Businesses encouraged to apply innovative water saving strategies
South Africa has been severely affected by an El Niño drought in the latter half of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, which has placed strain on water supplies and agricultural production in the country, says Karl Götte, head of Standard Bank Commercial Banking.
“With weather patterns set to remain increasingly unpredictable, commercial businesses should adopt water efficiency plans. While many have, for example, applied renewable solutions like solar, bought a generator or at least implemented energy efficiencies, both energy and water efficiency solutions need to be combined going forward,” says Götte.
Götte says only about 20% of companies are likely to have adequate plans in place for managing water shortages.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks 2015 report says decision-makers will be forced to make tough choices about allocations of water in the future and even though all of the risks are well known, governments and businesses often remain “woefully under prepared,” he adds.
Global water requirements are projected to exceed sustainable water supplies by 40% by 2030.
Seed Academy offering startups a chance to win prizes valued at R30 000 to complete their survey
Seed Academy is launching the second edition of its South African startup survey which aims to get a national snapshot of startup entrepreneurs in the country.
They are offering startups that participate in the 2016 Startup Survey a chance to win one of three business support packages valued at R30 000 and other prizes valued at over R25 000.
The business support package startups includes a one-year SMEasy licence, business coaching, legal consultation, financial consultation, and marketing coaching, three months desk rental at Seed Academy’s Johannesburg co-working space, a website starter pack and an opportunity to enter the Standard Bank’s accelerator and bootcamps.
Businesses that have been going for less than five years are encouraged to participate.
Key findings from the first startup survey held last year showed that the main problems entrepreneurs face are finding customers, raising funds, a lack of guidance and entrepreneurs’ tendency to wear too many hats and that 42% of startup entrepreneurs are very optimistic about their business outlook for the next 12 months and 29% saying they were somewhat optimistic.
Call for applications for the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Development Programme
Applications are now open for the 2016 SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Development Programme. Successful candidates will be part of a programme that will help to accelerate their business through support, including expert mentorship, skills training workshops, access to markets, and qualified investment-readiness support.
This programme supports black-owned small enterprises that benefit or are run by women, the youth, and those living in rural and peri-urban areas.
The SAB Foundation is especially keen to create opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs, who are strongly encouraged to apply. Similarly, applications are welcome from businesses working in new and/or growing sectors such as export, manufacturing, food processing, water, energy and waste management.
For eligibility criteria Email Tholoanaprogramme@za.sabmiller.com for more information. Applications close on 31 March 2016.
