Entrepreneurship development is fast becoming a new way of social corporate investment for private companies, and a job creation mechanism for government. With the establishment of the Department of Small Business Development, government has nailed its colours to the mast about how much it supports nurturing entrepreneurship.
SAB KickStart
South African Breweries launched its KickStart programme in 1995 as a poverty alleviation programme. But the programme subsequently became a platform to stimulate sustainable enterprise development in a competitive approach. The competition is an exciting youth entrepreneurship programme aimed at inculcating a culture of entrepreneurship among black youth between the ages 18-35.
It does this by providing intensive business skills training, business development support and providing grants totalling more than R6 million. It further affords the winner an opportunity to network and be exposed to various forums. Over 22, 700 existing and budding entrepreneurs have already benefited from KickStart and more than 3200 business have been started by KickStart participants.
4% of grant winners from 2001 to 2005 are still in business, with 87% of those who received grants in 2004 and 2005 still operating. No fewer than 83% of SAB KickStart participants have reported that their businesses are growing and the turnover of KickStart businesses has increased by an average of 375%. Almost one third supply goods and services to SAB. Many of these enterprises have grown into multi-million Rand organisations, employing a significant amount of people.
Chivas Regal Social Entrepreneurship
The Venture is a global search to find and support the most promising start-ups and start-up ideas with the potential to succeed financially and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Up to 20 of the most promising start-ups or start-up ideas – 1 from each country participating in The Venture – will make it to the global final and spend a week in Silicon Valley, the epicentre of the start-up community.
They will be mentored by world famous business leaders and have the opportunity to win a share of the $1 million in funding. We’re looking for entrepreneurs who are ready to launch a business, have a start-up in its early stages or an idea for a start-up. You will have a strong vision, a compelling idea and a solid business plan. You’ll also need to showcase how your business has a positive impact. You must be over 25 to enter The Venture. Make sure you check out your local Terms & Conditions should you choose to apply for further eligibility requirements.
Winning entries will not need to be technology focused, and each shortlisted entrepreneur will receive advice relevant to their business during the week-long Silicon Valley trip
Shell LiveWire 2.0
Shell LiveWIRE is a Royal Dutch Shell Social Investment Programme, which enables young people to start their own business and create employment. Over 9.2m young entrepreneurs have benefited from Shell LiveWIRE programmes since 1982. Shell LiveWIRE strengthens young people’s career options by enabling them to switch from being an employee to becoming an employer, or making the transition from seeking employment to creating employment.
Shell LiveWIRE programmes provide budding young entrepreneurs with access to the essential business knowledge and customised support they need to transform their enterprising ideas into a viable and sustainable business. Country programmes, which are based on the Shell LiveWIRE model (see illustration above), offer a targeted range of practical small business development support, designed to fit the local context.
Engen Pitch and Polish FNB Vumela 2.0
