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Enablis South Africa announces a grant of ZAR 34 Million from the Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Jobs Fund to support & enhance the job creation skills of 2,500 South African entrepreneurs.

Jobs Fund awards grant of ZAR 34 million to Enablis South Africa to help entrepreneurs create jobs

The Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Jobs Fund, has as its objectives the co-funding of public and private sector projects that will significantly contribute to job creation. Enablis has been awarded a grant under the Enterprise Development window of the Fund to support 2,500 entrepreneurs across South Africa over the next three years.

Historically, as established by the Annual Independent Member Survey, Enablis South Africa entrepreneurs have demonstrated an ability to create an average of more than 5 jobs per member. Accordingly, with adequate support and services, the 2,500 Enablis entrepreneurs supported by the Jobs Fund are expected to create a total of 12,500 jobs by 2014.

“The partnership with the Jobs Fund represents a major milestone for Enablis South Africa, “ said outgoing Enablis South Africa Chairman, Bheki Sibiya. “Since 2004, Enablis has demonstrated what is possible if entrepreneurs receive the necessary support to achieve success. We are thrilled to have these efforts validated by our National Government. This long-term partnership indicates our shared commitment to creating jobs and improving lives in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Enablis strategically addresses the most limiting factors in the South African climate, including skills development, networking, mentorship and access to finance. As a result, Enablis members experience steady growth and significant job creation. Since the first survey results, conducted in 2006, Enablis member entrepreneurs have created an estimated 18,731 full-time and part-time jobs.

“Entrepreneurs play a critical, but often overlooked, role in creating urgently needed jobs in South Africa,” said incoming Enablis South Africa Chairman, Donovan Muller. “We continue to strive to best serve the needs of entrepreneurs and provide them with necessary skills to ensure a lasting impact on our economy. With the support of the Jobs Fund, Enablis is now positioned to impact even more entrepreneurs across the country.”

The Jobs Fund grant, leveraged by Enablis’ own financial resources (matched funding), will allow Enablis to open two new offices in Mpumalanga and the Free State, increase membership from 1000 to 2500, hire additional staff and implement Enablis Academies. Enablis Academies include categorizing members into 3 graduated levels of membership, based on the time that the business has been in operation. Services are then tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs at their various stages of business, from concept to sustainability.

“After eight years in operation, Enablis has benefited from many lessons and best practices. This partnership will allow us to work even harder on improving and evolving our services to best meet the needs of our members,” said Country Manager, Victor Mzimela. “This three-year investment allows us to expand both our service offering and the number of entrepreneurs we can help. The benefits of creating 12,500 jobs will impact even more South Africans.”

Contact:

Victor Mzimela - Country Manager, Enablis South Africa - Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 217 Nupen Crescent, Palms Office Park,Unit 1-003, Halfway House Ext 12, Midrand, Tel: +27 11 234 2526, Tel: +27 82 772 6555, Web: www.enablis.org