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Business Coach

«Your commitment is our strength”

OVO wouldn’t be OVO without its volunteers. As a fast-growing organization, we’re always on the lookout for inspired contributors who want to share their knowledge and experience.

Our approach:

  • OVO’s SusTech4Africa program supports African SMEs in business development through personalized one-to-one coaching and access to loans ranging from €10,000 to €250,000;
  • Together with our local partners, we select candidates according to precise criteria for coaching and investment;
  • They are then invited to attend a 3-day Boostcamp in their home country, during which training is provided by our academic partners (ICHEC and Thomas More);
  • This is followed by 6 months of online coaching with a Belgian business coach and a local coach;
  • Once the business plan is ready, it is submitted to the OVO Investment Committee, which decides whether to grant an affordable loan;
  • The entrepreneur is supported in the development of their business until the repayment of the loan.

How you strengthen our team

🎯 You can play a key role in the growth journey of an African entrepreneur!

OVO is looking for volunteer Business Coaches to support high-potential entrepreneurs in Africa (Benin, Uganda, Senegal or DRC).

 

➜ Take part in an Inspiration Tour: a 7- to 10-day field mission, fully funded by OVO (flights & accommodation included).

 

You will:

  • Meet the entrepreneur in their country, visit their business and learn about their economic and social context;
  • Take part in a 3-day Boost Camp, where you will co-coach a local entrepreneur alongside an African coach;
  • Help them structure their business plan and present it in the form of a pitch at the final evening event in front of an investment committee;
  • Participate in a cultural immersion to better understand local realities and enrich the exchange.


💡 Please note: if you participate in the Boost Camp, you also commit to continuing remote coaching (6 to 9 months) with the entrepreneur, in collaboration with the local coach, to help them implement their growth plan.

 

➜ Can't travel?
It is also possible to become a remote coach only, without travelling to the location. In this case, you will join a coaching pair after the Boost Camp phase.

 

🎓 A meaningful and impactful human, professional and intercultural adventure — for you and for the entrepreneur!

Who are we looking for

  • You have professional experience in management, finance, entrepreneurship, or business development, whether as an entrepreneur or as a team member within an organization.
  • You enjoy listening, encouraging, and guiding others.
  • You are motivated by social impact and sustainable development.
  • You are willing to dedicate 1 to 2 half-days per week.
  • Proficiency in English or French is an asset.

The best thing about working with us?

  • With 15 other people, you can take part in a unique trip to Africa (as an OVO volunteer you can take part at a reduced rate)
  • You’ll be part of a network of over 150 volunteers from all backgrounds and professional fields.
  • Benefit from training courses, workshops, and conferences.
  • You’ll receive professional support from a small core of permanent staff and experts.
  • You are part of a community committed to a fairer world.

Interested? Send an email to nathalie.schots@ovo.be - we would be happy to discuss how you can make a difference as a business coach. 

I am the managing director of an insurance company in Belgium. Being a coach is above all about getting to know the entrepreneur who applies to OVO for growth and financing. It’s a very enriching experience, very nice contacts. It’s amazing to have such a deep relationship because we really get into the privacy of the entrepreneur’s life. I coach two different Senegalese entrepreneurs. Contacts are mainly made through Teams and Whatsapp. I particularly value the human interaction and brainstorming. For example, I’m not a farmer, I am not a livestock farmer. I have to take an interest, put myself in the shoes of a local entrepreneur who does not have the same codes. So you can learn a lot through these interactions. It just needs a bit of structure but OVO is there to provide the context. There are plenty of people to answer your questions. A whole range of help and tools are indeed provided. OVO is a good way to get a jump on North-South relations. With a whole series of contacts. Anyone can do it!

Christophe Degauquier

Who are we looking for

Coach testimony - video

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