FUNDING AND MENTORING TO HELP ACCELERATE BUSINESS SUCCESS

May 2021.

Five micro entrepreneurs, based in the Northern Cape’s Sol Plaatje Municipal area, have been selected to receive business funding and business services support, following a stringent selection process as part of an enterprise stimulation programme.

Part of a cohort of twenty-two entrepreneurs, across different disciplines, these SMME’s are currently receiving grant funding that will assist them in becoming fully capacitated in their operational and capital needs, as part of the Matla A Bokone Solar Enterprise Development Programme. Furthermore, as per the developmental outcomes, entrepreneurs will receive an NQF Level 4 Certificate in Business Management once they fulfil the competency requirements.

“We are very proud to announce the five selected entrepreneurs, who together with the other contestants, have been working alongside trainers and business mentors for several months,” said Nomzamo Landingwe, Chief Community Operations Officer for Matla A Bokone Solar.

She added, “We are further encouraged by the aptitude of these enterprises and are particularly pleased that 80% are youth-owned businesses.”

The entrepreneurs were given an opportunity to prepare their business plans and present them to a locally selected panel of judges, with the sole objective of winning business support that includes grant funding. All twenty-two programme entrepreneurs received business plan development and presentation skills development support, prior to the selection process.

One of the five selected enterprises, Riverfresh Coop, is an agricultural co-op, based in Riverton and incorporates six members in its structure. Founder, Thabang Modupe, explains the impact of being selected as one of the businesses, saying, “It has given us an opportunity to work with people who go above and beyond to understand where we come from and where we are headed. Through the sessions we’ve been attending, we can unequivocally say that the mentors and programme managers are dedicated and incredibly knowledgeable professionals who are highly skilled and experienced, not only because they understand the nature of our business but also as they have helped us in acquiring the necessary theoretical and practical skills. In addition to the grant, we are grateful for the guidance.”

The five selected enterprises also include: Kganyang NC Enterprises, a driving school situated in Delportshoop; Do It For You, a deliveries and catering business in Kimberley; and two entertainment sector companies based in Kimberley, namely Siyavaya Productions and Jupelle Trading Enterprise, which combines events management, entertainment and take away foods.

Matla A Bokone Solar project (formerly known as Droogfontein 2 Solar), is funding this Enterprise Development Programme, a rural training programme that aims to equip entrepreneurs with the basic opportunities and skills of running a business, regardless of their education level. The solar project will continue to implement the programme, within its beneficiary communities, in the Sol Plaatje Municipal area, including Barkly West, Riverton and Kimberley, as part of its Enterprise Development Initiatives.