Flagship Programme
Start Your Business
Starting a business takes more than just a great idea—it requires the ability to turn that idea into action and make it a reality.The Start Your Business Programme guides aspiring entrepreneurs through key steps such as understanding market demand, developing prototypes, building a strong business model, and securing funding.
Various (Live Virtual, In-Person or Hybrid)
4 - 5 Months
Designed for
New micro-business owners & youth interested in starting a business
Phase 1: Your Business Model and Market
Use the Business Model Canvas to define target markets and customer segments
Conduct market research to refine your Unique Value Proposition
Phase 2: Make a Plan
Phase 3: Make and Manage Money
Phase 4: Your Business Plan and Pitch
The 4-month blended program includes:
4 Learning Lab workshops
Online courses/practical tools
Practical project and peer networking
A final pitch (optional pitch panel & competition module)
Graduation event & certification
AMI partners with development organizations, incubators, and micro-finance institutions to deliver the Start Your Business Programme at scale. Through strategic partnerships, AMI adapts content to fit diverse market needs, ensuring accessibility through a blended approach of live facilitation, peer collaboration, and digital learning. This scalable model enables large cohorts of aspiring entrepreneurs to gain structured, interactive, and practical business training, driving long-term business success.
Guided & Supported Learning Journeys
Cohort-Based
Groups of learners are guided by AMI’s facilitators through experiences that emphasize peer-to-peer learning, action learning projects, and networking.
Tech-Enabled
AMI’s web and mobile apps support learners anytime and anywhere with access to video content, downloadable tools and engagement, throughout their journey.
Africa First
Our approach and content is built for Africa’s ambitious professionals and teams. With content in 7 languages, African case studies, and experiences led by Africa’s finest facilitators, we put Africa first in everything we do.
Goal setting was something we hadn’t focused on before. Now, whenever a woman comes to us, we start with setting clear, actionable goals.
Immy Nakyeyune
Founder
Mkazipreneur
I highly recommend this programme to other entrepreneurs. It helps you identify your strengths and the skills you need to grow your business. Knowledge is power—the more you learn, the better you can develop and scale your business.
Njabulo Johnson
Entrepreneur
Impilo Ka Lova
Conducting a SWOT analysis helped me identify external factors affecting my business. I spotted an opportunity in the directive requiring civil servants to wear African attire on Fridays. After reviewing our sales numbers, I was thrilled to see that we didn’t just meet our 30% growth target—we exceeded it with a 44% increase in sales last month.
Serah Okoti
Founder
Princess Fashion Empire
We’ve gained valuable insights into financial management, client relationships, market competition, suppliers, and other key aspects of the branding and merchandising industry.
Muthoni Gituru
Business Owner
Ekara Official
Ambitious learning for an ambitious Africa
Whether you’re looking for workplace learning for five to five hundred, or customized programmes that drive impact locally or across Africa, AMI’s learning solutions are tailored to meet your unique needs.
Connect with our learning advisors to discover how our ambitious learning programmes can help you achieve your ambitious goals.
Connect with an AMI Learning Advisor
Explore related programmes enrolling now
AMI offers editions of this programme for open enrollment for individuals and smaller teams, in addition to offering our programmes at scale along side impact partners and workplace learning customers.
Overview
Success in entrepreneurship starts with the right foundation. The Start Your Business Programme provides a structured approach to launching a business by guiding participants through essential steps, from idea validation to financial planning.
Through practical tools like the Business Model Canvas, participants will identify key target markets, define their Unique Value Proposition, and map out the resources and partnerships needed for long-term success.
Participants will also develop an operational roadmap outlining key milestones for their first year, ensuring a strong foundation for business growth. This hands-on, action-driven programme equips entrepreneurs with the strategies and skills necessary to transform ideas into thriving businesses.
Key Outcomes
Business Resilience & Growth
Strengthen the fundamentals for business survival and expansion
Improve revenue generation and create job opportunities