Start Up Smart

Is a program meticulously crafted to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential skills required to manage and prosper in their fledgling businesses. This comprehensive initiative involved six months of intensive training, followed by an additional six months of mentorship, granting participants access to business consultants. The training encompassed critical areas such as business idea development, pitching, networking, marketing and sales, funding, financial literacy, and business leadership.


The overarching objectives of this program were:


    1. To educate, mentor, and nurture young entrepreneurs, enabling them to make substantial contributions to future employment opportunities.
    2. To alleviate unemployment rates in Botswana through entrepreneurship as a strategic intervention.

    The program was offered in four distinct packages:


    Red package: Entrepreneurship essentials; from idea to pitch

    Topics Covered:

    1. Introduction to business
    2. Self Leadership and Entrepreneurship
    3. Idea generation techniques
    4. Market Analysis for a business idea
    5. Evaluating idea feasibility
    6. Communicating and presenting ideas
    7. Pitch Deck

    Blue package: Market Mastery: Identifying, Attracting, and Engaging Your Target Audience

    Topics Covered:

    1. Understanding Your Target Audience
    2. Identifying Resources for Target Audience Research
    3. Crafting an Effective Marketing Strategy
    4. Selling Techniques and Strategies
    5. Making People Aware of Your Products/Service
    6. Engaging and Retaining Customers
    7. Monitoring and Analyzing Results

    Green package: Legal Business Start-Up Guide: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Enterprise

    Topics covered:

    1. Choosing the Right Business Structure
    2. Registering Your Business
    3. Contracts and Legal Agreements
    4. Intellectual Property Protection
    5. Taxation and Accounting
    6. Hiring Employees
    7. Setting Clear Business Goals
    8. Effective Leadership and Communication
    9. Financial Management
    10. Crisis Management and Adaptability

    Purple package: Financial Management & Networking

    Topics covered:

    1. Personal Budgeting
    2. Investment Strategies
    3. Retirement Planning
    4. Financial Goal Setting
    5. Financial Analysis
    6. Introduction to Networking
    7. Effective Communication
    8. Networking Strategies
    9. Building Your Brand
    10. Networking Etiquette