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Flagship programme · Funder-supported enterprise development
MZR Entrepreneur Business Accelerator
A 12-month enterprise development programme that helps existing small businesses become compliant, financially organised and professionally run. We don't only train entrepreneurs. We work alongside them to put the systems in place.
Know a business that needs this? Refer an entrepreneur or see who can apply.
Good small businesses stall for practical reasons
Most entrepreneurs we meet don't lack ambition or good ideas. They lack the systems, financial knowledge, admin capacity and professional support that a growing business needs. Those gaps keep them out of supply chains, away from finance and stuck at the same size.
- Compliance
- Registrations incomplete, returns overdue, beneficial ownership not filed. Corporate supplier onboarding often stops right there.
- Financial records
- Personal and business money mixed, no bookkeeping, no clear view of real profit or cash flow.
- Systems and admin
- Quotes, invoices and customer details live in the owner's head and WhatsApp chats.
- Sales
- Business depends on word of mouth, with no plan for finding the next customer.
- Capacity
- The owner does the work, the admin and the selling, with nobody to ask for advice.
Training, implementation and ongoing support in one programme
This is not simply a training course. We work alongside entrepreneurs to implement the business systems and structures they need.
Practical workshops
Online workshops and specialist-led sessions on compliance, finance, tax, sales, systems and leadership, built around real South African small business problems.
Done with them, not for them
We set up accounting software, bookkeeping, compliance records and a business website with each entrepreneur, so the systems are actually in use.
Support for a full year
Individual business reviews, mentoring and ongoing financial reporting support for 12 months, so new habits stick after graduation.
A complete business development package
Each business gets support matched to its needs, within the scope agreed with the funding partner.
Compliance and structure
Company registration or a review of the existing one, beneficial ownership documentation, applicable tax compliance support, proper business records and guidance on statutory obligations.
Financial management
Accounting software during the programme, bookkeeping support, bank reconciliations, management reports, budgeting and cash-flow management, with help understanding the numbers.
Business planning
A practical business plan, a marketing and sales plan, financial forecasts and clear development objectives for the year ahead.
Digital enablement
A basic business website with domain and hosting support during the funded period, plus practical guidance on running a business online.
Laptop and equipment
A laptop and laptop bag at induction, subject to the funding agreement. Issued under a formal agreement, with potential ownership transfer on successful completion.
Training and mentoring
Interactive workshops, specialist sessions, individual business reviews, networking events and ongoing implementation guidance.
A structured final review of each business and recognition of successful participation, based on the programme's completion criteria.
From application to graduation
An indicative cohort lifecycle of about 16 months.
Application
Entrepreneurs apply directly or are referred by funding partners, community organisations and our network.
Selection
Interviews and a baseline review of each business against the selection criteria agreed with the funder.
Induction
Onboarding, participation agreements, programme expectations and equipment issued, where included.
Development
Twelve months of online workshops, specialist sessions, in-person events and hands-on implementation of systems.
Business reviews
Regular one-on-one reviews track progress against each business's objectives and adjust the plan.
Graduation & reporting
Final review, recognition of completion and the end-of-programme outcome report for the funding partner.
Choose a cohort size that fits your objectives
Our recommended minimum cohort is 15 entrepreneurs. Programmes expand in blocks of five, so you can match the size to your enterprise development goals and budget.
Each cohort also creates paid workplace development opportunities for junior candidates, who gain practical experience in business administration, accounting support, operations and entrepreneurship.
| Cohort | Entrepreneurs supported | Paid workplace participants |
|---|---|---|
| A | 15 | 1 |
| B | 20 | 1 |
| C | 25 | 1 |
| D | 30 | 2 |
Workplace development placements are paid work-experience opportunities. They are not automatically accredited or registered learnerships.
- Compliance status at intake and at graduation
- Accounting system set up and monthly records maintained
- Management reports and a budget in use
- Business plan and financial forecasts completed
- Website live and digital presence in place
- Attendance and participation across all activities
- Progress against each business's own development objectives
A structured ESD and CSI programme you can report on
The Accelerator is built for organisations that want enterprise development with real, measurable impact: corporate ESD and CSI teams, procurement and supplier development departments, foundations and development funders.
The programme may suit organisations pursuing B-BBEE enterprise or supplier development objectives, subject to their eligibility requirements and the applicable verification rules. We do not promise specific B-BBEE points.
A designated Fund Manager is your single point of contact. They coordinate progress updates, keep the programme accountable to you and plan future cohorts together with your team. Funding is arranged in advance in line with agreed delivery phases and your procurement requirements.
What funding partners can expect
- Agreed performance indicators before the cohort starts
- Periodic progress reports during the programme
- Financial accountability for programme funds
- Attendance and participation monitoring
- Tracking of every agreed deliverable
- An end-of-programme outcome report
A long-term partnership
A new cohort can start each year, so you can build a recurring enterprise development programme rather than a once-off project. MZR manages overlapping cohorts, each on its own 16-month cycle.
For entrepreneurs ready to build properly
The Accelerator is for existing small businesses with a viable product or service and real commercial activity, generally trading for at least six months.
Not trading for six months yet, or want to start now at your own cost? Our 6-Week Online Business Course is open to individuals.
You're a good fit if you need help with
- Business registration and compliance
- Financial recordkeeping and accounting
- Understanding cash flow, profit and tax
- Business planning and budgeting
- Marketing, finding customers and sales
- Business systems and administration
- Leadership and decision-making
- Becoming more professional and competitive
Accelerator questions
Is the programme free for entrepreneurs?
The programme is designed to be funded by corporate and development partners, so selected entrepreneurs take part in sponsored places. Any commitments expected from participants, such as attendance and completion requirements, are explained in a participation agreement before you accept a place.
Who funds the programme?
Funding partners can include corporate enterprise and supplier development (ESD) programmes, corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives, procurement and supplier development departments, foundations and development funding organisations.
How long does it run?
Each cohort runs for approximately 16 months: recruitment and selection, onboarding, 12 months of structured business development, then a final review and close-out reporting.
Do participants receive laptops?
Each participating entrepreneur is intended to receive a laptop and laptop bag at induction, subject to the final funding agreement. Equipment is issued under a formal agreement, with potential transfer of ownership on successful completion of the programme.
What support is provided?
Online workshops, specialist-led sessions, in-person networking events, individual business reviews and mentoring, plus hands-on help: accounting software and bookkeeping support, compliance and tax administration within the agreed scope, a business plan with financial forecasts, and a basic business website.
Can a company sponsor a smaller cohort?
Our recommended minimum is 15 entrepreneurs, because that is the size at which the workshops, events and support model work properly. Programmes then grow in blocks of five, to 20, 25 or 30. If your budget is smaller, talk to us about options such as co-funding a cohort with another partner.
How does a company become a funding partner?
Send us an enquiry or WhatsApp us on 069 900 2355. We meet to understand your objectives, then send a tailored funding proposal covering cohort size, scope, timelines, reporting and costs.
How can an entrepreneur apply?
Register your interest using the form on this page. Applications open when a funded cohort is confirmed, and every applicant goes through a selection process. Registering interest does not guarantee a place.
Do you guarantee results?
No. The programme gives entrepreneurs systems, skills and support, but we do not promise business growth, funding, tenders, contracts or profitability. Results depend on each business and how fully it takes part.
Let's talk about the Accelerator
A structured, practical programme worth discussing with your enterprise development team.
We'll walk you through the programme, the cohort options and the reporting you'll receive.