Startup Accelerator Program
This isn't about lectures or theory—it's about building something real. Over six months, you'll work through the actual process of starting a business, from that first rough idea to launching something people want to buy.
We've designed this program around what actually works in the South African startup scene. You'll get hands-on experience with everything from validating your concept to understanding financial basics that keep businesses afloat.
What You'll Actually Learn
Six months broken into four practical phases. Each one builds on the last, taking you from concept through to launch.
Foundation & Validation
Weeks 1-6
Start with your idea—whatever it is—and figure out if it's worth pursuing. You'll learn to talk to potential customers, understand what they actually need, and adjust your thinking based on real feedback.
- Market research that doesn't require a big budget
- Customer interviews and what to ask
- Building a basic business model
- Understanding your competition without overthinking it
Financial Fundamentals
Weeks 7-12
Money matters—and not just revenue. We'll cover how to set up basic bookkeeping, understand cash flow, and make financial decisions that won't come back to bite you later.
- Setting up financial systems from day one
- Pricing strategies that work in practice
- Cash flow management for early-stage businesses
- Understanding profit margins and break-even points
Building & Testing
Weeks 13-18
Time to build something people can actually try. Whether it's a product prototype or a service offering, you'll create a minimum viable version and test it with real users.
- Creating prototypes on a realistic budget
- Running beta tests and gathering useful feedback
- Iterating based on what you learn
- Setting up basic operations and processes
Launch Preparation
Weeks 19-24
Get ready to go live. This phase covers everything from legal basics to marketing strategies that don't require massive ad budgets. By the end, you'll have launched—or be ready to launch—your business.
- Legal requirements for South African businesses
- Marketing approaches for limited budgets
- Building early customer relationships
- Planning for sustainable growth
Weekly Workshop Sessions
Every week, we meet for practical working sessions. These aren't presentations you sit through—they're hands-on workshops where you actually do the work. And honestly, that's where most of the learning happens.
You'll work alongside other founders dealing with similar challenges. Sometimes you'll collaborate, sometimes you'll just learn from watching how others approach problems differently.
Small Group Format
Maximum 15 participants per cohort, so everyone gets attention and feedback when they need it.
Practical Focus
Each session includes exercises you complete during the workshop, not homework you'll forget about.
Real Business Tools
We use the same tools and frameworks that working businesses use, not academic exercises.
Flexible Scheduling
Evening and weekend options available to fit around existing work commitments.
How Mentorship Actually Works
You'll be matched with someone who's been through this before—not a celebrity entrepreneur, but someone who's built a business in South Africa and understands the specific challenges you'll face.
Regular Check-ins
You'll meet with your mentor twice a month throughout the program. These sessions are yours to use as needed—some people want feedback on specific decisions, others use the time to talk through challenges they're facing.
Industry-Specific Matching
We try to match you with mentors who understand your industry. If you're building a retail business, you'll work with someone who knows retail. If it's a service business, same thing. The advice becomes more relevant that way.
Beyond the Program
Most mentor relationships continue past the official six months. We don't enforce it, but it happens naturally when there's a good fit. You're building a professional relationship that can last years.
Practical Problem-Solving
This isn't career coaching or life advice. Mentors help with specific business problems—pricing decisions, hiring questions, cash flow issues, customer conflicts. The practical stuff that comes up when you're actually running something.
How to Join the August Cohort
Applications open in March 2026. Here's what the process looks like from start to finish.
Submit Your Application
Tell us about your business idea and why you want to join the program. We're looking for commitment and realistic thinking, not perfect plans. Applications take about 30 minutes to complete.
Opens March 15, 2026Initial Review
We review applications on a rolling basis and respond within two weeks. If your application moves forward, we'll schedule a conversation to learn more about your goals and answer your questions.
March - April 2026Video Interview
A 45-minute conversation with one of our program coordinators. This is as much for you to evaluate us as it is for us to understand your fit. We'll discuss your idea, your availability, and what you hope to achieve.
April - May 2026Enrollment Decision
We'll let you know our decision within one week of your interview. If accepted, you'll have two weeks to confirm your spot and complete enrollment. Spaces are limited to 15 participants.
By June 15, 2026Questions About the Program?
We're happy to discuss whether this program makes sense for where you are right now. Reach out and we'll have a straightforward conversation about fit.
Get in Touch