Advancing Growth
through Actionable
Relationships.
AGAR pairs Ethiopian entrepreneurs with two dedicated mentors — one local, one diaspora or international — for 3 to 6 months of structured, hands-on support. Bring your business, or bring your expertise.
Not advice in the abstract — a mentor who's done it, matched to exactly where your business stands.
Two mentors · One enterprise
3–6 months of structured support
The Idea Behind AGAR
አጋር means support— and that's exactly what it delivers.
AGAR (Advancing Growth through Actionable Relationships) pairs Ethiopian MSMEs and startups with two mentors — one based in Ethiopia, one from the diaspora or international community — for a structured 3 to 6 month journey. Founders and a core team member receive regular one-to-one sessions, monthly triad meetings, peer circles, and masterclasses, all matched to their business stage through a short diagnostic assessment.
On the other side of the table, experienced professionals put 7+ years of expertise to work — asking the right questions, sharing what they know, and holding entrepreneurs accountable to their own ambitions, without doing the work for them.
After graduation, enterprises retain access to the SHARE platform and join a growing alumni community of entrepreneurs and experts who support each other and the next generation.
2
Mentors per enterprise
3–6
Months of structured support
አጋር
"Support" — in Amharic, the language of partnership.
7+
Years of professional experience
How It Works
A structured path,on both sides of the table.
Two clear journeys — every step structured, measured, and tracked on the SHARE platform.
For Enterprises
04 STEPSApply
A short online application.
Get diagnosed
A short assessment places you in the right mentorship package: Foundation, Launch, or Scale.
Get matched
Paired with one local and one diaspora/international mentor suited to your sector and growth gaps.
Grow
Bi-weekly one-on-one sessions, monthly triad meetings, peer circles, and quarterly masterclasses — all tracked on the SHARE platform.
For Mentors
05 STEPSApply
A 15-minute application followed by a 45-minute structured interview.
Certify
Complete the AGAR certification (about 8 hours, online or face-to-face): coaching methodology, the SHARE platform, and mentorship standards.
Get matched
Matched to an enterprise based on your expertise and their diagnostic results.
Mentor
Bi-weekly 90-minute sessions and a monthly triad meeting with your co-mentor, logged on the SHARE platform.
Join the community
Quarterly Mentor Community of Practice sessions and shared development with fellow mentors.
Is AGAR Right for You?
Two paths. One standard: real commitment.
At least 70% of places
reserved for women-led and youth-led businesses.
Enterprises
Mentors
Priority Sectors
Businesses in all sectors are welcome — agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and services especially encouraged.
Not sure if you're ready? Check the Eligibility Self-CheckEligibility Self-Check
Before you apply — can you say yes to most of these?
About Your Business
Operating for at least 6 months
Past the idea stage and already serving customers or generating revenue.
Active product with real customers
Selling something — even at early stage — not still in planning.
About Your Commitment
Can commit 3+ hours a week
Sessions, triad meetings, and peer learning across the full program.
A team member can also participate
Knowledge stays in the business, not only with the founder.
Device + stable internet
Sessions are virtual via Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams.
About Your Growth Ambition
A specific challenge to solve
Financial management, sales growth, market entry, or investment readiness.
Open to feedback and action
Mentors guide and challenge — you act between sessions.
Ambition to grow revenue
Target: at least 10% revenue growth and one new job within 12 months.
Answer honestly. If you can say yes to most, we want to hear from you.
Find Your Fit
Support matched to your stage of growth.
Your enterprise's package is determined by your diagnostic assessment, not self-selected.
3 months
Foundation
Business structure, compliance & financial literacy
For early-stage businesses building the basics right.
4 months
Launch
Market entry, customer acquisition & revenue growth
For businesses ready to scale their customer base.
6 months
Scale
Operations, governance & investment readiness
For growth-stage businesses preparing to raise or expand.
What You'll Walk Away With
Tangible progress on both sides.
Enterprises — within 12 months
Improved business governance
Documented SOPs, defined team roles, and structured financial systems.
Increased investment readiness
A credible business profile, clean financials, and a fundable growth plan.
Access to international best practices and networks
Global frameworks, diaspora connections, and introductions to potential partners.
Sustained revenue growth
A validated sales pipeline, improved cash flow discipline, and a clear go-to-market strategy.
Mentors
Real impact
See a business measurably improve because of your guidance.
Structured contribution
A clear framework and matched enterprise mean your time is purposeful and never wasted.
Recognition
AGAR Certified Mentor status, a digital badge, and individual feedback after each cycle.
Community and legacy
Join a growing network of local, diaspora, and international professionals — enterprises you mentor today can become mentors themselves tomorrow.
The Impact We're Building
The coming 18 months, in numbers.
0
Businesses to be supported
0
Cohorts through June 2027
0
Enterprises per cohort
0
Mentors per enterprise
0%+
Women- and youth-led places
Every enterprise that completes the program is working toward at least 10% revenue growth and one new job created within 12 months — backed by documented governance, a fundable growth plan, and a lasting connection to the SHARE alumni community.
FAQs
Questions, answered.
Ready to Grow?