Business Advisor Training Of Trainers (ToT) and Certification Program

The Business Advisor Training of Trainers (ToT) and Certification Program is designed to develop a pool of qualified and certified Business Advisors capable of providing standardized Business Development Services (BDS), coaching, mentoring, and enterprise development support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The program aims to strengthen participants' technical knowledge, advisory skills, and practical competencies in entrepreneurship, financial management, business diagnostics, coaching, and enterprise growth. The program is implemented by Motive Africa in partnership with FC Africa under the MESMER (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Resilience) Program. Successful participants will receive certification as Business Advisors and will be equipped to support MSMEs through structured advisory services, business coaching, and capacity-building interventions across targeted regions. Program Objectives: - Develop certified National Master Trainers and Business Advisors. - Build a pool of competent and certified professionals providing Business Development Services. - Strengthen participants' knowledge and practical skills in entrepreneurship and enterprise development. - Enhance advisory competencies in business diagnostics, financial management, coaching, mentoring, and MSME growth strategies. - Prepare certified advisors to deliver standardized BDS training and coaching services to MSMEs. - Improve access to quality business advisory services for MSMEs across targeted regions. Key Program Activities: - Participate in a five-day intensive Training of Trainers (ToT) program. - Complete practical facilitation sessions and business advisory simulations. - Conduct coaching and mentoring assignments with MSMEs. - Apply Business Health Assessment tools and enterprise diagnostic approaches. - Complete enterprise coaching practicum activities. - Participate in competency assessments and certification evaluations. - Support the replication and delivery of BDS training programs. - Follow program requirements, ethical standards, and professional code of conduct. Who Should Apply: Applications are encouraged from qualified professionals working in: - Universities. - Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions. - Regional and Woreda Bureaus of Labor and Skills. - MSME development organizations. - Business Development Service providers. - Entrepreneurship support organizations. - Financial institutions. - NGOs and development organizations. - Private consulting firms. - Other institutions providing enterprise development support. Benefits of Participation: - National Master Trainer and Business Advisor Certification upon successful completion. - Opportunity to provide advisory and coaching services under the MESMER Program. - Advanced Business Development Services (BDS) training. - Practical coaching and mentoring experience. - Access to standardized training materials and advisory tools. - Ongoing technical support during implementation.

Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Management, Marketing, Cooperative Management, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or another relevant discipline. Experience: - Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience supporting MSMEs, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, business advisory services, enterprise development, coaching, or mentoring. - Experience facilitating training sessions, workshops, or adult learning programs. - Experience delivering Business Development Services (BDS) is highly desirable. - Experience coaching entrepreneurs or MSMEs is preferred. - Experience conducting Business Health Assessments or enterprise diagnostics is an advantage. - Experience working with women-owned and youth-led enterprises is preferred. Required Competencies: - Strong knowledge of entrepreneurship development and MSME support systems. - Excellent business advisory and coaching skills. - Strong facilitation, presentation, and adult learning skills. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. - Strong mentoring and relationship-building abilities. - Knowledge of financial literacy and business loan readiness. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Ability to assess business challenges and provide practical solutions. - Commitment to supporting MSMEs after certification. - Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and stakeholders. Language Requirements: - Proficiency in the working language of the assigned region is required. Certification Requirements: Participants will receive certification upon successful completion of: - Full attendance during the Training of Trainers (ToT). - Written competency assessment. - Practical facilitation assessment. - Coaching and mentoring assignments. - Development of a business advisory portfolio. - Replication of BDS training activities. - Compliance with program requirements and code of conduct.