Start-up training in Zimbabwe: from an idea to a business you can fund
Thinking of starting a business, on the side or full time? Two courses take you from "I want to start something" to a tested idea and a business plan you can start from and take to a lender. Learn on your phone, join webinars with a trainer, or come to a live class.
Proven training, used around the world
Our start-up, Improve and Expand courses are adapted for Zimbabwean conditions from the International Labour Organization’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme, one of the largest business management training programmes in the world, and are delivered by SMEAZ trainers certified in it.
Owners who took this training have started businesses, created jobs and raised their profits. Read the ILO’s 2025 success stories →
Your path
1. Generate Your Business Idea
Find, test and choose a business idea that fits you and your market. About 12 hours, with three short field tasks.
Self-paced online: Available now Start the course
Webinar or live class: Live classes Join the course group
2. Start Your Business
Turn your idea into a business plan: your market, your costs and prices, the money you need to start and where it will come from.
Self-paced online: Available now Start the course
Webinar or live class: Live classes Dates announced in the Generate Your Business Idea group
What it costs
Best value: the Potential Start-up membership costs US$50 and includes both courses, plus advice on funding and eligibility to join SMEAZ SACCOS and save towards your start-up.
You can also take either course on its own: US$30 self-paced, US$40 with live webinars, or a live class at a venue with printed manuals and catering: US$80 for Generate Your Business Idea (2 days) and US$105 for Start Your Business (3 days). Potential Start-up members pay only the difference.
Join as a Potential Start-up member Start Generate Your Business Idea
Three ways to learn
Self-paced online
On your phone or computer, in short sessions, whenever suits you. An AI coach comments on your answers and a SMEAZ consultant reviews your work.
Best for: busy owners, people outside Harare, and anyone who prefers to work alone.
Webinar
Everything in self-paced, plus live group webinars on Zoom with a certified trainer: ask your questions, discuss your work and learn with other owners.
Best for: people who want a trainer and a class without travelling.
Live class
Everything in self-paced, plus training days at a venue with a certified trainer, printed manuals and catering.
Best for: people who learn best face to face and want to meet other owners. A class runs when it fills; you register first and pay once the date and venue are confirmed.
Certificates that mean something
Every course gives you two certificates, each with a number anyone can check on our website.
- Certificate of Completion: when you finish the course and your work is approved.
- Certificate of Competence: when you have put it into practice in your business, signed by the business owner or managing director. This is the one that shows a changed business, not just attendance.
After you start trading
Once your business is running, you move on to Small Enterprise training, and to the Small Enterprise membership, where a member consultant works with you on your growth plan.