After graduating over 500 entrepreneurs through the ILO-certified Start & Improve Your Business program, we've gathered invaluable insights about what makes entrepreneurs succeed — and what holds them back.
Lesson 1: Mindset Before Skills
The most successful graduates weren't always the most technically skilled. They were the ones who embraced a growth mindset and were willing to pivot when things didn't go as planned.
Lesson 2: Community is Everything
Entrepreneurs who stayed connected to their cohort after graduation were 3x more likely to still be in business after two years. Peer support isn't optional — it's essential.
Lesson 3: Financial Literacy is the #1 Gap
78% of applicants had strong business ideas but weak financial planning skills. This led us to double the financial literacy component in our curriculum.
Lesson 4: Women Outperform on Sustainability
Women-led businesses in our program had a 40% higher survival rate at the two-year mark. They tended to grow more sustainably and reinvest profits into their communities.
Lesson 5: Digital Skills are Non-Negotiable
Every successful graduate in our recent cohorts leveraged digital tools — from social media marketing to e-commerce platforms. We've now integrated digital skills into every training module.
These lessons continue to shape our program design. We're committed to evolving our approach based on real outcomes, not assumptions.
