As South Africa continues to grapple with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. While entrepreneurship is often positioned as a pathway to job creation and economic resilience, far too many new ventures fail before they ever reach their potential. The difference between survival and failure often comes down to one critical factor: mentorship.
The impact of mentorship is immeasurable. Learning from those who have already navigated the challenges of building a business accelerates decision-making, reduces costly mistakes and opens doors to opportunities that many first-time entrepreneurs would otherwise never access.
Mitchan Adams, Founder and CEO of Aions Ventures, a South African venture builder and serial entrepreneur, believes mentorship is one of the most powerful tools available to reshape the country’s economic future.
“Small businesses have the potential to drive real economic change,” says Adams. “But without the right guidance, too many entrepreneurs are left to learn the hard way and that’s a risk South Africa simply cannot afford.”
Marked annually on 17 January, International Mentoring Day 2026 serves as a timely call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs, youth and business leaders alike. It is a reminder that mentorship, especially at the early stages of a venture, lays the foundation not only for business success, but for long-term personal and professional growth.
In a country where an estimated 70% to 80% of small businesses fail within their first five years, the absence of experienced guidance remains one of the most significant contributors to this high failure rate, particularly in communities where access to business networks and capital is limited.
The most common mistake entrepreneurs make is not a lack of funding, but a lack of support when making critical early-stage decisions.
“Capital alone doesn’t build a business,” he explains. “Entrepreneurs need mentorship to help them price correctly, manage assets, understand cash flow, market effectively and make informed strategic choices. This is exactly where many startups fall short.”
This is where the Aions Venture Mentorship programme plays a transformative role. Through structured, hands-on guidance, entrepreneurs are equipped with practical business skills, real-world insights and access to networks that dramatically improve their chances of success. Rather than learning through failure, participants are guided to build viable, scalable businesses from the outset.
Beyond commercial outcomes, mentorship also shapes mindset, confidence and resilience – qualities that are essential for navigating both business and life. Research shows that mentored individuals are more likely to access economic opportunities, remain employed or self-employed, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“The success of small businesses is often determined by exposure and opportunity,” says Adams. “Too many capable entrepreneurs never get that chance. Mentorship allows us to become champions of opportunity, turning potential into progress.”
This International Mentoring Day, the message is clear: mentorship is not a luxury, it is a necessity. By investing time, skills and experience into guiding emerging entrepreneurs, South Africa can unlock the value-creating power of small businesses, drive job creation and begin to reverse the unemployment crisis.
Mentorship is the catalyst for change and the key to building a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous South African economy.
