Scale for Success Programme Details

Scale for Success is designed to accelerate your business growth. There is plenty of free, generic advice on the internet on how to grow a business, but none of it is unique to your business. We exist to change this.

Why are we different?

Action learning Once a month you will get together with our experts and other high potential entrepreneurs for a full day or two of engagement. We utilise the Lean Methodology which is behind the success of Silicon Valley. Together we will identify the growth challenges and actions to be taken to enable your business to scale.

Expert coaching Premier League footballers need a coach to push them to peak performance - so do you. You will work with your personal coach on a monthly basis. and They’ll provide expertise, advice and help you set action goals. Our coaches have received a 95 % satisfaction rate.

Global High Potential Community Entrepreneurship can be a lonely marathon. You need peers who can encourage and inspire you, provide advice on the challenges you face and open doors to new opportunities. By joining S4S you gain access to a global community of high potential entrepreneurs, impact investors and other potential partners to help you and your business grow.

Month 1 - Personal Growth & Business Identity

Do you know your strengths and weaknesses? Do you want your employees to rally around a shared vision? Great leaders build great teams. We help entrepreneurs to grow their attitude, discipline and character - because great leaders build great teams which create great businesses. That’s why we kick-off Scale for Success with - You.

Month 2 - Strategy & Business Model

Is your business strategy delivering rapid market growth? We will help you rethink your business model and create a winning business plan and strategy. Many of our S4S businesses have made radical changes to their business model as a result and significantly grown their revenues.

Month 3 - Pre-Requisites for Scaling

Are you serious about scaling your business? We have seen many entrepreneurs running their businesses on gut instincts. This will take your business only so far. Effective systems will allow you to streamline and automate your business growth and unleash untapped growth potential.

Month 4 - Bootcamp

Do you have sales, marketing, finance, HR and legal experts on your team? Probably not - but we can help you tap into that expertise without breaking the bank. During our two-day bootcamp we will zero in on the core functions of your business and you’ll learn from seasoned entrepreneurs and experts with deep knowledge in each of these areas. From efficiently managing your cashflow, to attracting and retaining top talent, or supercharging your marketing strategy - your real business needs will be addressed.

Month 5 - Financial Management & Investor Readiness

Does your bottom line make you smile? This two-day session will help you achieve immediate revenue growth through cost savings and better financial management.

Do you want to attract investment to grow? Is your business investment-ready? We have over 15 years experience working with a network of impact investors such as angel investors, venture capital investors and others. Our network of investors will share what they are really looking for in your business. We will analyse your business to help you understand if you’re ready to take on investment and help you develop an investment strategy.

Month 6 - Implementation Plan

Our last day of training will bring the learnings of the previous six months together. This session will equip you with a highly actionable business plan so you can go out and apply what you’ve learned.

Support after Scale for Success

Congratulations! After 6 months’ hard work you are now ready to scale and achieve the success you’ve dreamed of. But the journey doesn’t stop there.

Investment Raising

15 years of investing in Africa has taught us that the investment process can be long and strenuous. Our investment team provides bespoke investment advisory services to facilitate the whole process. We will not only assist you with your financial modelling and valuation but also help you determine the optimal capital requirements and structures.

Networking and Insight Opportunities

As a Scale for Success graduate you will get the unique opportunity to attend our Impact Investment conferences in Uganda and Kenya. Connect with impact investors from across the world during networking sessions, build partnerships with other businesses or pitch your business to a panel of investors at our pitching competition.

Scale for Success Alumni

The reality of entrepreneurship is as romantic as chewing glass. Continue the journey with a support community of other high potential entrepreneurs passionate about transforming society. We’ve created this community because we strongly believe that we can’t overcome obstacles on our own. We hold regular workshops and events throughout the year.

Get a sneak peek:

FAQ

How many businesses have attended Scale for Success?

A total of 109 business have gone through the Scale for Success program including; 68 in Kenya, and 41 in Uganda. These businesses range from various sectors such as health, agribusiness, finance, manufacturing, education etc.

Scale for Success alumni include businesses such as Kasha, Mumsvillage, Kubamba Company Ltd or Kitingela Hot Glass Ltd.

How long is the programme?

The programme is 6 months long. There will be a monthly meeting (1 day per month) and a monthly one on one coaching session (1 hour). We also expect you to take time to integrate the ideas and advice between sessions. Once you are accepted we will give you the specific training dates.

Who will deliver the programme?

Our team is comprised of experienced entrepreneurs and business consultants who have grown successful businesses and expert coaches with deep knowledge in specific fields. You will also have an opportunity to engage with our international and national investor network, get their feedback and potentially secure investment.

Who can apply for Scale for Success?

Read our application criteria to find out more.

How do you select Scale for Success businesses?

Applications for Scale for Success are reviewed within 48 hours of completion. The application should meet our minimum requirements as outlined on our criteria page. Applications are also reviewed depending on the scalability and investability of your business. Always ensure that you clearly explain your product / service and your business model. Is there potential to grow and scale? Can your business model be replicated in similar markets?

An entrepreneur’s character goes a long way in the day to day running of the business. We evaluate what are their beliefs, the values they stand for and how they relate with different parties as they conduct business.

All applications are reviewed within a week, and each applicant gets an email notification on whether they proceeded to the visit stage or not. For those that don’t, they get a detailed email outlining reasons as to why they did go through. We then schedule site visits for the businesses that go through to get a clearer understanding of the business, the entrepreneur and the product or service they’re offering. We will also collect copies of the prerequisite documentation (as earlier communicated) while assessing risk mitigation measures during the visit. After the site visit, we will notify you within 24 hours whether or not you got accepted into the program.

What is a purpose-driven entrepreneur?

We are looking for purpose-driven entrepreneurs who want to grow a profitable business to have a positive impact on society. Your values should be integrated into how you run your business. You should be keen to join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who you can journey with and learn from.

What do you mean by an inclusive business addressing the low-income earners?

We are interested in businesses which are targeting the poor (who are living with less than 10$ per capita per day) in East Africa. The product or service should serve the low-income population by empowering them economically, being in education, manufacturing, in the environmental sector, water, sanitation or something that we haven’t even thought of.

We anticipate that your business approaches the problem in a new and interesting way. Innovation might in your business model, a dynamic process or a new technology.

Can I save and review applications?

Our application platform has an automatic way of saving all information keyed in during the application process and you can review and amend the application before you submit it.

Who should I contact if I am having issues with my application or if I need further clarifications?

If you are having difficulties or have any further questions then please contact us. Our team will be happy to help you.

What are the cost implications of the Scale for Success programme?

The monthly cost for the program is KSH 19,800 (in Kenya) and USH 350, 000 (in Uganda) per participant. This includes a full-day training, conference fees for facility, breakfast, lunch, coffee and tea, as well as one hour of a private coaching session per month.