

Type of support offered:

Mentoring and coaching: Participants have the opportunity to engage with sector professionals, experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and peers on topics related to market access challenges. In addition to mentors, ongoing support and guidance from portfolio coordinators and the Fetola Programme manager is available.
Nip ’n Tuck: This is a short, practical intervention that helps participants to improve and strengthen essential sales and marketing tools.

Resources available for participants:

E-learning programme: E-learning is via an online portal that reinforces and augments key content covered during skills development workshops. A consultant reviews and responds to assignments, providing input to ensure application of knowledge in the business.

Market access and investment readiness are also addressed.

Applicant eligibility criteria:

1. Businesses must be fully operational with a potential to create jobs during or after growth phase.

2. Priority is given to Black owned, youth and female-owned businesses although all are welcome to apply.

3. Businesses must be legally compliant.

4. Businesses must show complete dedication to all previous programme interventions.

5. Must have a stable client base.

6. Must show clear business growth strategy.

7. Proof of turnover increase or growth in clientele.

Programme costs:

No costs involved.

Programme application instructions:

Applications are currently closed. See www.fetola.co.za for updates and opportunities.