About the Program
The Growth for SMEs Program (GSP) is a six-month acceleration program designed to help medium-sized African enterprises scale sustainably, capture new market opportunities, and navigate generational business transitions.
Developed by E4Impact Foundation a social change organisation supporting businesses across 20 African countries and backed by the methodology of ALTIS, the Graduate School of Sustainable Management of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the GSP combines world-class business education with hands-on mentorship and practical tools tailored for Africa’s growth-stage entrepreneurs.
What You Will Gain
By the end of the program, participants walk away with:
- An innovative, investor-ready business model
- A digital transformation and sustainability plan
- A comprehensive business growth plan for the next 3–5 years
- A fundraising package to secure capital for growth
- Lifetime access to E4Impact’s B2B matchmaking and blockchain platforms
- A network of suppliers and distributors across Africa
- Access to a community of 1,600+ business alumni across the continent
Who Is It For?
The GSP is designed for founders, co-founders, family members, and general managers of medium to large companies with:
- A turnover of €150,000 and above
- A team of 50 or more employees
- A clear ambition to grow, innovate, and scale in the next 3–5 years
Program Structure
- The program runs over 6 months and combines 3 in-person bootcamps with 4 online mentoring sessions, covering:
- Business Model Innovation: Assess your current model and identify growth opportunities to strengthen your business’ competitiveness.
- Scaling and Internationalization Strategies: Product diversification, market expansion, and new revenue streams for Pan-African and global expansion.
- AI & Digital Innovation: Digitise your products, services, and customer relationships
- Change Management: Lead and implement organisational transformation
- Financing Growth: Build a compelling funding request and pitch to real investors
- In-person bootcamps are hosted at the prestigious Twin Towers of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Business Support Services
Beyond the curriculum, participants receive access to:
- Business Advisory and Consulting: Dedicated advisors to help apply tools and open doors with partners and investors and to professional services for business growth and investor readiness.
- HR Support: Access to trained workers to support businessgrowth at no cost to participants
- Business Networking Weeks: Post-program networking in Milan with international investors, entrepreneurs, and EU chambers
- Business Development Africa (BDA): Support for African firms that want to access the EU and Italian market
Certification
Graduates receive a Postgraduate Diploma issued jointly by E4Impact, ALTIS–Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and University of Professional Studies of Accra upon completing 80% of sessions and all program assignments.
Applications open.
For more info:
Email: janet.owusu@e4impact.org
Contact: +233273072768