STEP Programme – Startup Training & Empowerment Pathway
Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with the STEP Programme — a free, no-stress training track designed to help you build business skills, grow your confidence and turn ideas into real potential.
- Whether you’re just curious or already have a concept brewing, this programme gives you:
- Practical business basics you’ll actually use
- Support from experienced mentors
- Tools to take the next step with your idea or project
- A space to learn, explore & grow with fellow students
What is STEP?
STEP (Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion) is entrepreneurship training for young adults. STEP develops young people’s skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue an entrepreneurial career. In the training, students will work in teams to develop and start a business. Seed funding will be provided to initiate the business.
Why join?
- Learn how to think like an entrepreneur
- Get guidance on starting your own venture
- Build real skills (not just theory)
- Connect with innovation support at NWU
What is expected of you?
- Actively participate and attend all sessions
- Engage in running your own group business outside of class
Programme duration and schedule
13 weekly training sessions of 3 hours each, followed by implementation to apply the concepts to each team's business.
| Session | Format | Date |
| Programme Kick-off | In Person | Mar 25, 2026 |
| Identifying Business Opportunities | Podcast | Apr 15, 2026 |
| Goals, Plans and Acting | Podcast | Apr 22, 2026 |
| Introduction to Marketing | Podcast | May 6, 2026 |
| Strategic Management and Marketing | Podcast | May 13, 2026 |
| Managing Finances 1 | In Person | Jul 15, 2026 |
| Managing Finances 2 | In Person | Jul 22, 2026 |
| Overcoming Barriers | Podcast | Jul 29, 2026 |
| Accounting & Controlling | In Person | Aug 5, 2026 |
| Marketing 2 | Podcast | Aug 12, 2026 |
| Business Model Canvas Plan | In Person | Aug 19, 2026 |
| Finding Starting Capital | Podcast | Aug 26, 2026 |
| Registering the Business | In Person | Sep 16, 2026 |
Deadline for applications
STEP champions per campus
Vanderbijlpark kampus: Johann.Landsberg@nwu.ac.za
Potchefstroom kampus:
Mahikeng kampus:
Register here