ElevateNamBiz empowers local entrepreneurs
Namibia’s entrepreneurial landscape received a boost with the launch of the ElevateNamBiz initiative - a programme aimed at strengthening small businesses and accelerating economic empowerment across the country.
ElevateNamBiz is a 10-month entrepreneurship development programme funded by Shell Namibia Upstream B.V, in partnership with NAMCOR, and implemented by Impact Tank. The initiative will be rolled out in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Oranjemund, targeting both emerging entrepreneurs and established small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The programme was conceptualised in response to a gap in Namibia’s business ecosystem, where many entrepreneurs, despite having talent and innovative ideas, struggle to grow due to limited access to finance, inadequate digital and financial skills, and barriers to formalisation.
Speaking at the launch, project manager Gideon Simon said that ElevateNamBiz is designed to directly address these challenges by equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools and knowledge to transition from survival mode to sustainable growth. “Namibia is full of potential, but many small businesses remain excluded from mainstream economic opportunities because they lack the systems and support needed to scale,” he said.
Through a structured approach built around the philosophy of “Ideate. Build. Launch. Grow. Inspire.”, participants receive practical business training, financial literacy support, mentorship, and access to valuable networks.
The programme is divided into two cohorts. Cohort 1 focuses on emerging entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35 who have early-stage businesses or strong business ideas. Cohort 2 targets more established SME owners who are already generating revenue and are ready to scale, formalise, and expand into new markets.
Interest in the programme has been significant, with 116 applications received across both cohorts. From these, only 50 participants were selected, including 30 in Cohort 1 and 20 in Cohort 2 for the Windhoek intake. Participants represent a wide range of sectors, including food and hospitality, retail and trading, ICT and digital services, technical and construction, manufacturing and creative industries, agriculture, education, gaming, entertainment, social services, domestic services and beauty and wellness.
The programme will be delivered through a hybrid model, combining in-person workshops with virtual sessions to ensure flexibility and accessibility. At the end of the 10 months, participants will showcase their businesses at a Pitch and Showcase Event, where they will present to investors, partners, and key stakeholders. Top-performing participants will stand a chance to access growth funding to help scale their enterprises. However, organisers emphasise that ElevateNamBiz goes beyond financial support. The initiative aims to build resilient, sustainable businesses that contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s economic growth and job creation.
A key feature of the programme is the development of the ElevateNamBiz Webchain Ecosystem, a network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners designed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and long-term support beyond the programme. Participants have been encouraged to fully commit to the journey by actively engaging in sessions, networking, and embracing continuous learning.
“ElevateNamBiz is more than a programme. It is a platform for transformation and an opportunity to shape the future of Namibian entrepreneurship,” Simon concluded. - [email protected]
