GoRise Mentoring Programme: Nurturing Tech Entrepreneurs in Tunisia
The GoRise Mentoring Programme helped entrepreneurs create 162 new jobs and secure new funding in just 5 months. Learn how our personalised approach can empower your business.
GoRise Mentoring Programme: Nurturing Tech Entrepreneurs in Tunisia
Client: GIZ Tunisia
Year: 2022
Number of participants: 21
Programme Duration: 5 months
Executive Summary
The GoRise Mentoring Programme was a personalised programme designed to empower seed and early growth stage tech entrepreneurs in Tunisia. It provided a mentoring-centred approach, recognising the critical role mentors play in supporting founders at crucial junctures.
Challenge
Seed and early growth stage businesses were particularly vulnerable, facing challenges in market knowledge, product-market fit, cash flow management, fundraising, and navigating a complex regulatory environment.
Traditional training programmes weren’t yielding desired results, highlighting the need for a more human-centred approach.
Solution
The Human Edge designed a comprehensive programme offering each entrepreneur a personalised learning pathway. Key components included:
Mentoring: Experienced business professionals with coaching experience provided ongoing guidance and support.
Technical Training: Targeted sessions covered business planning, value proposition development, and sales strategies.
Business Coaching: Addressed specific skill gaps and challenges identified by entrepreneurs.
Network Building: Connected participants with a network of innovators and mentors.
A Mentoring-Centred Framework
The programme prioritised a strong mentoring experience through:
Rigorous Mentor Selection: Selecting experienced professionals with coaching experience and The Human Edge mentor training.
Mentee Preparation: Ensuring mentees understand how to maximise the programme and mentoring relationship.
Strategic Matching: Pairing mentors and mentees for optimal support and development.
Ongoing Support: Facilitating a structured support system to monitor progress and address challenges.
Impact
The GoRise Mentoring Programme yielded significant results for participating entrepreneurs:
Economic Growth & Job Creation:
162 new jobs created (vs 122 initially)
2.35 jobs created per entrepreneur
67% of jobs retained
93% of entrepreneurs planned geographical expansion (22% already expanded)
Business Growth & Sustainability:
100% of respondents reported program benefits and would recommend it.
67% increased revenue.
100% improved product/service quality.
28% secured new funding within 5 months.
9374 new clients acquired.
Personal Growth & Leadership Strengthening:
93% of entrepreneurs felt more confident moving their business forward.
93% found the entrepreneurial network beneficial.
“The sessions between Thabet and me were excellent… I guided him to revamp his pitch deck…”
– Fadi Naffah, GoRise Mentoring Programme Mentor.
“Thank you for this opportunity… Aziz is a great man… Professionally, I’m confident…”
– Ahmed Najjar, GoRise Mentoring Programme Entrepreneur.
“We have a strong bond… Working with my mentor is like receiving a million dollars grant.”
