Catalyst Circle

A 9-Month Pear Mentoring Journey for Incubator Leaders. 

A space to grow as a leader — with clarity, confidence, and community. This journey is in partnership with The Human Edge.

Registration closes May 22

Peer Mentoring begins on June 4

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A Space for Leaders to Grow.  Catalyst Circle is for incubator leaders, mentors, programme managers and founders across the Global South who want a trusted circle, clarity amid complexity, support in their leadership journey, and a community that understands their reality.

If you’ve been feeling stretched, working in a silo, or ready for a new season of growth, you belong in our circle.

Building Future Leaders. Providing Real Support. Always with Heart.

Incubators are the backbone of the impact ecosystem.
They guide entrepreneurs, hold complexity, coordinate support, and ensure that ideas become real solutions. Yet incubators are often stretched, under‑resourced, and expected to carry enormous responsibility without the reflective space leaders need to operate with clarity.

The missing piece? A vibrant peer network for strategic reflection—and the occasional spark of inspiration.

That’s why we created Catalyst Circle.
Developed with The Human Edge and delivered through a European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC)-accredited syllabus. It’s rigorous, supportive, practical, and—because people lead it—deeply human.

This is leadership development that meets you where you are – and grows with you.

If You’re Feeling the Pull to Grow…Catalyst Circle may be the right space for you.  Spaces are limited.

Contextual and Deeply Human

Whether you’re a programme manager, mentor, or CXO, the Catalyst Circle will equip you with practical skills and a robust network to support your growth—professionally and personally. Learn at your own pace with virtual modules, then dive into lively peer conversations and hands-on practice sessions that turn insights into action.

Build Strong, Trust-based Relationships

A circle of peers who stay with you long after the programme ends — your sounding board, your support system, your leadership allies

Forge Connections with Peers

Insights from peers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America — expanding your perspective and strengthening your network.

A Structured Growth Journey

A clear arc across nine months that helps you build confidence, clarity, and leadership habits that last.

Peer Mentoring Circles

Small, curated groups facilitated by The Human Edge — a confidential space to unpack challenges, test ideas, and gain new perspectives.

One-to-One Peer Mentoring

Practice with a partner from your cohort — a structured space to reflect, practice what you’ve learned, and grow together

Leadership Tool’s and Frameworks

Practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply immediately to your team, strategy, and organisational culture.

Your Pathway, Our Starting Line

Whether you’re a leader in an early-stage, mid-stage or late-stage impact incubator, our Growth Guidance Programme will meet you where you are in your leadership journey.  Based on feedback from past participants, the following are the areas where we know we can make the most impact.

Fundraising Strategies

Expanding and strengthening your donor network

Financial Sustainability

Diversifying revenue streams beyond donations and grants

Leadership and Team Development

Recruiting and retaining the right talent

Succession Planning

Managing transition of incubator founders and leaders

Incubation Strategy

Making incubation practices more efficient and effective.

Governance

Strengthening board level processes & systems

The Catalyst Circle Peer Mentoring Programme is An Immersive Journey.

Our interactive, experiential training equips you to build meaningful relationships, engage in purposeful, forward-looking conversations, and provide constructive feedback—all while fostering a safe, supportive environment where others can learn, grow, and excel.

Mentoring Skills & Practice

Six self-paced Modules
Each participant must complete these modules before moving on to the practice stage.

The Foundation Module: The power of mentoring. Transforming futures.

Module 1: The mentoring mindset.

Module 2: Core skills of a mentor – active listening and asking powerful questions.

Module 3: Core mentoring skills – giving & receiving feedback.

Module 4: Mentoring tools – relationship building & direction setting phases.

Module 5: Mentoring tools – progressing and midway growth phases.

Module 6: Mentoring tools – winding-up and moving-on phases.


Two mandatory Live Practice Sessions 

 

  Final Assessment & Onboarding 

 

mentoring skills and practice

Matching and Peer Mentoring

Peer matching begins. Matching is typically based on role, geography and context with the goal of 30 pairs.

Peer mentoring begins
Flexible meeting schedule set by each duo. We recommend that each duo will meet every other month.

Two facilitated peer learning sessions to reconnect the cohort, deepen mentoring skills, and create space for shared troubleshooting and learning.

Check-ins for reflection, growth & support
matching and peer mentoring

Certificate of Completion

Participants who complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Completion, recognising their achievement. The syllabus is accredited by the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council), ensuring high standards in mentoring development.

 

certificate of completion

Time Commitment

Participants should expect to spend 2–3 hours per month, including self-paced learning, live sessions, and peer calls. This immersive experience is designed to integrate with your work schedule without becoming burdensome.

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Investing in Yourself and Your Team



Actual Value
USD $300
Pollinate Impact Members
USD $49.99

(Exclusive rate for Pollinate Impact network members & allies.)

Non-Members

USD $99.99

(Open to all ecosystem builders in the Global South.)

Bring a Colleague

Save up to $24.99

(Members: USD $39.99/ and Non-Members: USD $74.99/ per additional participant.)

What Our Past Participants Have To Say

“Found it really relevant to challenges I'm currently facing. Liked the interactive nature which made online self directed learning more interesting and engaging.”
Anisha - catalyst circle testimonial
Anisha
YGAP, Australia
“Being the Head of programs, my work involves monitoring the consultant coaches that we have on board. It was great to learn new tools & techniques and strategies in mentoring.”
Prasanthi - catalyst circle testimonial
Prasanthi
UnLTD India, India
”Because of the Live Practice sessions I have started thinking of ways I can improve our mentoring program, to make it less hierarchical and more supportive.”
Benjamin Barwa - catalyst circle testimonial
Benjamin
Villgro Africa, Kenya

FAQ's

Peer mentoring is a mutual learning relationship — a space where two people, often at a similar stage in their journey, support and challenge each other to grow. Unlike traditional mentoring, which frequently follows a senior–junior dynamic, peer mentoring is about shared growth — offering a space to reflect, exchange ideas, and problem-solve together. It helps build confidence, clarity, and community — especially in complex or fast-evolving fields like entrepreneurship support. In the context of this programme, it’s also a practical way to apply the skills developed during the mentor training — and to strengthen relationships across the wider network.
This programme is open to Pollinate Impact network members and non-members working in entrepreneur support organisations (ESOs) across the Global South, with a focus on Africa and Asia. It is designed for programme managers, trainers, ecosystem builders, and leaders in incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, or network organisations. You should consider applying if you:
  • Support entrepreneurs and seek to enhance your approach.
  • Are interested in developing mentoring skills that extend beyond providing advice.
  • Wish to connect and learn with peers from different regions of the Global South.
  • Are open to contributing and growing through mentoring.
You may participate as a mentor, mentee, or both, depending on your experience and learning objectives. Prior mentoring experience is not required.

Please complete the short application form, which takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This will help us understand your background, experience, and interest in mentoring. Provide clear and thorough responses.

Registration for our June 2026 programme opens up in April.

By taking part, you will:

  • Develop practical mentoring skills for immediate application.
  • Strengthen your communication, leadership, and reflective skills.
  • Access tools and frameworks to support others without relying solely on advice.
  • Join a peer network spanning Africa and Asia.
  • Apply your learning through practical peer mentoring.
  • Enhance your support for entrepreneurs by building intentional, trust-based relationships.
  • Earn a recognised certificate to advance your professional development.
Participants are expected to:
    1. Attend an information session to learn about the programme and ask questions.
    2. Complete the Foundation Module.
    3. Participate in the Mentoring Skills and Practice (MSP1) course:
      • Complete six self-paced modules.
      • Attend two live mentoring practice sessions.
      • Submit reflections, feedback, and a final assignment.
    4. Participate in the matching process.
    5. Engage in peer mentoring throughout the programme:
      • Meet with your peer or peers at least twice per month.
      • Participate in two peer reflection calls.
      • Complete periodic check-in surveys.

Mentor Training 
~2 hours/week for self-paced learning
2 x live mentoring practice sessions (2 hours each)
Short reflections + final assignment

 

Peer Mentoring 
~2 x 1-hour sessions/month with your peer(s)
2 x peer reflection calls (2 hours each)
Light-touch check-in surveys

 

Total estimate: ~30–35 hours across 8 months

We strongly encourage you to attend the practice and peer calls. They’re your secret ingredients for certification success and a fun learning journey!
During this six-month phase, you’ll be driving your mentoring relationship forward with support from the programme coordinators.
  • You and your peer(s) will schedule mentoring sessions independently, according to your mutual availability.
  • No formal reporting is required during this phase. The aim is to keep the relationship natural, reflective, and flexible.
  • Peer reflection calls provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, address challenges, and share learning with the cohort.
  • The programme team will offer light-touch support, but you and your peer(s) are responsible for maintaining the momentum and rhythm of your mentoring relationship.
This is your space to apply the tools and mindset developed during training and to grow through ongoing, meaningful conversations.

Matching will be conducted using information from your application, such as your role, experience, areas of focus, preferences, and overall compatibility.

If the match isn’t quite a perfect pair, we’ll invite you to an open check-in—because a great conversation can work wonders! And if it’s still not a fit, we’ll do our best (timing and magic permitting!) to find you a better match.
Absolutely! The more, the merrier—group learning is where the magic happens. Plus, bring your friends from the same organisation and enjoy special discounted rates together!  

This programme is highly subsidised. The standard value is $300, but fees have been reduced to improve accessibility.

Pollinate Impact Members:

$49.99 per participant
$39.99 for each additional person from the same organisation.

Non-members:
$99.99 per participant
$74.99 for each additional person from the same organisation.

Your spot will be confirmed upon payment.

Will I have lifetime access to the Mentoring Skills and Practice course? No, access is time-limited. You will have full access to the MSP1 course and materials until the end of Phase 1.

Not even a little bit! This training rolls out the welcome mat for mentoring newbies and seasoned pros looking who want to improve or organise their approach. If you’re curious about using mentoring to grow (for yourself or to sprinkle some wisdom on others), you’re in the right place. Just bring a dash of curiosity and a pinch of reflection—everything else is on the house!
Absolutely! Some folks arrive with superhero skills in one hand and a magnifying glass of curiosity in the other. Feel free to shout out if you’d like to mentor, be mentored, or even wear both hats when you apply!  
You will receive:
  • A Certificate of Completion for the Mentoring Skills and Practice (MSP1) course, delivered by The Human Edge, aligned with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).
  • A Peer Mentoring Certificate of Completion once you’ve completed your engagement in the 6-month mentoring phase
Both certificates reflect your learning, commitment, and practical contribution in building a more connected and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Get in Touch!

Our Network is a community of stakeholders in the impact incubation ecosystem within the Global South.  We work together to scale change, so get in touch and don’t be a stranger.

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