Stanbic Bank Empowers Over 40 Emerging Entrepreneurs Through Transformative Business Clinic

Over 40 emerging entrepreneurs have successfully graduated from a transformative three-month programme hosted by Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, aimed at equipping them with practical skills to build and manage sustainable businesses. The Level Up Business Clinic, which ran from March to May, was launched by the bank’s Enterprise Banking Unit as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

Stanbic Bank Chief Executive, Mr Solomon Nyanhongo, said the initiative reflects the institution’s recognition of the vital role SMEs play in Zimbabwe’s economic development. He highlighted that many entrepreneurs face structural and operational challenges that hinder growth, including limited access to funding, compliance complexities, and underdeveloped business frameworks.

“Stanbic Bank recognises the challenges faced by SMEs, including lack of funding, compliance hurdles, and weak business structures. Through our Incubator Hub, we offer tailored support, focusing on ideation, incubation, and acceleration to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses,” said Mr Nyanhongo.

The Incubator Hub, located in Harare, serves as a collaborative space where SMEs can exchange ideas, engage in training programmes, and participate in structured skills development sessions. Leveraging Stanbic Bank’s footprint in key sectors such as construction, mining, energy, and infrastructure, the programme delivers relevant and practical knowledge to help entrepreneurs succeed in today’s competitive environment.

“Our aim is to help SMEs think long-term by equipping them with essential tools in governance, legal compliance, finance, and business strategy,” Mr Nyanhongo added.

Chairman of Stanbic Bank’s board, Mr Mucha Mkanganwi, congratulated the 45 participants who completed the programme and reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to nurturing Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A successful entrepreneur himself, Mr Mkanganwi encouraged participants to adopt a mindset of resilience and adaptability.

“Don’t get stuck on ‘why’ when challenges arise—focus on ‘what now.’ Entrepreneurship is a journey with highs and lows. Grow steadily, avoid premature scaling, and embrace innovation,” he advised.

The Level Up Business Clinic was implemented in collaboration with Mustard Seed Advisory, a women-led firm with a focus on financial inclusion and financial sector development. This partnership ensured the delivery of high-impact training aligned with real business needs.

Building on the momentum of last year’s Starter Up Programme, the clinic forms part of Stanbic Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen SME capacity across key operational areas including financial literacy, human resources, branding, marketing, funding access, and mentorship.

With initiatives like these, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe is positioning itself not just as a financial institution, but as a true partner in entrepreneurial growth, helping build a resilient and inclusive economy powered by local innovation and enterprise.