We Identify, Guide, Back and Connect high- potential, ambitious entrepreneurs, helping them build Good Businesses.

We identify high- potential, ambitious entrepreneurs and give them the knowledge, tools, capital, and networks they need to build skills and the capacity to grow well- run businesses that benefit customers, employees, owners, value chain partners, the environment, and the local communities where they are based. These are Good Businesses.

Good businesses create good jobs and high- quality products and services that improve quality of life, generate wealth, build industries, protect and regenerate the environment, and invest in their local communities, building prosperity.

By growing a diverse range of Good Businesses across East Africa and all sectors, we are contributing to an East Africa where everyone can thrive by fulfilling their unique potential and playing their part in strengthening it.

Our goal is to be a community of at least 1,000 Good Businesses positively benefiting at least 35 million people by 2030.

Why Good Business?

We believe that a diverse range of thriving small, medium and large businesses, spread across East Africa and across all sectors, are the biggest opportunity to unlock East Africa's social and economic growth, through job creation, increased access to much- needed products and services, and higher economic output.

To thrive and achieve this success continually and over the long term, these SMEs need to be well run and be highly responsible in their dealings with staff, customers, owners, business partners, the environment and the local communities where they are based. By creating value across all stakeholders, the business builds loyalty, reduces risks and enhances reputation, leading to long- term viability. This is good business as a strategy, and at SHONA, we call these Good Businesses.

How SHONA Builds Good Businesses

We are growth partners to entrepreneurs, providing them with practical advice, expertise, capital, and connections they need to build Good Businesses. By growing a diverse

range of Good Businesses spread across all sectors, we are contributing to an East Africa where everyone has the opportunity to thrive by fulfilling their unique potential and playing their part in strengthening East Africa.

We focus our work with locally led dynamic businesses that are highly competitive with high growth

potential to create many jobs and contribute to economic development. By 2030, our goal is to be a community of at least 1,000 Good Businesses positively benefitting at least 35 million people.

Scope of work

The SHONA Expert Network is a pre- qualified roster of independent consultants and specialist organisations that SHONA may engage from time to time to provide technical assistance, coaching, advisory services, mentoring, training and project support to entrepreneurs and programmes implemented by SHONA. By joining the SHONA Expert Network, experts will;

Receive priority access to paid technical assistance opportunities with SHONA entrepreneurs and SHONA projects Become part of a trusted group of expert partners supporting the growth of businesses that deliver lasting value to all their stakeholders; owners, employees, customers, value chain partners, the environment and the local communities where they are based.

Expert Skills needed

We are looking for experts with the following skill categories.

1. Subject matter experts in;

a. AgriFOOD systems and safety: Provide technical guidance on enhancing agricultural production systems, implementing rigorous food safety standards, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements to improve market competitiveness
b. Forest enterprise development: Work with businesses to develop sustainable forestry  management practices, optimising value-added product processing, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards and resource conservation policies.
c. Circular Economy Experts: Support businesses to integrate circular economy principles that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and create sustainable business value.

1. Financial management: Support businesses in establishing robust financial systems, including financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, accounting, and financial reporting

2. CEO Leadership Coaching and Mentorship: Support founders and executive teams to strengthen strategic leadership, governance, decision-making, organisational development, change management and founder-to-CEO transition.

3. Sales growth strategy for Enterprises: Work with entrepreneurs to build practical sales systems, refined customer conversion tactics, and scalable revenue growth strategies.

4. Marketing Strategies (Low-Growth to High-Growth Businesses): Support businesses in developing and executing marketing strategies that attract customers and drive sustainable growth at different business stages, including but not limited to the following:

5. Market entry strategies: Support businesses to prepare for and enter new, local, regional or export markets through product testing for new markets, production planning & knowledge mapping for new market entry requirements and trade routes. b. Social Media Strategy for Small & Growing Businesses: Support businesses to leverage social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok & Facebook) to build brand awareness, grow engaged communities, and convert audiences into customers.

6. Digital Marketing: Support businesses to use digital channels and data-driven marketing strategies to increase visibility, attract customers, strengthen online presence, and drive business growth.

7. Branding: Support businesses create a strong and consistent brand identity, including

a. Visual identity kit: company logos, packaging, and marketing materials.
b. Storytelling for Entrepreneurs: Equip entrepreneurs with the skills to communicate their brand, product, and impact to attract customers, partners, and investors.

8. Business Strategy

a. for scaling: Support businesses in planning for growth, including geographical expansion, expansion, franchising and long-term sustainability
b. for Transition Planning: Support businesses to prepare for transition, including succession planning (through family or otherwise) & governance

1. Business Compliance: Guide businesses in navigating local and international regulatory requirements, including tax obligations, statutory filings, and achieving industry-specific certifications to ensure operational legitimacy and market access.

2. Human resource experts: Support businesses in building high-performing teams by developing structures for  recruitment, organisational design, performance management, succession planning, compensation, learning and development, and organisational culture development.

3. Climate Adaptation for Entrepreneurs: Guide businesses to identify, prepare for, and respond to climate-related risks and opportunities that affect their operations and growth.

4. Product Development: Support entrepreneurs in designing, refining, testing, and improving products that meet customer needs and market demand.

5. Food processing, quality assurance and standardisation: Provide technical expertise to improve food processing methods, implement rigorous quality control systems, and meet the standardisation requirements necessary for scaling and export.

6. Supply chain development: Work with businesses to optimise their supply chains to increase efficiency, reduce lead times, mitigate risks, and build stronger relationships with suppliers.

7. Value chain development: Work with businesses to analyze and strengthen their entire value chain

8. Trade readiness: Support businesses in assessing their export potential and developing the production, pricing, and strategic market access plans necessary to successfully enter and scale in international markets.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): Support businesses and programs to design practical monitoring and evaluation systems that track performance, measure results, generate learning, and inform decision-making.

10. Digital Transformation: Support businesses to adopt digital tools and technologies that improve efficiency, strengthen customer engagement, streamline operations, and drive sustainable growth.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

1. Demonstrated experience supporting SMEs, startups, accelerators, incubators, venture builders or entrepreneurship programmes in East Africa or comparable markets is desirable.

2. At least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in the subject area.

3. Excellent communication, coaching and mentorship skills.

4. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

5. Experience working with entrepreneurs in emerging markets is a plus.

6. Alignment and commitment to SHONA's mission and values.

7. Interest in thought leadership, including expert commentary and delivering quotes for publications on pertinent subject matters.

Expression of Interest Submission

To express interest in being part of the SHONA Expert Network to provide any of the skills/services listed above, please follow this link. The link will ask for;

1. Details about the applicant.

2. A formal expression of interest including a capability statement (with referees) regarding the subject matter for which you apply.

3. A CV of the individual applicant or an organisational profile for the applying entity, including their team. Please use this link to download our CV template. You will be required to upload it below as part of your submission.

4. Testimonials of businesses/entrepreneurs that you have supported in the past.

5. Completeness of ApplicationThe expert should complete all sections of the expression of interest form, providing all necessary information clearly to support effective decision- making.2. Understanding of business and entrepreneurship dynamicsThe expert should demonstrate an understanding of business and entrepreneurial dynamics in their background, training, or experience.3. Evidence of skill qualificationsThe expert should show evidence of the existence of relevant certifications/acquired training in thematic technical areas of expertise4. Quality of WorkDemonstrate delivery of quality work through visuals, customer testimonials, referrals and due diligence reports.For any further inquiries please reach out via hello@shona.co