Open Programme
Aspire
Designed for growth stage business owners and their teams, Aspire blends AMI's practical business growth learning experiences with the world-class expertise of Stanford Seed to accelerate business growth through skills, tools and strategies.
Overview
For Africa’s Ambitious Business Owners
Joining other business owners from across Africa, you will focus on achieving your aspirational business growth goals and improving your business management skills through interactive virtual workshops, practical online tools & courses, and peer-group learning.
Infused with Stanford Seed Expertise
Unique to the Stanford Seed-sponsored edition of Aspire, your learning journey will include a live guest lecture from the Stanford Graduate School of Business Faculty.
Performance Benefits
The top 15-20% performing businesses in each cohort will receive pro bono access to Stanford Seed mentors, as determined by the level of commitment.
Key Outcomes
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Establish effective business systems and structures
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Identify and target the right customer segments
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Develop impactful marketing and sales strategies
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Set and achieve measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs)
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Recruit, train, and retain skilled employees
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Ensure accurate financial reporting and manage cash flow efficiently
Focus Areas
Reach for Growth
Infused with Stanford Seed expertise, this unique AMI guided learning journey supports growth-stage small and medium-sized businesses to reach for growth scale, with key business team members learning alongside the business owner.
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"I have attended business programs in some of the best schools in the world. To say that the Aspire program is the most eventful and practically enriching program is an understatement! As a company, we owe you, AMI and Stanford a lot."
Dankishiya Saleh Hadi,
Dankish & Associates Ltd., Nigeria
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PHASE 1: Get Set Up for Growth: Planning and Money
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PHASE 2: Lead for Growth: Talent
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PHASE 3: Identify Growth Opportunities: Customers
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PHASE 4: Financial Analysis: Money
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PHASE 5: Build Talent Pipeline: Talent
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PHASE 6: Plan for Growth: Planning
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PHASE 7: Growth Network
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The program runs for 6 months. Each month includes:
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120 min. live learning lab/webinar where the topic/concept for that month is introduced by AMI expert facilitators.
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An online learning platform where you will be expected to to download tools and resources for continuous learning and
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A pod this small peer meeting where founders meet to discuss and problem solve.
This cycle happens every month and your commitment is 3 to 4 hours per week.
During the 3rd month, Stanford Graduate School of Business Faculty provides guest lecture. After the 6 months of learning, you can apply for mentorship and project based consultants from the Stanford Seed, this comes at no additional cost.
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For Business Owners & Founders
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The main applicant and participant is the Business Owner, CEO, or Founder of the business
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For Leadership Team: Business owner accompanied by up to 2 senior leaders
Business Profile
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Years In Business: Business in operation for more than 1 year
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Revenue: Generated between $30,000 – $400,000 in annual revenue in the last financial year
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Employees: The business has a minimum of 3 full-time employees
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Internet Enabled: Smartphone/internet connection to access online tools, courses, and the online community
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Performance-Oriented: Willing to share key performance/financial data (so that you and we can learn about your growth progress).
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The Faculty & Team
Sam Kimera
Facilitator
Baba Shiv
Stanford Guest Lecturer
Themba Nkomo
Aspire Learner Success Manager
Rehema Kamotho
Aspire Growth Marketing Manager
Chialuka Anele
Aspire Growth Marketing Manager
Jeffrey S. Prickett
Global Director, Stanford Seed
Guided & Supported Learning Journeys
Cohort-Based
Groups of learners are guided by AMI’s facilitators through experiences that emphasize peer-to-peer learning, action learning projects, and networking.
Tech-Enabled
AMI’s web and mobile apps support learners anytime and anywhere with access to video content, downloadable tools and engagement, throughout their journey.
Africa First
Our approach and content is built for Africa’s ambitious professionals and teams. With content in 7 languages, African case studies, and experiences led by Africa’s finest facilitators, we put Africa first in everything we do.
A word from Aspire Alumni
The tools were a game changer. Before Aspire, we kept postponing decisions while managing daily operations. Now, we have a clear process for making both big and small decisions. As a result, our revenue has grown, and our business continues to thrive, thanks to Aspire.
Raphael Opiyo Obiero
Stanford Seed is collaborating with African Management Institute (AMI) to provide an exclusive offer for early-stage founders and business owners. The goal of the AMI and Stanford Seed relationship is to help your business achieve its aspirational growth objectives by blending AMI’s business growth programme with Stanford Seed’s expertise.
Scholarship Support
For a limited time, Stanford Seed is providing partial scholarships for the Aspire Business Growth programme to qualified applicants.