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Mentor Network

Join the JHub Mentor Network

We are inviting experienced founders, professionals, ecosystem builders, and subject matter experts to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Apply Now

Our Values

Core Values Alignment

All mentors must demonstrate alignment with Jacaranda Hub's core values that guide everything we do.

Be Bold

Encourages innovation, experimentation, and courageous decision-making.

Be Thriving

Promotes growth, resilience, progress, and long-term value creation.

Be Humble

Listens well, remains teachable, and welcomes feedback.

Be Inclusive

Respects diverse backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and experiences.

Mentoring Formats

How You Can Support Entrepreneurs

As a JHub mentor, you may support entrepreneurs through a variety of formats tailored to their needs.

1:1 Mentoring

Personalised guidance for individual founders

Group Mentoring

Facilitate peer learning among entrepreneur cohorts

Workshops

Deliver interactive, skills-based training sessions

Expert Talks

Share insights through presentations and fireside chats

Office Hours

Drop-in sessions for quick consultations and advice

Advisory Sessions

Strategic guidance on specific business challenges

Expertise

Areas We're Looking For

We are especially interested in individuals with expertise in these areas, though all relevant professional experience is welcome.

Entrepreneurship and startup growth
Innovation and product development
Business strategy
Marketing and sales
Finance and fundraising
Technology and digital transformation
Operations and leadership
Sector-specific insights

Who Should Apply?

Individuals with relevant entrepreneurial or professional experience
Strong communicators and active listeners
Empathetic, collaborative, and professional individuals
Those who align with JHub values: Be Bold, Be Thriving, Be Humble, Be Inclusive
People who want to invest in the growth of founders and the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered as a JHub mentor, an applicant should meet most or all of the following criteria.

Experience

  • Founder, co-founder, startup team member, business leader, consultant, investor, or subject matter expert
  • At least 3–5 years of relevant professional or entrepreneurial experience
  • Demonstrated experience solving real-world business, innovation, or leadership challenges

Skills & Expertise

  • Strong knowledge in entrepreneurship, business strategy, product development, fundraising, marketing, technology, or sector-specific expertise
  • Ability to translate experience into practical lessons and guidance
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to help founders identify problems and explore solutions collaboratively

Attitude & Interpersonal Qualities

  • Empathetic, patient, and respectful
  • Good listeners and strong communicators
  • Constructive, encouraging, and open-minded
  • Committed to continuous learning
  • Comfortable giving and receiving feedback

Professionalism

  • Reliable and responsive within reasonable timelines
  • Respect time commitments and agreed schedules
  • Maintain professional conduct and uphold confidentiality
  • Follow JHub safeguarding and code of conduct expectations

Preferred Qualities

The following are an added advantage and strengthen your application.

Experience across more than one sector, market, or geography
Prior mentoring, coaching, teaching, facilitation, or advisory experience
Strong networks that may create opportunities for founders
Ability to work with early-stage founders and emerging entrepreneurs
Experience supporting women, youth, and underrepresented founders

Mentor Commitments

Selected mentors should be willing to:

Participate in onboarding and orientation
Understand JHub programme goals and mentor expectations
Deliver mentoring, workshops, talks, office hours, or advisory sessions as needed
Communicate promptly with JHub staff
Provide structured, founder-centred support
Represent Jacaranda Hub professionally

Disqualifying Factors

JHub may decline or discontinue mentor engagement where an individual demonstrates any of the following:

Disrespectful, discriminatory, or exclusionary behaviour
Poor reliability or repeated unresponsiveness
Misalignment with JHub values
Inappropriate use of mentor position for personal gain
Breach of confidentiality
Rigid, overly dominating, or discouraging behaviour
Resistance to feedback or accountability

Benefits

Why Join the JHub Mentor Network?

As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing professionally.

Shape Promising Entrepreneurs

Directly influence and guide the next generation of founders building impactful ventures.

Expand Your Network

Connect with a dynamic community of founders, changemakers, and fellow professionals.

Contribute to Innovation

Play a key role in enterprise development and ecosystem growth across Africa.

Share Your Expertise

Make your knowledge and experience count in meaningful, lasting ways.

Selection

How We Select Mentors

Final selection is based on the following considerations to ensure the best fit for our programmes.

Relevance of expertise
Alignment with JHub values
Communication ability
Commitment & availability
Programme fit
Practical founder support

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a network of passionate mentors shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Zambia. Your expertise can transform lives.

Apply to Be a Mentor