AWEaP JET Skills Development Programme: Entrepreneurs | Mpumalanga - Application process

In the previous cohort, some entrepreneurs applied, were accepted and allocated a fully funded place, but never showed up for the programme.

This results in a direct loss of more than R150 000 per participant in training, coaching and ecosystem-building investment that cannot be recovered or redirected.

As we expand into new provinces, we are therefore introducing a “skin in the game” contribution: entrepreneurs are now required to invest R5 750 to secure their seat on the programme.

This contribution is negligible compared to the total per-person investment, but it is a powerful signal of commitment from entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their businesses and diversifying into the energy sector.

By asking participants to bet on their own future in this way, we aim to enroll founders who will show up consistently, engage fully and complete the entire programme, ensuring that the substantial resources mobilised for this initiative translate into real enterprises, jobs and impact.

We encourage all interested individuals to carefully review the application requirements and provide all requested information accurately. Should you have any questions or require assistance during the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for support at JET-Entrepreneurs@ritogroup.africa.

We look forward to receiving your applications and embarking on this transformative journey together.

Tips to complete the application

Prepare an application folder and save the following documents:

Company Registration
Tax clearance certificates
250 words company resume PDF
500 word motivation to participate

PHASE 1

Submit your initial application.

PHASE 2

If you are accepted, you will receive a provisional offer of placement.

PHASE 3

Pay R5 000 (R5 750 including VAT) to secure your seat and submit proof of payment.

PHASE 4

Complete the final stage of the application, which will enable you to be considered for the 6‑month business coaching programme.

After the Master Class,

entrepreneurs may apply for business coaching by submitting a short written motivation linked to a specific market opportunity by 1 April 2026.

Applications will be assessed by Energy Business Coaches against market viability, commercial logic and scalability, entrepreneur readiness, and alignment with the programme’s objectives. The 30 strongest business cases will be selected for a structured 6‑month coaching journey, organised into five groups of six entrepreneurs.

Coaching is delivered through six 1‑hour virtual group sessions

(one per month) facilitated by experienced energy and enterprise development coaches.

The process focuses on sharpening the business model and value proposition, stress‑testing commercial and financial assumptions, identifying customers, partners and routes to market, and preparing entrepreneurs for funding and investment engagements.

By the end of the programme, participating entrepreneurs are expected to have at least one concrete commercial opportunity in progress, a bankable business case ready for investors or funders, a clear view of appropriate funding options (grants, debt, equity or blended finance), and a business better positioned for growth within the energy transition ecosystem.