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Entrepreneurs from all around South Africa are being encouraged to participate in the 18-month-long Tholoana enterprise program, an initiative launched by the renowned SAB Foundation and aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to create sustainable and successful enterprises.
The program, which is one of the nation’s most effective business growth platforms, targets entrepreneurs in all nine provinces, including peri-urban and rural areas, and is open to enterprises from all industries.
It also lays a strong emphasis on inclusivity.
It aggressively promotes the engagement of young people, women, and individuals with impairments.
The Tholoana program has sponsored over 555 businesses to date, which represents significant accomplishments.
The businesses participating in the program have created more than 4 500 employment, 1395 of which are brand-new positions since joining, with 50% of the entrepreneurs being women and 57% being young people.
The program’s alumni have achieved exceptional success, with a long-term sustainability rate that is approximately nine times greater than the national norm, demonstrating the program’s long-lasting beneficial impact on the local economy.
Itumeleng Dhlamini, head of programs at the SAB Foundation, emphasizes the significance of strategic and individualized support for sustaining business growth. He applauds the participants’ one-on-one mentoring, saying it’s essential to their success.
Enterprises in peri-urban and rural areas, those that create jobs where opportunities are rare, companies managed by or benefiting individuals with disabilities, women- and youth-owned companies, and companies with significant development potential will all receive preference in the program.
The application deadline is September 5, 2023.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
- The business must be fully operational, trading for at least 12 months.
- The business must be black-owned and managed.
- It must be headquartered and registered within South African borders.
- The business must be commercially sustainable and viable.
- The applicant must be involved in daily operations, and not employed by any other organization.
- The applicant must have the necessary skills and experience for the business.
- A willingness to learn, grow, and change is required.
- Entrepreneurial and leadership abilities must be demonstrated.
- Applicants must be resilient and driven to succeed.
To apply or learn more, visit the website.
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The Westerwelle Young Founders Programme is now accepting applications from African startups
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