Next Step Bootcamp: 10-Week Intensive for Early-Stage Startups
From idea to investor-ready in 10 weeks. The Next Step Bootcamp is Mazano's flagship program — a structured, hands-on sprint that transforms early-stage concepts into fundable ventures.
Week-by-Week Breakdown
Foundations
Business model canvas, problem-solution fit, customer personas, and competitive landscape mapping.
Customer Discovery
Get out of the building. Interview real customers, test assumptions, and validate demand before writing a single line of code.
Product & Prototype
Build your MVP or prototype. Access the manufacturing lab for physical products. Iterate based on customer feedback.
Go-to-Market
Marketing strategy, pricing, sales channels, and early traction. Land your first customers and prove the model works.
Pitch & Launch
Financial projections, pitch deck polish, presentation coaching, and Demo Day preparation. Graduate investor-ready.
What's Included
Next Step Curriculum
Structured business education built for African realities. Bi-weekly live workshops covering every stage from idea to investor pitch.
1:1 Mentor Matching
Paired with a dedicated mentor — diaspora professionals and industry veterans — for monthly sessions throughout the program.
Peer Learning Circles
Weekly small-group sessions (3-4 founders) for accountability, feedback, and problem-solving. Your cohort becomes your support system.
Mazano Hub Access
Full access to co-working space, private offices, manufacturing lab, conference rooms, and kitchen. Planned upgrades (Starlink + 22kW solar) will come online before Cohort 1 launches in Q2 2026.
Micro-Grant Eligibility
Active cohort participants are eligible for $2,000–$5,000 non-dilutive micro-grants mid-program based on validated milestones. Graduates demonstrating traction post-Bootcamp can later qualify for scale grants up to $50,000.
Demo Day Stage
Pitch your venture at the quarterly Demo Day to investors, donors, corporate partners, and media. Plus warm introductions post-event.
How Your Week Looks Inside the Bootcamp
Peer Circle
Small-group accountability & feedback session
Build Day
Focused work on your business at Mazano Hub
Workshop
Live session on the week's curriculum topic
Mentor 1:1
Monthly session with your matched mentor
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.
Bootcamp vs. Accelerator
Next Step Bootcamp
For first-time and early-stage founders
- + 10 weeks intensive
- + Idea to MVP focus
- + Next Step curriculum foundation
- + Customer discovery emphasis
- + Quarterly intake
- + Entry point to the Mazano ecosystem
Manufacturing & Tech Accelerator
For bootcamp graduates and growth-stage ventures
- + 6-month program
- + Scaling and production focus
- + Manufacturing lab access
- + Investor showcase + Demo Day
- + Micro-grant disbursement
- + Learn more →
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.