TechnoServe Launches NOVA EdTech to Scale Effective Business Training for Entrepreneurs

Proven digital platform expands to new markets, offering low-cost but high-impact learning solutions across Africa, Latin America, and beyond

Arlington, VA. (September 16, 2025) – TechnoServe today announced the official launch of NOVA EdTech, an innovative digital learning platform that delivers accessible, high-quality business training to micro and small entrepreneurs across low- and middle-income countries. While traditional entrepreneurship support programs have effectively reached thousands, NOVA offers a scalable, tech-enabled model designed to meet growing global demand for inclusive economic growth. The platform builds on TechnoServe’s decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs combined with the experience gained from developing digital training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TechnoServe has successfully launched and implemented NOVA EdTech in Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, Mexico, Colombia and El Salvador—demonstrating its adaptability across diverse geographies, business sectors, and user profiles. “We believe every entrepreneur has the potential to grow significantly when equipped with the right tools and support—just like a star that transforms into a nova, igniting with extraordinary light,” said Bruno Vicenzi, NOVA EdTech Manager. “NOVA EdTech was created to unlock that potential at scale, leveraging technology to deliver practical, accessible training that meets entrepreneurs where they are and empowers them to thrive.”

Unlike many digital learning platforms, NOVA EdTech combines modular content, user-centered design, and behavioral change methods for better practice adoption to meet entrepreneurs’ specific needs and learning styles. Through asynchronous digital training and personalized learning paths, users can access practical skills at their own pace—anytime, anywhere.

An internal impact assessment shows:

• 75% of entrepreneurs who completed NOVA’s online training grew their business revenues
• On average, these users saw a 21% increase in revenue
• More than 90% adopted at least three new management practices, including:
  • Structured cash flow management
  • Customer-focused marketing strategies
  • Use of AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, Canva, and Capcut to strengthen digital marketing and e-commerce

With a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75, significantly above the e-learning industry average, NOVA EdTech is both effective and valued by the entrepreneurs who use it.

Expanding Impact Through Partnership

TechnoServe is already partnering with large corporate foundations, financial institutions and chambers or commerce to deploy the model. From its initial base of more than 1,500 users in 2025, the platform is scaling through new partnerships and business models that sponsor access for entrepreneurs at a fraction of the cost of traditional programming creating the opportunity to reach  millions of entrepreneurs. “NOVA EdTech opens an exciting new frontier for collaboration,” said Juan Carlos Thomas, Vice President for Entrepreneurship and New Ventures at TechnoServe. “Private companies, governments, and foundations now have a powerful tool to support micro and small entrepreneurs at scale—sponsoring access to proven training that drives real business growth and income improvements in a very cost effective way. Together, we can continue to expand opportunity and unlock the full potential of entrepreneurial talent around the world.”

With its adaptable design, low delivery cost, and strong outcomes, NOVA offers a new path for scaling impact across regions and industries. As TechnoServe prepares for its next stage of growth, reaching entrepreneurs at a far greater scale, it is actively seeking partners committed to expanding access and building more resilient, inclusive economies.

For more information, visit NOVA’s website at https://www.technoserve.org/nova-edtech/

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About TechnoServe
Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A non-profit organization working in around 35 countries, we work with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Our vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.

More information at: Twitter @TechnoServe | Facebook @TechnoServe | LinkedIn @TechnoServe