Call for Application: Zantchito Entrepreneurship Rapid incubation programme 2025 for MSes In Malawi. Are you aged 18–35 and running an informal business in the construction or manufacturing sector? Do you want to strengthen your business skills and create a solid plan for growth?
In partnership with Zantchito Malawi Entrepreneurship, SpringsofHope Mw is inviting informal Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Balaka District to apply for its Rapid Incubation Programme— an intensive 10-week training and mentorship initiative to help early-stage entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
What is Zantchito Entrepreneurship?
Zantchito Entrepreneurship is a business incubation programme that assists entrepreneurs in Malawi to establish sustainable enterprises and create formal job opportunities. The programme collaborates with partner business incubators to provide incubation support and business development services to entrepreneurs.
What support will I receive through the rapid incubation programme?
The Zantchito Entrepreneurship rapid incubation programme is an intensive, ten-week programme designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs with informal businesses. It provides structured training and targeted mentorship to help participants build a strong foundation and clear action plan for business growth.
What specific resources and support will the programme offer?
Rapid incubation is provided on a cohort-based model. Each cohort will undergo structured, classroom-based group learning sessions on the following areas:
Understanding the business growth aspirations
Undertaking a comprehensive market and financial analysis for the business
Developing a growth plan for the business.
Group learning sessions are supported by mentorship, handholding, and networking over the 10-week period of the rapid incubation programme.
During rapid incubation, support to facilitate a transition to sustainability and growth will be provided. The specific items and activities that will be supported will be determined according to the bespoke needs of each entrepreneur.
Will I receive and monetary support through the rapid incubation programme? Will I receive any funds directly?
No, there is no cash grant provided by Zantchito Entrepreneurship, no funds are received directly by participants. The rapid incubation programme provides support to informal MSEs to transition to sustainability and growth according to the specific needs of the individual entrepreneur and their business.
Will I get a certificate upon completion of the programme?
No, certificates will not be given at the end of the programme.
Application and Eligibility
How do I apply to the rapid incubation programme?
When a new cohort for the rapid incubation programme is launched by Zantchito Entrepreneurship, a Call for MSEs will be released and publicised by each of the programme’s partner incubators.
You can respond to an incubator’s Call for MSEs by either completing an application form online or by physically collecting and submitting an application form from the premises of the incubator.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply for the Zantchito Entrepreneurship Full Incubation Programme?
To be eligible to apply you must:
Have a currently valid National ID and must be able to provide a copy of your photo ID card.
Be between 18-35 years old on the date that the Call for MSEs was released.
Be literate in either English, Chichewa or Chitumbuka,
You do not need to have an MSCE.
You cannot have previously, or be currently, participating in an incubation cohort under Zantchito Entrepreneurship.
How do I know if my application has been successful?
If your application is successful, then you will be contacted directly by the incubator to which you applied.
Can I apply to more than one Zantchito Entrepreneurship incubator at the same time?
Yes, you may apply to more than one Zantchito Entrepreneurship incubator at the same time, however, should you be successful you may only participate in one programme and therefore you must withdraw from all other programmes.
What is meant by an early-stage, informal Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE)?
An early-stage, informal Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) is a business that:
Is operating in the informal sector, i.e. does NOT have business registration certificate.
Has completed a small volume of sales and already generates revenue.
Has been operational for a limited period time (typically less than two years) and employs only a small number of individuals (typically less than 10).
Participation in the Rapid Incubation Programme
What is the timeline for the rapid incubation programme?
The timeline from on-boarding through to exit at the end of the programme is estimated to be 10-weeks, however this may vary depending on changes to the implementation context.
Where will the incubation services be provided?
The classroom-based group learning sessions will be received at the premises of the incubator or a designated training location. During the mentorship period, support may be provided at the premises of the incubator or at a designated meeting place as is appropriate.
Will my food, accommodation and transport costs be covered by the programme?
No, the participants that have been selected for the programme are expected to meet their own cost of travel, accommodation and food.
What is the level of involvement and engagement expected from the entrepreneur during the programme?
Participants in the programme are expected to be available on a full-time basis. Participants who do not commit to the programme and who miss 2 or more sessions will be exited from the programme.
Who will a participant work with on a day-to-day basis?
The Incubation Manager at each business incubator will be the main point of contact for participants in the programme. You will also work alongside Trainer/Mentor and other incubator staff members depending on the nature of support required.
I share the business idea / run the business with another person, can we both participate in the programme?
No, multiple team members cannot participate, only the lead applicant may participate in the programme.
How is participation in the incubation programme managed?
Upon being selected as a participant in the incubation programme, an incubation support agreement or MoU will be signed with the relevant business incubator.
What do I do if I do not understand parts of the programme?
If you do not understand parts of the programme, then you should talk to the Incubation Manager at your incubator. You can also contact Zantchito Entrepreneurship at any time at [email protected]
Can I raise a concern about my participation in the programme?
Yes, you can. Zantchito Entrepreneurship has a grievance policy which enables individuals in the Zantchito Entrepreneurship programme to formally report inconsistencies or concerns, aligning with UNDP Malawi’s existing corporate policies and ensuring visibility at all incubators.
You can email [email protected].
How to Apply:
Download or collect the application form from the Springs of Hope offices and submit it physically or via email.
For more information: 0991275062
Email: [email protected]
