Ventures Manager at Innov8 Hub

JOB SUMMARY

• The Ventures Manager is responsible for providing hands-on mentorship, training, and strategic support to program beneficiaries, ensuring they successfully navigate the journey from ideation to venture creation.
• The role focuses on entrepreneurial development, business registration, mentorship facilitation, and stakeholder engagement, aligning with Innov8 Hub’s mission of fostering innovation and sustainable business growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Mentorship & Program Beneficiary Support

• Provide close mentorship and hands-on guidance to program beneficiaries, supporting them through the various stages of venture creation.
• Assist startups and entrepreneurs in developing viable business models, refining their value propositions, and preparing for market entry.
• Track and evaluate beneficiary progress, providing recommendations to enhance their growth trajectory.

Training & Capacity Building

• Design and facilitate entrepreneurship training sessions, workshops, and business development seminars.
• Deliver training sessions to enhance program beneficiaries’ knowledge of business fundamentals, financial literacy, and investment readiness.
• Support beneficiaries in business registration processes, ensuring legal compliance and formalization.

Mentorship Ecosystem Development

• Strengthen the mentorship ecosystem by identifying, engaging, and coordinating industry experts, mentors, and advisors who can provide specialized guidance to program participants.
• Establish a structured mentorship framework that connects beneficiaries with relevant industry professionals.
• Organize mentorship sessions, office hours, and networking events to facilitate industry linkages.

Industry & Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders, including investors, accelerators, incubators, and government agencies.
• Leverage stakeholder relationships to create experiential learning opportunities for program beneficiaries.
• Represent Innov8 Hub in ecosystem-building activities, such as pitch events, innovation summits, and panel discussions.

Market Research & Business Growth Support

• Conduct market research and industry analysis to provide insights that support the business development needs of program beneficiaries.
• Identify trends, emerging sectors, and opportunities that align with the growth objectives of program participants.
• Develop and recommend strategies for scaling startups, including funding opportunities, market entry plans, and partnership development.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with the Head of Programs & Ventures to establish performance metrics and tracking mechanisms to assess program impact.
• Provide regular reports on startup progress, challenges, and key interventions, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
• Continuously refine entrepreneurial support frameworks to enhance program effectiveness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Innovation Management, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in venture building, startup development, entrepreneurship support, or business consulting.
• Experience working with incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, or venture capital firms is highly preferred.
• Proven track record in mentorship, training facilitation, and business growth advisory.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong mentorship and coaching skills with the ability to guide early-stage entrepreneurs.
• Excellent business acumen, including knowledge of business modeling, financial planning, and investment readiness.
• Networking and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to connect with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers.
• Analytical and research skills to assess market trends and provide strategic insights.
• Training and facilitation expertise, with experience developing capacity-building programs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic innovation ecosystem.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & REPORTING STRUCTURE

• The Ventures Manager reports directly to the Head of Programs & Ventures.
• Works closely with program beneficiaries, mentors, industry stakeholders, and internal program teams.
• May be required to travel for networking events, stakeholder meetings, and startup support
• initiatives.