Business Mentor & Consultant for Youth Entrepreneurs

About the role

The FAST Business Mentor will support early‑stage African founders who are alumni of Mastercard Foundation‑backed networks. Working remotely for six months, you will provide strategic guidance to help young innovators move from idea to profitable venture and from build to scale.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct one‑on‑one virtual discovery meetings to assess each venture’s health and identify bottlenecks.
• Prepare diagnostic assessments and an initial report highlighting priority focus areas.
• Offer tailored advice on business regulations, licensing, and tax compliance in the founder’s country.
• Help refine value propositions, develop strategic business plans, and create sustainable revenue models.
• Guide founders through basic budgeting, cash‑flow forecasting, and early‑stage capital management.
• Support sales and marketing strategy, digital positioning, and customer acquisition.
• Provide input on MVP development, market research, supply‑chain and inventory management.
• Assist founders in preparing for investment readiness and effective use of FAST grant funding.

Required profile

• Established entrepreneur with hands‑on experience launching and scaling a business.
• Passionate about youth empowerment, inclusive growth, and African entrepreneurship.
• Ability to commit at least 10 hours per week for the six‑month term.
• Strong communication skills and comfort delivering virtual mentorship.

Required skills

• Business model development
• Strategic planning
• Financial management (budgeting, cash‑flow forecasting)
• Sales & marketing strategy
• Product development and market research
• Investment readiness preparation

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
• Flexible remote work arrangement.
• Collaboration with a high‑impact Mastercard Foundation‑supported program.