Frequently Asked Questions
For rapid Incubation Service Providers
About The Programme
Zantchito Entrepreneurship is a business incubation programme that supports entrepreneurs in Malawi. The programme aims to help entrepreneurs establish sustainable enterprises and create decent, formal jobs. Zantchito Entrepreneurship is one component of the EU-funded Zantchito Skills for Jobs apex programme.
Rapid incubation is an intensive, two-month programme designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs with informal businesses. It provides structured training and targeted mentorship to help participants build a strong foundation and develop a clear action plan for business growth.
We welcome applications from any part of Malawi. However, the applicant will need to demonstrate that it can benefit a significant number of early-stage, informal businesses and will be more favorably considered if it can access and support these businesses in both urban and rural areas.
The rapid incubation programme is designed for Malawian entrepreneurs with early-stage, informal businesses. Prospective incubators will operate a cohort-based model with approximately 40 entrepreneurs per cohort while aiming to achieve gender balance and support those from more marginal or disadvantaged backgrounds. Each cohort will undergo structured, classroom-based foundation incubation training supported by mentorship, handholding, and networking over a 2-month period.
Yes, there is a standard timetable and curriculum to be followed. This will be provided by Zantchito Entrepreneurship during an onboarding period of selected incubation service providers.
- A comprehensive Business Model Canvas (BMC).
- A growth plan including the identification of potential revenue growth streams.
- A financial support plan with estimated funding needs and sources.
- Formal business registration with the Registrar General
- Provision of appropriate mentoring, handholding, and networking support.
Application Process
The first step in the application process is to respond to the Call for Incubation Service Providers by completing the Word Document Expression of Interest form. All fields in this application must be completed and submitted by the deadline date to be considered.
All applications must come from a registered company or an organisation that has the necessary approvals/legal status to undertake business incubation services.
After submitting your Expression of Interest form, your eligibility will be verified. Within 10 working days, you will receive an email notification regarding the outcome of this verification. If eligible, you will then be invited to attend an online information session, after which you will complete a full application form.
You must have a valid tax clearance certificate to be considered, or an exemption provided by Malawi Revenue Authority. To be considered as an incubation service provider for the Zantchito Entrepreneurship rapid incubation programme, your organisation must be able to provide:
- Two years of audited accounts
- A valid tax clearance certificate or a valid exemption provided by the Malawi Revenue Authority.
- A certificate of registration for your business or organisation.
Implementation
The successful organisations will be contracted directly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Malawi.
Payments will be made according to a standard incubation fee via an agreed-upon schedule.
A detailed training programme will be provided to each successful implementer of the rapid incubation programme. The training will be delivered to all staff of the incubator and their contracted consultants, by Zantchito Entrepreneurship component staff.
To qualify to deliver training to incubatees under the rapid incubation programme, all staff and contracted staff of the successful implementer must attend the entire course.
Yes, in order for entrepreneurs to complete the rapid incubation programme, their businesses must be formally registered with the Registrar General. This registration is the responsibility of the incubation service provider.
Yes, in order for entrepreneurs to complete the rapid incubation programme, their businesses must be formally registered with the Registrar General. This registration is the responsibility of the incubation service provider.
Incubation service providers will report directly to:
- The Zantchito Entrepreneurship rapid incubation coordinator
- The Zantchito Entrepreneurship Team Leader
The reporting and documentation requirements for the rapid incubation programme must be met in full to ensure remuneration for the incubation services provided. Full details of the reporting requirements will be given during training sessions.
For further clarification regarding the Call for Incubation Service Provision, you can contact:
📧 info.zantchito@cadmusgroup.com
📞 0989420425 (Lilongwe office)
