Next Step Bootcamp

10-Week Intensive for Early-Stage Startups. From idea to investor-ready — structured, hands-on, and completely free.

Free — No Equity 10 Weeks Quarterly Intake In-Person or Remote
10
weeks intensive
15
max cohort size
4x
per year
$0
tuition cost

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Weeks 1-2

Foundations

Business model canvas, problem-solution fit, customer personas, and competitive landscape mapping.

Weeks 3-4

Customer Discovery

Interview real customers, test assumptions, and validate demand before building anything.

Weeks 5-6

Product & Prototype

Build your MVP or prototype. Access the manufacturing lab. Iterate based on feedback.

Weeks 7-8

Go-to-Market

Marketing strategy, pricing, sales channels. Land your first customers and prove the model.

Weeks 9-10

Pitch & Launch

Financial projections, pitch deck polish, presentation coaching, and Demo Day preparation.

What's Included

01

Next Step Curriculum

Structured business education built for African realities. Bi-weekly live workshops covering every stage from idea to investor pitch.

02

1:1 Mentor Matching

Paired with a dedicated mentor — diaspora professionals and industry veterans — for monthly sessions throughout the program.

03

Peer Learning Circles

Weekly small-group sessions (3-4 founders) for accountability, feedback, and problem-solving. Your cohort becomes your support system.

04

Mazano Hub Access

Full access to co-working space, private offices, manufacturing lab, conference rooms, and kitchen. Planned infrastructure upgrades (Starlink satellite internet + 22kW off-grid solar) will come online before Cohort 1 launches in Q2 2026.

05

Micro-Grant Eligibility

Two tiers of non-dilutive funding: $2,000–$5,000 per venture for active cohort participants (mid-program, milestone-gated), and up to $50,000 per qualifying graduate for post-Bootcamp ventures demonstrating traction.

06

Demo Day Stage

Pitch your venture at the quarterly Demo Day to investors, donors, corporate partners, and media. Plus warm introductions post-event.

A Typical Week

Monday

Peer Circle

Small-group accountability & feedback session

Tuesday

Build Day

Focused work on your business at Mazano Hub

Wednesday

Workshop

Live session on the week's curriculum topic

Thursday

Mentor 1:1

Monthly session with your matched mentor

Friday

Customer Day

Get out. Talk to customers. Test assumptions.

Who It's For

Aspiring Entrepreneurs

You have an innovative idea in manufacturing, technology, or a high-impact industry — and you're ready to turn it into reality.

Early-Stage Founders

You're 0-12 months in — idea stage, prototype, or early revenue. You need structure, mentorship, and a push to the next level.

Youth Entrepreneurs (18-35)

Young innovators and recent graduates with the energy and ideas but lacking the networks, capital, and structured support to build.

Women Entrepreneurs

Underserved founders overcoming entry barriers. Mazano prioritizes women in selection and provides tailored mentorship.

Faith-Driven Builders

Entrepreneurs who want to align their business with Kingdom values — stewardship, servant leadership, and community impact.

Industry Focus Areas

Manufacturing, agri-processing, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and creative industries with high local impact potential.

Bootcamp vs. Accelerator

Next Step Bootcamp Manufacturing & Tech Accelerator
10 weeks intensive 6-month program
Idea to MVP focus Scaling and production focus
Next Step curriculum foundation Manufacturing lab access
Customer discovery emphasis Investor showcase + Demo Day
Quarterly intake Micro-grant disbursement
Entry point to Mazano ecosystem For bootcamp grads & growth-stage ventures

10 Weeks That Change Everything

Next cohort starts Q4 2026. 15 spots. No cost. No equity.

Bring your idea, your drive, and your commitment. We'll provide the workspace, the mentors, the curriculum, and the connections.

Apply for Next Cohort