I am a Fate Foundation mentor for startups and SMEs (small and medium-scale enterprises).
The recurring thing I see is that entrepreneurs do not need advice. Those who need advice have already given up on the enterprise.
What entrepreneurs need are cheerleaders and networking accelerators (connect them to people that provide leverage).
Any advice on making them more inteenally efficient or effective will just kill them. It is a big organisation that such things work for.
Small organisations are always out of balance while walking a fine line. As a mentor, you have no idea how thin that line is, even if they try to explain it to you.
What I have learnt is to build a network of people that can support entrepreneurs with: an understanding of government policies and how they can be an enabler; shelf space at markets close to their point of manufacture or service; access developmental courses for networking with people on the same journey.
More importantly, stay out of their way and only speak to them when my energy is positive.
Being an entrepreneur anywhere in the world is tortuous, yet it is an important way for society to grow.
Support them in any way you can.
– Osasu Oviawe